Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Review: Big Benefits Without an Annual Fee

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Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

This product is currently not available via Slickdeals. All information about this product was collected by Slickdeals and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

• Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
• APRXX.XX%, XX.XX%, or XX.XX% (Variable)
• Annual Fee$0
• Welcome Bonus 20,000Points More Info

  Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value. Dollar Equivalent: $200 (20,000 Points * 0.01 base)

If you’re looking for a rewarding credit card free of annual fees or foreign transaction fees, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a top choice to consider. The points you earn from the card can be used toward future travel, gift cards or other cash-back redemption options. Just note that Wells Fargo points don't go as far as other credit card points.

Strong Reward Rates With No Annual Fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a powerful card that offers a high reward rate for everyday spending without worrying about rotating categories. Cardholders can earn 3X points per dollar in daily expenses including restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, streaming services, and phone plans. If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee card and prefer points to cash back, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card can be an ideal choice. But it might not be a great fit for luxury travel rewards enthusiasts or people whose spending habits are more varied.

Card Highlights

• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months (a $200 cash redemption value)
• Earn unlimited 3X points per dollar at restaurants and gas stations and when spending on travel, transit, popular streaming service, and phone plans. 
• $0 annual fee
• Intro APR of 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, followed by a XX.XX%, XX.XX%, or XX.XX% (Variable) APR
• Get up to $600 of cellphone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards or statement credits. Alternatively, you can shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you pay with PayPal
• No foreign transaction fees

If you're seeking a credit card with no annual fee and a competitive rewards structure in popular everyday spending categories such as restaurants, gas stations, transit and travel, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is worth considering. This card offers a generous welcome bonus and introductory period while offering decent perks to enhance your overall cardholder experience.

Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can enjoy a welcome bonus:

• Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 or more on eligible purchases in the first three months of account opening. This welcome offer is worth $200 in cash when redeemed.

Points earned with the card can be redeemed through the Wells Fargo Rewards program. Through this portal, cardholders have access to a library of redemption options, such as travel, gift cards, purchases on your statement credit and more.

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Earning Rewards

With no annual fee to worry about, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card ensures you’re not paying an unnecessary premium for a reliable travel and everyday card. The primary selling point of the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is its exceptional earning rate.

There are only a few rewards cards that can rival the expansive and unlimited 3X bonus categories, which include:

• 3X at Restaurants: Dining in, takeout, catering, delivery
• 3X on Travel: Airfare, car rentals, hotels, cruises
• 3X at Gas stations: Gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations
• 3X on Transit: Subways, ride shares (such as Uber and Lyft), parking, tolls
• 3X on Popular streaming services: Cable and other pay television, digital goods, books, movies, music, and continuity/subscription services
• 3X on Phone plans: Cellphone and landline providers

And on all other eligible purchases, you earn 1X point per dollar. 

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card can easily become your go-to card, as most American households spend the bulk of their budget on restaurants, gas, and travel costs. Not to mention, you likely subscribe to a popular streaming service or two and pay a monthly cellphone bill, which can cost hundreds of dollars if you have a family plan. Simply put: These are all day-to-day expenses you can earn unlimited 3X points on.

Redeeming Rewards

The Wells Fargo Rewards program is ideal for those who want simple rewards options with their credit card points. Unlike American Express Membership Rewards^® and Chase Ultimate Rewards^®, Wells Fargo Rewards does not offer any unique airline or hotel transfer partnerships, but it still offers decent value for other redemption options.

You can redeem your Wells Fargo rewards in a variety of ways: 

• Statement credit: Apply your rewards as a statement credit.
• Cover purchases: Redeem rewards for purchases as a statement credit to cover eligible purchases you’ve already made on the card.
• Pay with merchants: Pay with your rewards to purchase items at checkout with participating merchants, such as PayPal.
• Gift cards: Get various gift cards from dozens of merchants.
• Purchase travel: Purchase airline tickets, car rentals and hotel stays, and you can use a combination of rewards and your credit card to pay for your next trip.

Generally, your Wells Fargo Rewards points will be worth 1 cent apiece across these various rewards.

Unlike many well-known travel rewards credit cards, there is no option to transfer points to airline and hotel partners for additional value. The value per point remains constant regardless of how you redeem them, ensuring consistent returns.

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How to Redeem Wells Fargo Rewards

You can redeem your Wells Fargo Rewards^® points through your Wells Fargo Online^® portal or by calling Wells Fargo customer service (1-877-517-1358).

Alternatively, you can visit a Wells Fargo ATM and redeem cash back in $20 increments with your Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card.

