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Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$0
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Welcome Bonus
20,000Points
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.
Pros
- Wide array of category bonuses: Unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit and commuting, popular streaming services and phone plans
- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
Cons
- Rewards are worth up to 1 cent each
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
- 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from account opening, followed by a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% (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.
The bonus offer is quite generous and the minimum spend requirement can be satisfied easily if you time your card opening around a large purchase like home improvement expenses.
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.
What Our Credit Card Experts Are Saying
“The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is highly underrated and great for maximizing rewards on common spending categories. I use it primarily to earn 3X rewards on gas, streaming, transit and cell phone bills. The Autograph card is one of the few cards that offers cellphone protection, which is yet another incentive to use it for my monthly cell phone bill. While the rewards aren’t transferable and are worth a flat one cent each, I like to use them to offset travel expenses during times when airline award availability is restricted or hotel rates are too cheap to justify a point redemption.”
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.
Related Article
Why the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Is Better Than Most Cards in Your Wallet
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 and Perks
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. New cardholders receive a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases beginning with the account's opening, after which the APR changes to a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% (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 up to $600 in cellphone protection that can help reimburse the cost of eligible damage or theft. A $25 deductible will apply, and your account is limited to up to two claims per 12-month period.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Coverage: 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: Access 24/7 on-demand roadside dispatch for 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.
What Slickdealers Are Saying
“I love this card for 1 reason. The cell phone protection has saved me money from 3 family phones being destroyed when an outlet fried the 3 while charging. I normally get the phones for free from T-mobile with monthly discounts but I was able to file a claim on each phone for $600 each (minus deductible) after they had me take them to asurion/ubreakifix to have it documented that it can’t be fixed. The funds were in my account and it was used to pay off the EIP and now I have $103 account credits for another 12 months.”
-Slickdeals User, kingsfan626
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, 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, potentially limiting its usefulness as a travel rewards card.
- Less Exciting Perks: While cellphone protection may sound attractive on paper, there are limitations that might not cover all types of damage or loss. The travel insurance may also have certain exclusions, so it's crucial to read the terms and conditions thoroughly.
Ready to apply? Start here.
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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Should I Pay a Credit Card Annual Fee?
APR
The card has a 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 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% (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 APR offer.
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Intro Bonus | Intro APR | APR | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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$0 |
1x - 3xPoints
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases. |
20,000Points
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) |
0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter. |
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% (Variable) |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
|
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$0 |
2%Cashback
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. |
$200Cash Bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. |
0% intro APR for 15 months
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5. |
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% (Variable) |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
|
|
$0 | N/A | $0 |
0% intro APR for 21 months
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5. |
18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% (Variable) |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
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.
| Credit Card | Intro Bonus | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
20,000Points
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) |
$0 |
1x - 3xPoints
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases. |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
|
|
$200Cash Bonus
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. |
$0 |
1% - 5%Cashback
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025. |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
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1.5%Extra Cash Back
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. |
$0 |
1.5% - 5%Cashback
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. |
Apply Now |
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Marielle Lee
Marielle Lee is a digital nomad, working as a freelance writer in personal finance and travel rewards. Her first job was as a tour guide in France for several years, specializing in the country's great wine regions. After that, Marielle continued on to travel to more than 40 countries, all made possible by leveraging the 10-plus credit cards in her wallet.
