Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is our top recommendation among Wells Fargo offerings, but with an important qualification. We only suggest this card if you need a break from Chase, American Express, or Capital One products. Cards with airline and hotel transfer partners typically provide the best point value, and this is one of only two personal Wells Fargo cards offering these transfer options. The substantial sign-up bonus makes the annual fee worthwhile for the first year. However, we recommend canceling or downgrading after that initial year due to limited ongoing benefits that don't justify the continued annual fee.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The card offers an attractive welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first 90 days. Its transfer options provide flexibility when redeeming points. The rewards structure is generous, offering:
- 5x points on hotels
- 4x points on airlines
- 3x points on restaurants and other travel expenses
While there is a $95 annual fee, the card includes a $50 airline credit for airfare purchases, effectively reducing the cost to $45. The card also provides valuable travel protections:
- Travel accident insurance up to $1 million
- Lost baggage insurance up to $3,000
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance up to $15,000
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- Cell phone protection up to $1,000
Though Wells Fargo's transfer partner selection isn't as extensive as major programs, it still offers seven airline and hotel partners. Transferring points to these partners is typically the best way to exceed the standard 1 cent per point redemption value. This card is ideal for diversifying your rewards strategy, as points earned can complement those accumulated from other card programs.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Consider alternatives if:
- You've seen higher welcome offers from other banks and want to maximize point accumulation
- You prioritize extensive transfer partner options like those available through Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards
What to Know About Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards
Wells Fargo Rewards should only be considered when you've exhausted Chase, Amex, or Capital One
- One unique feature of Wells Fargo Rewards is that they can be transferred or gifted to another Wells Fargo customer
- The Autograph cards are the only cards with transferable miles to partners
- Wells Fargo doesn’t have the same robust list of transfer partners as other Rewards programs like Chase or Amex
- But there is still value to be had, like transferring to Flying Blue and redeeming miles for one of their monthly Promo Rewards
How The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Credit Card Fits In The Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards Ecosystem
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey stands at the top of the Wells Fargo card hierarchy as the only option with an annual fee, offering premium benefits and the highest sign-up bonus. Understanding its position relative to other Wells Fargo cards helps clarify when it makes sense as an addition to your wallet:
- Premium Position: As Wells Fargo's flagship rewards card, the Autograph Journey delivers the most comprehensive benefits package and highest earning potential in their lineup.
- Transfer Partner Access: Only the Autograph Journey and standard Autograph cards allow point transfers to airline and hotel partners — a crucial distinction from other Wells Fargo cards.
The standard Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers a more modest 20,000 point sign-up bonus after $1,000 in spending during the first three months. Its rewards structure includes:
- 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, streaming services, and phone plans
- 1x points on all other purchases
This relationship between the two Autograph cards creates a strategic opportunity: you can start with the Autograph Journey to earn the substantial sign-up bonus, then downgrade to the no-annual-fee Autograph card before your second year to maintain transfer partner access without the annual fee.
Other Wells Fargo cards offer significantly less value for rewards enthusiasts:
- The Wells Fargo Attune card provides a $100 cash sign-up bonus with 4% back in specific lifestyle categories
- The Wells Fargo Active Cash card offers a $200 cash welcome bonus with flat-rate 2% cash rewards
While these alternatives may suit specific spending patterns, they lack the crucial transfer partner access that makes the Autograph cards worthy additions to a diverse rewards strategy.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60,000 | $4,000 | 1.4 ¢ | $0 | $95 |
$801
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| No 5/24 |
Award System
Current Offer
$4,000 spend.
Spend Categories
4X points
5.6¢ Per Dollar Spent
1X points
1.4¢ Per Dollar Spent
5X points
7¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
Up to $600 protection (subject to a $25 deductible) on damage or theft of your cell phone when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo consumer credit card.
Using this card gives you secondary car rental insurance coverage up to $50,000 in collision damage and theft per incident.
Get reimbursed up to $15,000 for lodging, flights, and activities if the trip is canceled for a covered reason & up to $3,000 in luggage reimbursement per trip if your bags are lost due to theft or misdirection by a common carrier while traveling.
Call 1-800-953-7392 to get complimentary assistance making dinner reservations, buying theater tickets, getting travel guides, sending gifts/flowers, and dozens of other specific requests.
Tire changing, jump starting, locksmith service, fuel delivery and winching; cardholder will be charged for any additional services or goods provided.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes - $$
Transfer To Friends Yes - $$
Travel Partner Transfers
Outside Point System Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards
Transfers Out To
1:1 71% value retained
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Application Rules
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
