Wells Fargo Cash Back College® Review: Benefits | MaxRewards

Wells Fargo Cash Back College®

This card is built for students who want a simple starter credit card and do not need bonus categories, travel perks, or a long list of extras. It works best as a basic everyday card for small purchases while you build credit habits, not as a rewards card to keep long term.

Annual Fee

Rec. Credit Score

Excellent

Good For

Student credit building

How to Apply

All information about Wells Fargo Cash Back College® has been collected independently by MaxRewards. Wells Fargo Cash Back College® is no longer available through MaxRewards.

Is the Wells Fargo Cash Back College® worth it?

This card is great for...

First credit card

Everyday campus spending

Building payment history

For a student who wants a no-annual-fee card and a straightforward way to start building credit, the Wells Fargo Cash Back College can do the job. The appeal is simplicity: you earn 1% back on purchases, there is no annual fee, and the card does not ask you to track rotating categories or spending caps.

That said, the long-term value is limited. A flat 1% return is modest, there is no welcome bonus, and there are no listed benefits to help the card stand out. The 3% foreign transaction fee also makes it a poor fit for study abroad or international travel. If your priority is just getting started with credit, this card is serviceable. If you want stronger rewards or more flexibility, you will likely outgrow it quickly.

MaxRewards Verdict

This is a straightforward starter card for students who want to build credit with minimal complexity. It is easy to understand, but the low rewards and lack of meaningful perks make it more of a stepping-stone than a card worth keeping for years.

Rewards

Rewards percent based on a valuation of 1¢ per Go Far Rewards point

The rewards setup here is as simple as it gets: 1% back on every purchase, with no bonus categories to manage. That makes earnings easy to predict, though not especially strong if you spend enough to benefit from a richer rewards card.

CategoryEst. yearly spendRateRewards

Everywhere

Est. yearly spend

Rate1%

Rewards

Est. Annual Rewards

Recommended Minimum Credit

Min: Excellent

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

Excellent credit or higher is recommended for this card.

Credit approval is not guaranteed. Meeting the recommended credit range does not ensure approval, and applicants with lower scores may still be considered.