Wells Fargo Autograph Card review: Quality perks with no annual fee
| 3X | Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. |
| 1X | Earn 1X points on other purchases |
Editor's Note
Wells Fargo Autograph Card overview
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card (see rates and fees) offers 3 points per dollar in popular spending categories, straightforward points redemptions at a flat rate and several value-added benefits that aren't common on cards with no annual fee. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The Wells Fargo Autograph card launched in 2022, and it quickly became a popular option for those who want a credit card with no annual fee, travel and shopping protections and a quality earning structure.
Additional eyes have been on the card ever since Wells Fargo launched transfer partners, allowing cardholders to get maximum value from their points.
The fact the Autograph Card has no annual fee means there's no cost for keeping it in your wallet, so you can enjoy benefits like cellular telephone protection and free access to your credit score, among other perks. We recommend a credit score of 670 or higher for this card.
Here's a closer look at the Wells Fargo Autograph Card.
Wells Fargo Autograph card pros and cons
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Wells Fargo Autograph card welcome offer
New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 or more in purchases in the first three months from account opening with the Wells Fargo Autograph.
TPG's October 2024 valuations peg Wells Fargo points at 1.6 cents per point. That means this bonus is worth up to $320 when redeemed for travel.
It's worth noting that most Wells Fargo credit card applications have the following terms:
You may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo-branded credit card if you have opened a Wells Fargo-branded credit card in the last 6 months.
Before applying for a Wells Fargo card, make sure it's been at least six months since the last time you opened a card with them. Keep in mind that Wells Fargo may consider other factors, like how many total credit accounts you've opened recently, when considering your application.
Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions
Wells Fargo Autograph card benefits
Since it's a Visa Signature® card, you'll enjoy two built-in benefits with the Wells Fargo Autograph.
The Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection provides elitelike benefits on hotel bookings made through its program, including room upgrades on arrival (when available), a $25 food and beverage credit at the property, VIP guest status and complimentary breakfast for two each day.
The Visa Signature Concierge Service can help you with travel bookings, restaurant recommendations and reservations or booking tickets to an event.
The Autograph Card also offers several additional benefits, including a secondary auto rental collision damage waiver on rentals when you pay for the entire transaction with your card, 24/7 roadside dispatch, travel and emergency services assistance and free access to your FICO credit score.
Cardholders also receive up to $600 of cellular telephone protection against damage or theft when they pay their monthly bill with the Autograph Card. However, there is a $25 deductible per claim and a limit of two claims in a 12-month period. Note that this protection does not cover lost or missing cellphones.
Related: Comparing Visa Signature and World Elite Mastercard benefits
Earning points with the Wells Fargo Autograph card
With the Wells Fargo Autograph, you'll earn 3 points per dollar on restaurant purchases, takeout, catering, food delivery services, travel, gas and electric vehicle charging stations, transit, eligible streaming services and phone plans. You'll earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Given that TPG's October 2024 valuations peg Wells Fargo points at 1.6 cents per point, you'll get a 4.8% return on your spending in these bonus categories.
You'll also earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Related: The best rewards credit cards for each bonus category
Redeeming points with the Wells Fargo Autograph card
You have several options for redeeming your points at wellsfargo.com/rewards. You can redeem them at a value of 1 cent apiece as a statement credit, for gift cards (in $25 increments) or to book travel, such as flights, rental cars or hotel stays.
You also can redeem points as a credit to a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account or mortgage, plus you can pay with points at participating merchants, including PayPal.
There are positives and negatives to these redemption options. On the plus side, you never have to guess what your points will be worth when you use them. Using these redemption options means you'll always get a value of 1 cent per point.
On the negative side, you can get more value from your points by taking advantage of Wells Fargo's transfer partners.
Related: Wells Fargo Rewards program: How to earn, redeem and transfer points
Transferring points with the Wells Fargo Autograph card
With the Wells Fargo Autograph, you'll be able to enjoy access to transfer partners to maximize the value of your points. Wells Fargo has the following transfer partners:
- Aer Lingus AerClub
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- Avianca LifeMiles
- British Airways Executive Club
- Iberia Plus
- Choice Privileges
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club/Virgin Red
While this list isn't nearly as long as other credit issuers', it's still a good selection. Wells Fargo will likely add additional partners in the future, so keep a close eye on this list.
Related: Credit card transfer partners: Guide to transferring points and miles to airlines and hotels
Which cards compete with the Wells Fargo Autograph card?
When considering cards that compete with the Wells Fargo Autograph, two types immediately come to mind: cards that earn transferable rewards and credit cards with similar earning structures.
- If you want Wells Fargo rewards with a simpler earning structure: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns an unlimited 2% cash back on purchases, so there are no bonus categories to keep track of. You'll still enjoy up to $600 of cellular telephone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible) and credit score access. It, too, has no annual fee. To learn more, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash.
- If you like Capital One: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns a minimum of 2 miles per dollar on each purchase; you can redeem Capital One miles for travel, as a statement credit against travel purchases or by transferring to 15-plus travel partners. The card has a $95 annual fee, and you can get reimbursed for your application fee to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years. To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
- If you like Chase: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent mid-tier travel card. It offers a complimentary DashPass subscription (activate by Dec. 31, 2027) and a $50 credit for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel℠. The card has a $95 annual fee and provides access to Chase's 14 transfer partners. To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
For additional options, check out our full list of the best travel cards.
Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture Rewards
Is the Wells Fargo Autograph card worth it?
I recommend the Wells Fargo Autograph for those wanting no annual fee but also quality earning potential and travel and shopping protections. This card grants access to a quality selection of transfer partners, making it a great fit for travel beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Bottom line
We rarely see a card without an annual fee that offers multiple protections and strong earning categories.
Those looking for a card with no annual fee and access to transfer partners may enjoy the Wells Fargo Autograph. If you're looking for a card that offers more transfer partners, however, going with another issuer, like Chase or Capital One, makes more sense.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Related: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card review
For rates and fees of the Wells Fargo Autograph, click here.
For rates and fees of the Wells Fargo Active Cash, click here.