Wells Fargo Autograph Card review: Quality perks with no annual fee
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card overview
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card 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 (see rates and fees). 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.
It also works well for those who want to round out their points and miles strategy with a card offering fixed-rate redemptions. Not everything in life can be paid for with transferable points. A card with fixed-rate redemptions can help you "pay with points" for life's other expenses.
The fact the Autograph Card has no annual fee means there's no cost for keeping it in your wallet, enjoying benefits like cellphone protection and free access to your credit score, among other perks.
Here's a closer look at the Wells Fargo Autograph Card.
Wells Fargo Autograph card welcome bonus
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card recently launched an elevated welcome bonus. You can now earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 or more in purchases in the first three months from account opening. You can redeem points with Wells Fargo Rewards at a value of 1 cent each, making this bonus worth $300.
It's worth noting that most Wells Fargo credit card applications have the following terms:
You may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo credit card if you have opened a Wells Fargo credit card in the last 6 months. We may also limit the total number of open Wells Fargo credit card accounts you have.
Thus, Wells Fargo will consider whether you opened other cards in the past six months and how many credit cards you have with this bank before deciding whether to approve your application or issue the welcome bonus.
The previous welcome bonus on the Autograph card was 20,000 points, so earning 30,000 bonus points is an excellent opportunity.
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 Autograph card.
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 protections on purchases made with your card. Benefits include 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.
You also get up to $600 of cellphone protection against damage or theft when you pay your 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.
Finally, as a Wells Fargo cardholder, you'll have access to My Wells Fargo Deals for cash-back offers from various merchants. You also can get an emergency cash advance or emergency card replacement (within 24 hours or up to three days, depending on where you are) if the need arises.
Related: Everything you need to know about Visa Signature card benefits
Earning rewards with the Wells Fargo Autograph card
With the Autograph Card, you'll earn 3 points per dollar on restaurant purchases, takeout, catering, food delivery services, travel, gas, transit, eligible streaming services and phone plans. You'll earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
This represents a solid 3% return on a wide variety of spending, given that points are redeemed at a value of 1 cent each.
Related: The best rewards credit cards for each bonus category
Redeeming rewards 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 this redemption scheme. On the plus side, you never have to guess what your points will be worth when you use them. Redeeming rewards is simpler when you don't need to decipher a complex loyalty program or worry about misusing your points. The negative side is that you won't ever achieve a higher redemption value than 1 cent, which you can do with transferable points.
It's also worth noting that you can get a value of 1.5 cents per point when redeeming points for airfare if you have a Wells Fargo Visa Signature® Credit Card (no longer available to new applicants).
The information for the Wells Fargo Visa Signature has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Which cards compete with the Wells Fargo Autograph card?
When considering similar cards, two types immediately come to mind: cards that earn fixed-value 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 earns cash back in the form of Wells Fargo Rewards points, meaning you have access to the same points as the Autograph card but without needing to pay attention to bonus categories. Instead, you'll earn an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases and still enjoy up to $600 of cellphone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible) and credit score access. It too has no annual fee (see rates and fees).
- If you want fixed-value points with more benefits: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns a minimum of 2 miles per dollar on each purchase, and you can redeem Capital One miles for travel, as a statement credit against travel purchases or by transferring to more than 15 travel partners. The card has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees), and you can get reimbursement for your application fee to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- If you want a similar earning structure with more valuable points: The Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees) has a $95 annual fee and earns 3 points per dollar in the following categories: air travel, hotels, gas stations, supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout). Along with cashing out your points, you also can use ThankYou Rewards points with nearly 20 airline and hotel partners, plus you'll still enjoy cellphone protection with this card.
It's worth comparing the value of getting a no-annual-fee card with one that has an annual fee under $100, as the latter can provide more value.
Read more: Complete guide to credit card annual fees
Should I get the Wells Fargo Autograph card?
This card is a great choice for those wanting no annual fee but also quality earning potential and travel and shopping protections. Earn unlimited 3 points per dollar across multiple categories. Rewards are easy to redeem with fixed-rate redemptions. However, points and miles enthusiasts might be better off with a travel rewards credit card.
Bottom line
We rarely see a card without an annual fee that offers multiple protections and strong earning categories. Plus, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card has an elevated welcome bonus offering 10,000 more bonus miles than previous offers.
Those looking for a card with no annual fee and a simple approach to redeeming points may consider this card a long-term keeper. However, those who love extracting maximum value from their credit card rewards may not enjoy the fixed-rate redemptions available with the Autograph card.
Official application link: Wells Fargo Autograph Card
For rates and fees of the Wells Fargo Autograph card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Wells Fargo Active Cash, click here.