Wells Fargo reverses plan to end personal credit lines after customer backlash (2024)

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Wells Fargo is reversing an unpopular decision to shutter personal lines of credit for its customers.

Last month, CNBC reported that the bank had informed customers that the revolving credit lines would be closed after a product review. In a six-page letter, the bank warned that the actions could impact users' credit scores, a possibility that agitated some people.

The decision drew criticism from consumers who lean on the product as well as Sen.Elizabeth Warren, a frequent critic of the banking industry. Wells Fargo has dealt with a series of reputational blows after it was revealed in 2016 that employees had improperly opened millions of fake accounts.

Now, the bank has decided to keep the credit lines available for those who actively used them or want to reactivate old ones, according to a spokeswoman for the San Francisco-based company. It will not offer the product to new customers, however.

After the CNBC report published last month, customers asked the bank to keep their accounts open to avoid inconvenience, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation. Another consideration was the potential impact on credit scores, said the person, who declined to be identified speaking about the bank's internal deliberations.

Of the customers with personal lines of credit, 60% actively used them, while the rest hadn't in the past 12 months, said the person.

The bank has begun sending letters to customers informing them of the company's change of heart, the person said.

Here is the bank's full statement:

As part of our strategic review of businesses last year, we determined that our suite of other consumer products serve our customers better than personal lines of credit. As a result, we ceased opening these lines in May 2020, and recently notified customers that we planned to close existing lines. We heard feedback from our customers and that feedback is very important to us; we are responding by ensuring customers can keep these lines of credit open.

For customers who have been using their lines, we are informing them that their lines remain open and they can continue to use them. For customers whose accounts have been inactive for the past 12 months, if they would like to keep their lines open, they can call us or simply use their line. For those inactive customers who do not activate their lines in one of these ways, accounts will be closed on December 2, 2021.

Beginning August 17, we have been communicating with all customers who received the earlier letters to inform them of this change, using both email and written letters.

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Wells Fargo reverses plan to end personal credit lines after customer backlash (2024)

FAQs

Wells Fargo reverses plan to end personal credit lines after customer backlash? ›

Wells Fargo reverses plan to end personal credit lines after customer backlash. The bank has decided to keep the products available for those who actively used them or want to reactivate old ones, according to a spokeswoman for the San Francisco-based company.

Why did Wells Fargo discontinue the line of credit? ›

Previously, a Wells Fargo spokesperson said the bank's decision to close personal lines of credit came down to simplifying its product offerings in order to "better meet the borrowing needs of our customers through credit card and personal loan products."

Does Wells Fargo offer a personal line of credit? ›

Wells Fargo is closing all existing personal lines of credit and will no longer offer them to clients, CNBC reported Thursday. Customers have other options for ready cash, like personal installment loans, home equity loans, 401(k) plan loans and borrowing against a life insurance policy.

Is Wells Fargo restructuring? ›

Amidst the evolving financial climate, Wells Fargo's strategic restructuring plan has led to workforce reductions, with the West Des Moines location bearing the latest impact. These job cuts not only signify a shift in operations but also raise concerns about stability and job security for those affected.

Who offers PLOC? ›

What banks offer a personal line of credit?
LenderLoan amount
PenFed Credit Union$600 to $25,000
PNC Bank$1,000 to $25,000 ($5,000 in California)
Regions Bank$500 to $50,000
US BankUp to $25,000
3 more rows
Apr 10, 2024

Is Wells Fargo closing all personal lines of credit? ›

As part of our strategic review of businesses last year, we determined that our suite of other consumer products serve our customers better than personal lines of credit. As a result, we ceased opening these lines in May 2020, and recently notified customers that we planned to close existing lines.

What does it mean when a bank closes a credit line? ›

When an account is closed, the amount of available credit decreases, which impacts your credit-utilization ratio — the amount you owe as a percentage of your total available credit. This ratio accounts for 30% of your credit score. Keeping your balances around 30% or less of your available credit is best.

Is it a good idea to have a personal line of credit? ›

But, generally speaking, it's best for situations where you have ongoing expenses and you may not know the full cost of the project, like a kitchen remodel, unexpected medical expenses or dental procedures, or financing a new car The interest rate for a personal line of credit is typically lower than a credit card and ...

Is there a limit on a personal line of credit? ›

A line of credit is a type of loan that lets you borrow money up to a pre-set limit. You don't need to use the funds for a specific purpose. You may use as little or as much of the funds as you like, up to a specified maximum. You may pay back the money you owe at any time.

Does Wells Fargo give personal loans with bad credit? ›

Wells Fargo Personal Loan Requirements & Application Info

Minimum credit score: Wells Fargo does not disclose an official minimum credit score either on its website or though customer service. However, multiple third-party sources indicate you will likely need a credit score of at least 660 for approval.

What is a reversal Wells Fargo? ›

It occurs when a cardholder contacts their issuing bank, such as Wells Fargo, right away to cancel a transaction. So Wells Fargo reverses the charge prior to the funds settling to the merchant.

Does Wells Fargo sue for debt? ›

As mentioned above, either Wells Fargo or a debt buyer will eventually sue you to collect what you owe. Debtors are often surprised by how quickly Wells will take them to court. Once you've been sued, collection efforts ramp up considerably, so the more you understand about the process, the better.

Is Wells Fargo struggling? ›

Wells Fargo's stock (WFC) is up 12% this year, outperforming all big bank rivals and within sight of an all-time high. One big reason: Investors believe the San Francisco lending giant is slowly starting to shed some of the problems of its past.

What is the easiest line of credit to get? ›

Some of the easiest loans to get approved for if you have bad credit include payday loans, no-credit-check loans, and pawnshop loans. Personal loans with essentially no approval requirements typically charge the highest interest rates and loan fees.

Do banks still offer personal lines of credit? ›

If you're a current U.S. Bank personal checking client, a personal line of credit can give you instant, ongoing access to funds as you need them. Before you apply you can check your rate and see what you may be eligible to borrow.

How hard is it to get a personal line of credit? ›

Usually requires good credit: Lenders often require good or excellent credit (a score of 690 or above) to qualify. Interest rates and monthly payments aren't fixed: PLOCs usually have variable APRs, meaning monthly payments can fluctuate over time. This can make a PLOC difficult to budget around.

Is Wells Fargo shutting down the home equity line of credit? ›

May 4, 2020 – Wells Fargo announced last Thursday that it will no longer be accepting applications for home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) after April 30.

Why is my credit line not available? ›

The reasons for the hold may include exceeding your credit limit or missing payments, especially if you do so repeatedly. Other possible reasons could include making an unusually large payment, having a new credit card account, or making a payment from a newly-linked bank account.

Why can't I get a line of credit? ›

To qualify for a line of credit, you will have to meet the lender's standards, which typically include proving your creditworthiness with a minimum credit score, sufficient income, and other factors.

Why is closing a line of credit bad? ›

Perhaps most significantly, closing an account may impact the variables that contribute to your credit score, such as the overall age of your credit lines or your utilization ratio, causing your score to decline.

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