My Credit Score Is Above 800. Here's Why Wells Fargo Denied My Credit Card Application

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

• Having a credit score of 800 or higher could raise your chances of getting a new credit card, but it's not the only factor that credit card companies look at.
• Credit card companies may reject your application if you've opened too many credit cards in a specific timeframe.
• If your application was rejected, you can call the credit card company to appeal or let time pass before reapplying.

Not long ago, I came across a Wells Fargo credit card that seemed perfectly attuned to my spending habits. It didn't have the best sign-up bonus I'd ever seen, but the card's bonus rates seemed high enough to earn solid rewards on categories that my other cards haven't captured.

My credit history is flawless, and my FICO® Score, according to Experian, was above 800. Both strengths made me think getting the card would be a slam dunk. Imagine my surprise when Wells Fargo rejected my application shortly after I submitted it. As if that weren't bad enough, my credit score dropped afterward due to the new inquiry.