Benefits of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card

Rewards program benefits

1. High rewards rate on multiple spending categories

With the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card, you can earn rewards as follows:

• Unlimited 5x points on hotels
• Unlimited 4x points on airlines
• Unlimited 3x points on restaurants and other travel (including car rentals, cruise lines, travel agencies, and other travel-related expenses)
• Unlimited 1x points on all other purchases

2. Variety of redemption options

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card offers a flexible rewards program with various redemption options, allowing you to maximize your accumulated points. Below are some of the ways you can redeem your rewards.

• Travel: Use your points to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages through the Wells Fargo Rewards portal. You can also redeem through one of Wells Fargo’s transfer partners.
• Cash Back: Redeem your points for cash back, either as a statement credit or direct deposit into your Wells Fargo checking or savings account.
• Gift Cards: Choose from a wide selection of gift cards from popular retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Merchandise: Shop for electronics, home goods, apparel, and more using your points in the Wells Fargo Rewards catalog.
• Online Shopping: Use your points for purchases made through select online retailers.

Sign-up bonus and intro APR benefits

Sizeable sign-up bonus

Currently, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is offering 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first three months. This is equivalent to $600 you can put toward your next trip.

More: Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses

Travel perks and other benefits of Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card

1. Transfer partners

You can transfer your earned travel points to one of Wells Fargo’s airline or hotel partners, including the following:

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

Link any transfer partners in your Wells Fargo account by adding your membership number, which makes transferring your points seamless.

2. Airline statement credit

Each year, you will receive a one-time $50 statement credit (applied directly to your account) when your card is used for your first airline purchase of at least $50.

3. No foreign transaction fees

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card does not charge foreign transaction or foreign currency conversion fees, making the card ideal for frequent travelers.

More: Best Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees

4. Special access to live entertainment

Get access to tickets and live events with top artists through Autograph Card Exclusives. These exclusive performances are available only for Wells Fargo credit cardholders, but Autograph cardholders get priority.

5. Travel protections

Some travel protections that come with the Autograph Journey credit card are as follows:

• Worldwide automatic common carrier travel accident insurance (up to $1M)
• Lost baggage reimbursement (up to $3,000)
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection (up to $15,000)
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Travel and emergency services assistance
• Roadside dispatch

6. Cell phone protection

Get up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage, theft, or unintended separation (subject to a $25 deductible).

More: Best Credit Cards with Cell Phone Protection

7. Visa Signature Benefits

You can also enjoy additional Visa Signature benefits, such as the following:

• Visa Signature Concierge Service: Get tickets to sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dining reservations, and more, 24/7.

• Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection: Enjoy a premium collection of benefits as some of the world’s most prestigious properties.

How to maximize Wells Fargo Autograph Journey benefits

To maximize the benefits of the Wells Fargo Autograph Card, follow the strategies below.

1. Understand the rewards structure

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers up to 5X points on purchases in several categories, including hotels, airlines, restaurants and other travel, and other purchases. Ensure that you use the card for these types of purchases to maximize your rewards.

2. Leverage the sign-up bonus

Right now, you can get 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first three months. If there’s a sign-up bonus available, meet the spending requirement within the specified timeframe to earn a significant boost in points.

3. Utilize the travel and purchase protections

Use the card to book your travel to take advantage of built-in travel protections, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost baggage reimbursement, accident insurance, and others. You can also get cell phone protection if you damage or lose your phone.

4. Pair with other Wells Fargo cards

If you have other Wells Fargo credit cards, look for opportunities to combine points or maximize benefits by using each card for its best-earning categories.

5. Redeem points wisely

Points often have more value when redeemed for travel through the Wells Fargo Rewards portal. Compare the value of your points for different types of redemptions, such as for travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more. Sometimes, these options can provide good value, especially during promotional periods.

How to decide if the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is right for you?

Deciding if the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is right for you involves evaluating several key factors related to your spending habits, financial goals, and the card’s features. Below are some steps to help you make an informed decision.

1. Evaluate your spending habits. Assess your monthly spending in this card’s key rewards categories. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card offers up to 5X points on travel and dining, so it’s beneficial if you spend significantly in these areas. If you don’t spend a lot in those categories, the card may not be worth it.

