Which credit card offers more valuable rewards: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey or Citi Strata Premier?
Both the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card are excellent travel credit cards with annual fees under $100. Both cards offer high redemption values if you optimize your rewards. Given their numerous similarities, which one is the best fit for you?
CNBC Select offers comprehensive information on the Citi Strata Premier and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey to assist in selecting the best credit card.
Annual fee
Both the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey and Citi Strata Premier credit cards have a $95 annual fee, which is reasonable for their rewards programs. These cards do not charge foreign transaction fees and have similar variable APRs.
Both cards offer rewards that make them worth keeping year after year. The Autograph Journey provides a $50 annual statement credit for airline purchases (minimum $50 purchase to qualify), while the Strata Premier offers an annual $100 discount on eligible hotel bookings through Citi Travel (minimum $500 booking).
Welcome bonus
The Citi Strata Premier Card offers a welcome bonus of 70,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. These points can be redeemed for $700 in travel booked through Thankyou.com or transferred to 18 travel partners.
The intro bonus of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card is 60,000 bonus points, which can be redeemed for $600 in gift cards, statement credits, and other options. Additionally, this card allows you to transfer your rewards to six hotel and airline loyalty programs.
Rewards
Earning travel rewards is a smart move, and the Citi Strata Premier and Autograph Journey cards are excellent options. They offer increased earnings in various practical categories.
The more valuable card is determined by where you spend the most, making The Autograph Journey an excellent choice for travelers who frequently make travel purchases.
The Citi Travel site offers a remarkable return on travel bookings, including hotels, rental cars, and attractions, making it a top pick for airlines and hotels. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations.
Redemption options
Both the Citi Strata Premier and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey offer the option to transfer rewards to travel partners, as well as redeeming points for gift cards, travel and statement credits at a rate of one cent per point in value.
The difference in value between the two rewards programs lies in their travel partners.
The Autograph Journey gives you access to these travel programs:
- Aer Lingus AerClub
- Choice Privileges
- Flying Blue (Air France and KLM)
- Avianca LifeMiles
- British Airways Executive Club
- Iberia Plus
The transfer ratio for Choice Privileges is 1:2, while all other partners of Wells Fargo have a 1:1 transfer ratio.
With the Citi Strata Premier, you can access a more extensive range of Citi ThankYou transfer partners.
- Accor Live Limitless
- Aeromexico Rewards
- Cathay Pacific Cathay
- Avianca LifeMiles
- Etihad Guest
- Eva Air Infinity MileageLands
- Flying Blue (KLM and Air France)
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Hotel Leaders Club
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
- Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Choice Privileges
- Wyndham Rewards
You can transfer your Sears Shop Your Way rewards at a 1:10 ratio.
Benefits
Both cards provide valuable travel insurance benefits and annual travel discounts or statement credits.
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey offers an annual $50 credit for airline purchases (minimum $50 purchase) and additional perks.
- Cell phone protection ($25 deductible applies)
- Travel accident insurance
- Lost baggage reimbursement
- Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- Rental car insurance
- Travel and emergency assistance services
- Visa Signature benefits
When booking through Citi Travel, the Citi Strata Premier offers an annual $100 discount on hotel bookings of $500+, in addition to travel insurance perks.
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost or damaged luggage
- Rental car insurance (MasterRental®)
- World Elite Mastercard benefits
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Which should you get?
The Citi Strata Premier offers more value for most people due to its larger welcome offer, more transfer partners, and comparable rewards structure. However, until Wells Fargo enhances its rewards program with additional transfer partners, the Citi Strata Premier remains the better option.
If you prioritize certain insurance benefits or specific airline partnerships, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey may be the best choice. This card offers cell phone coverage and travel accident insurance, and its rewards program partners with several airlines, including British Airways, which aren't transfer partners with Citi.
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