Additionally, Wells Fargo cardholders can transfer their points to another Wells Fargo Rewards account, share them with another Wells Fargo customer or add them to an existing rewards pool.

Card Benefits

There are plenty of other noteworthy benefits that are unbeatable offerings for a no-annual-fee card, from cellphone insurance to travel and emergency services assistance.

Introductory 0% APR on Purchases

If you know you'll have some big expenses coming up, the card is a great way to save money on interest when you need the freedom to make payments over a long period of time. 

New cardholders receive an introductory annual percentage rate (APR) of 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases beginning with the account's opening. Following that, the APR changes to a XX.XX%, XX.XX%, or XX.XX% (Variable) APR based on your creditworthiness.

Cellphone Protection

In addition to earning 3X points by paying your monthly cellphone bill with the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, you’ll receive complimentary cellphone protection that can help reimburse the cost of damage or theft. 

Each approved claim has a maximum limit of $600, but that should cover the bulk (or potentially all) of the repair or replacement costs for your cellphone. A $25 deductible will apply, and your account is limited to up to two claims per 12-month period.

Auto Rental Collision Damage Coverage

While we hope you never find yourself in this situation, auto rental protection can cover and help reimburse costs for damages or theft. If you’re renting a car, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card provides secondary car rental insurance coverage that is supplemental to your primary coverage. To receive this benefit, you’ll need to have paid for your rental car with this card.

Travel and Emergency Services Assistance

If you’re traveling abroad and are facing a medical, legal or travel emergency, you can contact the travel and emergency services assistance line (1-800-992-6029 for the US; 1-804-673-1675 for international) any time of the day. They can provide referrals for assistance to local resources, although cardholders will be responsible for any services or goods they provide.

Roadside Dispatch

The card offers 24/7 on-demand roadside dispatch that can help you with emergency roadside assistance, towing, or locksmith services. Like the travel and emergency services assistance, the cardholder is responsible for any services or goods rendered, but this can be a useful resource in an emergency.

My Wells Fargo Deals

You can also use "My Wells Fargo Deals," which shows you tempting ways to get cash back when you buy from certain stores. These deals are made just for you based on what you like, and you can easily get to them through your card account.

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Drawbacks

It is important to understand not only the benefits, but also the drawbacks of this card. Like all financial products, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card may not be suitable for everyone. Here's what you can expect from the card's specific challenges.

No Intro Balance Transfer APR

One of the key drawbacks is that there is no introductory APR for balance transfers. Many credit cards offer a low or even 0% APR for a certain period on balance transfers as an incentive to shift your existing balances. 

However, with the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, you will be charged the standard APR from the get-go, which can make it less appealing if you’re looking to consolidate and pay off debt from other cards.

Lower-Value Points

While the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card comes with an impressive rewards program, your points may not stretch as far as they would with rival cards. 

Compared to several competitors, the value of each point earned on the card is lower. This implies that, despite stacking up points quickly, your rewards might not provide as much value when redeemed.

No Travel Transfer Partners

If you're a frequent traveler, you might find the lack of travel transfer partners to be a significant drawback. 

Many rewards credit cards allow you to transfer points or miles to various airline or hotel loyalty programs, often providing more value. However, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card does not offer this benefit, potentially limiting its usefulness as a travel rewards card.

Less Exciting Perks

The card advertises benefits such as cellphone protection and travel insurance. While these perks might sound attractive on paper, they may not be as valuable as they initially seem. 

The cellphone protection might not cover all types of damage or loss, and the process of making a claim can be tedious. The travel insurance may also have certain limitations and exclusions, making it less comprehensive than standalone travel insurance policies. 

Therefore, these perks may not offer the level of protection or value you might expect, and it's crucial to read the terms and conditions thoroughly.

Annual Fee

There is no annual fee for keeping the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card in your wallet. And, with 3X points per dollar spent in various bonus categories, this card is arguably one of the best no-annual-fee cards.

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APR

The card has an introductory APR of 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases after account opening. It's worth noting that this promotional offer does not extend to balance transfers. So if you're interested in paying down your existing credit card debt, consider a balance transfer card instead.

After the introductory period ends, a variable APR of XX.XX%, XX.XX%, or XX.XX% (Variable) applies.

Other Fees

Although we mentioned it already, one of the main perks of this card is that you won’t pay an annual fee. You also won’t pay any foreign transaction fees when making international purchases.