2. Consider the rewards program. Understand the value of the points and how you can redeem them. Wells Fargo points are often worth more when redeemed for travel through the Wells Fargo Rewards portal, and you can even transfer points to Wells Fargo partners to stretch your rewards further. Look at the flexibility of redeeming points for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or cash back. Ensure the redemption options align with your preferences.

3. Weigh the annual fee. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card does have a $95 annual fee, so consider whether the rewards you’ll earn and the additional perks offered will justify this cost.

4. Analyze the sign-up bonus. Evaluate the sign-up bonus and spending requirement to earn it. Ensure you can meet that requirement without overspending.

5. Determine whether you’ll use additional benefits. Look at the perks and benefits the card offers, such as travel insurance, cell phone protection, and others. Additionally, if you travel internationally, consider that the card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for travelers.

Potential drawbacks of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card

While the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card offers many benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential drawbacks to make an informed decision. Here are some potential downsides to consider:

1. Limited high-value redemption options: Points may have varying values depending on how you redeem them. Some cardholders may find limited high-value redemption options compared to other rewards cards.

2. Category restrictions: The higher point values are limited to specific categories, such as travel and dining. If your spending doesn’t align with these categories, you might not earn rewards as quickly.

3. Sign-up bonus requirements: While sign-up bonuses can be attractive, the spending requirement to earn the bonus might be high for some users and may lead to overspending.

4. No intro APR for purchases or balance transfers: The card doesn’t currently offer an introductory 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers. If you plan to carry a balance or are looking to consolidate debt, consider the ongoing interest rates, which can add up quickly.

5. Fewer additional benefits: There are many other rewards cards on the market that might offer more lucrative rewards programs, better sign-up bonuses, or additional perks. It’s important to compare the Autograph Journey Card with other options to ensure it’s the best fit for you.

6. Annual fee: The Autograph Journey card does have an annual fee, which can impact its overall value proposition, especially if you don’t take advantage of the additional benefits offered.

Alternate picks to the Autograph Journey

If you’re considering alternatives to the Wells Fargo Autograph Card, here are some other credit cards that offer competitive rewards and benefits. Each card caters to different spending habits and financial goals, so it’s important to choose one that best aligns with your needs:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Rewards: Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3X points on dining, 2X points on other travel, and 1X point on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months
• Annual Fee: $95
• Benefits: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and purchase protection.

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Citi Strata Premier® Card

• Rewards: Earn 10X points on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com, 3X points on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 1X points on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 bonus point after spending $4,000 in the first three months
• Annual Fee: $95
• Benefits: Points can be transferred to various airline loyalty programs. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and purchase protection.

Apply now: Citi Strata Premier® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Rewards: Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles on every purchase.
• Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months
• Annual Fee: $95
• Benefits: Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and extended warranty protection.

Apply now: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Discover it® Cash Back

• Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to the quarterly maximum, then 1%), and 1% on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: With the Cashback Match, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• Annual Fee: None
• Benefits: There are no foreign transaction fees and flexible redemption options for cash back.

Apply now: Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card

Learn more: Discover it Cash Back Review

Chase Freedom Flex℠

• Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate, 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: 10% grocery store offer on grocery purchases on up to $12,000 spent in the first year
• Annual Fee: None
• Benefits: There are purchase protection, extended warranty, and travel insurance benefits.

Apply now: Chase Freedom Flex

Learn more: Chase Freedom Flex Review

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases. (3% and 2% categories are capped at $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases.)
• Sign-Up Bonus: $200 cash bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
• Annual Fee: None
• Benefits: Enjoy flexible cash back redemption options and no foreign transaction fees.

Apply now: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Learn more: Bank of America Customized Cash Review

Bottom line

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card offers a compelling rewards structure, with up to 5X points on hotels, airlines, restaurants, other travel, and other purchases. While there is an annual fee, the range of additional benefits, like travel protections and no foreign transaction fees, provide substantial value.

However, it’s crucial to consider potential drawbacks such as the limited high-value redemption options and limited additional benefits (when compared to other cards with an annual fee).

Ultimately, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card is ideal for those who can maximize its rewards categories and frequent travelers who can take advantage of the card’s additional benefits.

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