Missing a credit card payment isn’t just a small mistake—it can trigger a bunch of late fees, penalty interest rates, and damage credit score. Autopay is one of the easiest ways to sidestep that trap. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. The way you set it up—and double-check it—matters.
Here’s a straightforward guide to setting up autopay with Wells Fargo, plus some practical tips for avoiding the common mistakes that trip people up.
What is Autopay?
Autopay is a feature that lets you schedule recurring payments to your Wells Fargo credit card from a linked bank account. You can typically choose one of three options:
- Minimum due
- Full statement balance
- Fixed dollar amount
Once set up, Wells Fargo will automatically pay the selected amount from your bank account each month on the date of your choice.
Why Use It?
- Avoid late fees and penalties
- Protect your credit score from missed payments
- Reduce stress and forgetfulness—no more juggling due dates
How to Set Up Autopay with Wells Fargo
- Log in to your account at wellsfargo.com or open the mobile app.
- Go to the Payments or Bill Pay section.
- Select Auto Pay or Automatic Payments.
- Link a funding account using your bank’s routing number and account number.
- This can be a checking, savings, or money market account.
- The account does not have to be in your name—you can use a family member’s or even a business account, as long as you’re authorized.
- Choose the payment amount (minimum, statement balance, or fixed).
- Pick a payment date—a few days before your due date is usually safest.
- Confirm and submit the autopay request. Wells Fargo normally sends a confirmation.
- Set a calendar reminder to check your next statement to make sure your autopay is okay and working as expected.
Important Tips & Considerations
- Verify your payments.
Even with autopay, it’s smart to watch your credit card activity. Set up a notification or calendar alert the day after each scheduled autopay to confirm the payment went through correctly. - Avoid overdrafts.
Ensure your linked account has sufficient funds. An overdraft could trigger a fee or a failed payment. - Manual payments don’t cancel autopay.
If you manually pay your balance early, your scheduled autopay may still process—leading to an overpayment. - You can use multiple funding sources manually.
Wells Fargo only allows one account for autopay, but you can make additional manual payments from other accounts anytime. This lets you, in effect, split payments across sources as needed. - Set up a manual “weekly autopay” if you want to pay more often.
Autopay only runs once per month. But there’s nothing stopping you from scheduling several manual payments—say, every Friday. Since you can enter future payment dates online, it’s easy to build your own recurring weekly payment system. - Changing your funding account? Update autopay.
If your linked account is closed or switched, you must update autopay to avoid failed payments. - Review for fraud or billing errors.
Autopay doesn’t replace reviewing your statement. Spotting errors is still your responsibility.
Final Thoughts
Wells Fargo’s autopay feature is flexible, reliable, and easy to set up—but it’s only as good as your attention to detail. Whether you want to pay it all off, chip away with weekly installments, or tag in Aunt Millie’s checking account, you have options.
The key is staying alert. Confirm payments. Check balances. Adjust when needed. Autopay isn’t about forgetting your bill—it’s about backing up your memory with a system that works.