A travel card with no annual fee that generates substantial rewards, as per the Wells Fargo Autograph Card review.

Since its launch in 2022, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been a reliable and low-maintenance travel credit card. It does not charge any annual or foreign transaction fees and earns high rewards in convenient spending categories such as restaurants, transit, and streaming services. Despite not having an annual fee, the Autograph offers valuable benefits to travelers as a Visa Signature® card, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a card that delivers more than expected.

Starting on April 4, 2024, Wells Fargo is resolving one of Autograph's major drawbacks by allowing cardholders to maximize the value of their rewards points by transferring them to the loyalty programs of participating airline and hotel partners. The new Points Transfer program adds an extra layer of value to an already-impressive card.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card review

Welcome bonus

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card provides a substantial welcome bonus of 20,000 cash rewards upon spending at least $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, which is an attainable spending goal. This bonus is equivalent to $200 when redeemed for cash rewards.

Benefits and perks

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers cardholders a variety of valuable benefits including:

• When you pay your monthly cell phone bill with the Autograph, you receive up to $600 in protection against damage or theft, with a $25 deductible.
• The auto rental collision damage waiver coverage protects against accidental, natural, or vandalism-related damages, as well as theft.
• A paid service, Roadside Dispatch, offers assistance with towing, changing flat tires, and other roadside issues.
• You can book a hotel from the Visa Signature® Luxury Hotel Collection and receive perks such as a free room upgrade, complimentary breakfast for two, and more by visiting www.visasignaturehotels.com.
• The My Wells Fargo Deals program enables you to earn cash back with partnering merchants.

How to earn and redeem points

Earning

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card earns points at the following rates:

• Unlimited 3X points on travel, dining, gas, public transportation, streaming services, and phone plans.
• Unlimited 1X points on all other purchases

With no cap on rewards, the potential for earning points is limitless (or, more practically, tied to your financial resources).

Redeeming

If your account stays open, rewards do not expire and can be redeemed through Wells Fargo's rewards portal in multiple ways.

• Travel, such as airfare and hotel stays
• Statement credits
• Gift cards (in $25 increments)
• Shopping with participating merchants

From April 4, 2024, you can transfer your points to the loyalty programs of participating partners. Wells Fargo has announced the initial lineup of partners as:

• Choice Privileges®
• Air France-KLM
• Flying Blue
• Avianca LifeMiles
• British Airways Executive Club
• AerClub
• Iberia Plus

Wells Fargo rewards points are currently valued at one cent per point, but their value can be increased by transferring them to partners, similar to Chase's Ultimate Rewards points and American Express' Membership Points.

Rates and fees

The Autograph Card does not charge an annual or foreign transaction fee, but it has a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the balance transfer, whichever is greater. Additionally, late payment fees can be up to $40.

New cardholders can also take advantage of the card's 12-month 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) upon account opening. Following that, the variable APR will be 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99%, depending on your creditworthiness.

Card comparison

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers an uncomplicated rewards program with 2% unlimited cash rewards on most purchases, including groceries, gas, dining out, travel, utilities, and general purchases. This makes it a great complement to the Wells Fargo Autograph Card, as it fills in any gaps left by the Autograph's reward categories.

The combination of the Autograph and Active Cash cards offers an even better reason to use them together. With an Autograph card, cash rewards earned by the Active Cash can be transferred to airlines and hotels participating in Wells Fargo's new Point Transfer system. This means you can put your cash rewards towards expensive airfare, giving you more value. Using both cards together makes you a rewards points machine, making a once-in-a-lifetime vacation more attainable.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a range of perks without an annual fee, including a $200 welcome bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months, 5% cash back on travel purchases, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. This means you can earn rewards at a faster pace compared to the Wells Fargo Autograph Card.

Is the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card right for you?

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a great option for cardholders seeking to earn points on travel and everyday purchases, as the categories remain consistent throughout the year, eliminating the need to adjust spending priorities. Additionally, cardholders do not have to pay an annual fee or incur extra expenses while traveling abroad.

If you are a frequent traveler who values premium perks such as airport lounge access and maximizing points through transfer partners, this card may not be the best option for you. However, it offers 3X points on various categories, but groceries are not included. Alternatively, you can pair this card with another rewards credit card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card to maximize your earnings.

Bottom line

If you're looking for more premium benefits or a better rewards program, you could combine the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card with another travel credit card to increase your value.

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