Wells Fargo Autograph Card review: Great benefits without an annual fee

Wells Fargo Autograph Card summary

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card (see rates and fees) provides 3 points for every dollar spent in popular categories, easy points redemption at a consistent rate, and several valuable perks not typically found on no-annual-fee cards. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating reflects the views of TPG's editors and is not swayed by the card issuer.

Introduced in 2022, the Wells Fargo Autograph card quickly gained traction among those seeking a no-annual-fee credit card with travel and shopping protections, along with an attractive earning structure.

Interest in the card has surged since Wells Fargo introduced transfer partners, enabling cardholders to maximize their points' value.

Since the Autograph Card carries no annual fee, there's no expense for keeping it in your wallet. This allows you to take advantage of benefits like cellular phone protection and complimentary access to your credit score, among other features. We suggest a credit score of 670 or above for this card.

Let’s dive deeper into the Wells Fargo Autograph Card.

Pros and cons of the Wells Fargo Autograph card

Welcome offer for the Wells Fargo Autograph card

New cardholders can earn a bonus of 20,000 points after making purchases totaling $1,000 or more within the first three months of opening their account with the Wells Fargo Autograph.

According to TPG's October 2024 valuations, Wells Fargo points are valued at 1.6 cents each. This means the bonus can be worth up to $320 when used for travel redemptions.

It’s important to note that most applications for Wells Fargo credit cards come with the following terms:

You may not be eligible for another Wells Fargo credit card if you've opened one in the past six months.

Ensure it's been at least six months since your last Wells Fargo card application before applying. Remember, they may also look at other factors, such as the total number of credit accounts you've opened recently, when evaluating your application.

Benefits of the Wells Fargo Autograph card

As a Visa Signature® card, the Wells Fargo Autograph comes with two exclusive perks.

The Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection offers premium benefits for hotel bookings made through its network, including room upgrades upon arrival (subject to availability), a $25 credit for food and beverages, VIP guest status, and complimentary breakfast for two each day.

The Visa Signature Concierge Service can assist with travel arrangements, dining suggestions and reservations, or securing tickets to events.

The Autograph Card provides several additional perks, such as a secondary auto rental collision damage waiver when you use your card to pay for the entire rental, 24/7 roadside assistance, travel and emergency support services, plus complimentary access to your FICO credit score.

Cardholders are eligible for up to $600 in cellular telephone protection against theft or damage when their monthly bill is paid with the Autograph Card. Keep in mind, there's a $25 deductible per claim and a limit of two claims within a 12-month period. This coverage does not apply to lost or missing phones.

How to earn points with the Wells Fargo Autograph card

With the Wells Fargo Autograph, you can earn 3 points for every dollar spent on dining, takeout, catering, food delivery, travel, fuel, electric vehicle charging, public transit, eligible streaming services, and phone plans. For all other purchases, you earn 1 point per dollar.

According to TPG's October 2024 valuations, Wells Fargo points are valued at 1.6 cents each, providing a 4.8% return on spending in these bonus categories.

Additionally, you will earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

How to redeem points with the Wells Fargo Autograph card

You have multiple ways to redeem your points at wellsfargo.com/rewards. Points can be exchanged for a statement credit valued at 1 cent each, for gift cards in $25 increments, or for travel bookings including flights, rental cars, or hotel accommodations.

Points can also be used as a credit towards a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account, or mortgage, and you can pay with points at select merchants, including PayPal.

There are pros and cons to these redemption methods. The benefit is that you won't have to estimate the value of your points; using these options guarantees you a value of 1 cent per point.

However, on the downside, you could achieve greater value from your points by utilizing Wells Fargo's transfer partners.

Transferring points with the Wells Fargo Autograph card

With the Wells Fargo Autograph, you gain access to transfer partners that enhance the value of your points. Here are the current transfer partners available:

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• Avianca LifeMiles
• British Airways Executive Club
• Iberia Plus
• Choice Privileges
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club/Virgin Red

Although this list may not be as extensive as those from other credit card companies, it still offers a solid range of options. Wells Fargo is expected to expand this roster of partners in the future, so stay tuned for updates.

What cards are rivals to the Wells Fargo Autograph card?

When evaluating cards that rival the Wells Fargo Autograph, two categories stand out: cards that offer transferable rewards and those with similar earning models.

• If you prefer Wells Fargo rewards with a straightforward earning model: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees) provides an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, eliminating the need to monitor bonus categories. You’ll also receive up to $600 in cellular phone protection against damage or theft (with a $25 deductible) and access to your credit score. Plus, it has no annual fee. For more details, check out our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash.
• If you're a fan of Capital One: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a minimum of 2 miles per dollar on every purchase; you can redeem these miles for travel, as a statement credit for travel-related expenses, or by transferring to over 15 travel partners. This card carries a $95 annual fee, and you'll receive a reimbursement for your application fee to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years. For more insights, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
• If you prefer Chase: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an outstanding mid-tier travel card. It includes a complimentary DashPass subscription (activate by Dec. 31, 2027) and a $50 credit for hotel bookings made through Chase Travel℠. The card has a $95 annual fee and provides access to Chase's 14 transfer partners. To learn more, check our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

For more alternatives, explore our comprehensive list of the best travel cards.

Is the Wells Fargo Autograph card worth it?

I recommend the Wells Fargo Autograph for anyone seeking a card with no annual fee that also offers excellent earning potential along with travel and shopping protections. This card provides access to a valuable array of transfer partners, making it suitable for both travel novices and aficionados.

Final thoughts

It's uncommon to find a card that comes with no annual fee yet still provides multiple protections and solid earning categories.

For those seeking a no-annual-fee card with access to transfer partners, the Wells Fargo Autograph could be a good fit. However, if you desire more transfer partners, considering alternatives like Chase or Capital One would be wiser.