However, like nearly all other credit cards, you will be responsible for paying fees for certain account activities, such as:

• Balance transfers
• Late payments
• Cash advances

You’ll also pay interest on any statement balances you carry from one month to the next once the card’s introductory no-interest offer concludes. So be sure to pay off your balances in a timely fashion to avoid paying interest.

Recommended Credit Score

Wells Fargo, like other card issuers, doesn't disclose specific credit score requirements for its credit products. Applications are evaluated holistically, considering various factors. 

However, having a good to excellent credit score (670 or more) enhances approval chances and improves terms. It's important to maintain a strong credit profile to increase the likelihood of approval and favorable terms when applying for the card.

Comparing Wells Fargo Cards

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is one of several credit cards offered by Wells Fargo Bank. The lineup includes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card. 

• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: This card offers a straightforward rewards program with a flat 2% cash back on all purchases, making it a great choice for those who prefer simplicity and consistent earnings.
• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: This card is ideal for those seeking a balance transfer credit card with a long-term introductory 0% APR offer.

How the Card Compares with Other Credit Cards

In the realm of rewards credit cards with no annual fees, three popular contenders, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Citi Custom Cash® Card, from our partner Citi, all offer appealing features.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card vs Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a rewarding choice for those who spend heavily in its everyday bonus categories, offering rich 3X points per dollar. This can accumulate substantial rewards over time, making it attractive for targeted spenders. Moreover, the absence of an annual fee further enhances its value, particularly for those mindful of their card expenses.

However, Chase Freedom Unlimited® shines with its versatile reward structure and a lineup of added benefits. It provides 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with enhanced cash back also available on dining, drugstore purchases, and travel booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards. This wide coverage makes it ideal for average consumers with diverse spending habits.

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card may be a good choice for cardholders with a variety of spending habits who want to rack up points quickly, but the Chase Freedom Unlimited stands out for its all-around adaptability and a broad range of benefits, which appeal to a larger cardholder base.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card vs Citi Custom Cash® Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is perfect for meticulous spenders who allocate heavily in certain categories like dining, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Its rewards cater to a lifestyle encompassing mobility, connectivity and entertainment.

However, the Citi Custom Cash® Card shines with its greater flexibility and richer reward system. It caters to evolving consumer habits by providing a robust 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, with 1% cash back thereafter. This dynamic structure allows cardholders to maximize rewards based on their highest spending category each month, making it an attractive option for diverse spenders whose expenditures vary over time.

While the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card may appeal to consumers with heavy spending in specified categories, the Citi Custom Cash Card is better suited to those who value rewards flexibility, a longer introductory APR period and the opportunity to manage debt through balance transfers.

Who Is the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Good for?

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is an excellent fit for frequent spenders in its high-earning categories—dining, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans—as it rewards these transactions with 3X points per dollar spent. It's also well-suited to current Wells Fargo customers, who can take full advantage of its benefits within the bank's ecosystem. 

However, it may not be the best fit for individuals with variable spending patterns across diverse categories or those who prefer cash-back rewards. Also, while the card offers an introductory 0% APR, this applies only to new purchases, making it less appealing for those looking to manage existing debt through balance transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card a Visa, Mastercard or American Express card?

  The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a Visa Signature card, which will be accepted at virtually any retailer that accepts credit card payments. Additionally, the Visa Signature program offers other unique benefits worth checking out for travelers such as a credit card concierge and access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.

• How do I use my Wells Fargo Rewards points from the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card?

  Most cardholders will find it easiest to redeem their Wells Fargo Rewards points through Wells Fargo’s portal, where you can preview a handful of redemption options at your fingertips. Otherwise, you can call Wells Fargo customer service (1-877-517-1358) if you want a person-to-person contact to redeem your rewards. Finally, you can also redeem your rewards at an ATM in $20 increments. 

• Does the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card have foreign transaction fees?

  The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card waives all foreign transaction fees, making this a terrific card to bring with you on your international trips. Since it’s a Visa card, you can be sure to pay with the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card at millions of merchants worldwide--and avoid foreign transaction fees while you’re at it.

• Is it hard to get the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card?

  Qualifying for a Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card depends on various factors, including your credit score, income and existing debts. Generally, this card is aimed at consumers with good to excellent credit scores (670 and above). However, each application is unique, and Wells Fargo considers multiple aspects of your financial profile during the approval process.

• What is the minimum credit limit for the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card?

  The minimum credit limit for the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card varies based on the applicant's creditworthiness. Wells Fargo will consider your credit history, income, and existing financial obligations to determine your credit limit. It's advisable to contact Wells Fargo directly for the most accurate information regarding minimum credit limits.