Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card vs. Bank Of America^® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card: Unlimited or Customized Rewards?

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has a $0 annual fee, everyday earning categories, and cell phone protection (subject to a $25 deductible). The Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card also has a $0 annual fee and offers customized earning on common spending categories.

Let’s look at how Wells Fargo Autograph stacks up next to Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards.

Wells Fargo Autograph Card vs. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards

	Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card	Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Card type	Travel	Cash back
FinanceBuzz star ratings	4.7 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.4 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
FinanceBuzz value calculation1	Year one earnings: $945 Year two earnings: $745	Year one earnings: $705 Year two earnings: $505
Annual fee	$0	$0
Welcome bonus	Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (that’s a $200 cash redemption value)	Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Earning rate	Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans; plus earn 1X points on other purchases	Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% on all other purchases
Intro APR	0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening (then a 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR)	0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles (then 18.74% - 28.74% Variable) 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.74% - 28.74% Variable)
Travel perks	Auto rental collision damage waiver Roadside dispatch Travel and emergency assistance services Visa Signature Concierge service Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection	Roadside dispatch Travel and emergency assistance services Visa Signature Concierge service
Foreign transaction fee	None	3%
Credit needed	Excellent, Good	Excellent, Good
	Learn more	Learn more

The Wells Fargo Autograph card enables you to redeem points for travel, unlike the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card. However, you might prefer the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards if you like to be able to choose your top earning category each month.

What both cards excel at

Here’s where the Wells Fargo Autograph and Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards share a few similarities:

• Generous welcome bonuses: Each card offers a valuable welcome bonus. With the Wells Fargo Autograph, you can earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (that’s a $200 cash redemption value). The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards offers $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Everyday earning potential: Their earning rates and categories might vary, but they align with many common spending areas such as gas, dining, and grocery purchases. It’s pretty easy for anyone to get value from the rewards earning bonus categories.
• Annual cost: The Wells Fargo Autograph has a $0 annual fee. The Customized Cash Rewards also has a $0 annual fee.
• Visa payment network: Both cards use the Visa payment network, which is accepted in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. This could be useful for traveling to international destinations and still having a credit card that works. But watch out for foreign transaction fees (more on this later).

Reasons to choose the Wells Fargo Autograph Card

If the following circumstances fit you, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is probably best:

• You want the potential to earn unlimited rewards
• You’d like to earn a higher rewards rate on more spending categories
• You make a lot of travel purchases

Unlimited rewards earning potential

When I look at the Wells Fargo Autograph and the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card side-by-side, I see quickly that Wells Fargo Autograph doesn’t limit my earning potential. Right off the bat, that’s a big check mark in the “yes” column for this card.

With Bank of America’s Customized Cash Rewards, you can only earn an elevated rate on up to $2,500 per quarter in that category. If I spent more than $833 every month in those combined categories, I’d quickly drop down to 1% earning rate on all other purchases.

This isn’t an issue with Wells Fargo Autograph. If I spend $1,500 or $2,500 each month in the categories that net the highest rewards rate, I keep earning the elevated rate without limits.

More bonus earning categories

With Wells Fargo Autograph, I earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans; plus earn 1X points on other purchases. That’s a lot of areas of spending that are pretty common.

Compare that list to the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card, where I have to select just one category at a time that will offer elevated cash back. While the category list is definitely practical (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, and home improvement/furnishings), picking just one hampers my earning potential quite a bit.

Travel benefits

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card also offers greater travel benefits than the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card. For one thing, travel is included among the 3X points categories, and on top of that, you can redeem points for travel purchases. There are also no foreign transaction fees with the Autograph Card.

I’d also be quick to choose the Wells Fargo Autograph because it has more robust travel protection perks. You can use the auto rental collision damage waiver with this card and get access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection with the card, and Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards doesn’t offer those benefits.

Learn more in our Wells Fargo Autograph review.

When the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards makes more sense

Under these circumstances, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards might be a better fit for you:

• You likely won’t spend over the $2,500 quarterly limit in bonus categories
• You’re a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program
• You’ll spend a lot on home improvement or at drugstores

Your spending won’t exceed $2,500 per quarter in bonus categories

If you like the bonus categories of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card and your budget fits, this card may be right for you.

Categories to choose from for elevated earnings include:

• Gas and EV charging stations
• Online shopping
• Dining
• Travel
• Drug stores
• Home improvement and furnishings

You may want to check your typical spending to see whether this card will work for you. If, for example, you choose gas and EV charging as your bonus category and typically spend $300 a month on that and $450 a month on groceries, that’s $750. You’d only reach $2,250 per quarter at that rate, so you’d earn the bonus rate on those purchases and not need the unlimited earnings of the Wells Fargo Autograph Card.

You’re in Bank of America Preferred Rewards

The Bank of America Preferred Rewards enables you to maximize your rewards potential if you’re also banking at Bank of America and meet certain balance criteria.

Basically, Preferred Rewards offers greater benefits to you if you have the Customized Cash Rewards credit card plus a Bank of America checking account. If you carry a balance of at least $20,000 across your Bank of America checking or savings account, CD, or Merrill investment account, you get a rewards earning boost on your Customized Cash Rewards card.

• Gold: $20,000 to under $50,000 three-month combined average daily balance = 25% rewards boost
• Platinum: $50,000 to under $100,000 three-month combined average daily balance = 50% rewards boost
• Platinum Honors: $100,000+ three-month combined average daily balance = 75% rewards boost

So even though your rewards have a limit each quarter, if you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you could increase your cashback potential. This might tip the scales in favor of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card.

You want rewards for home improvement or drugstore purchases

While the Wells Fargo Autograph and the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card have almost identical bonus reward categories, there’s one big difference. Only the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card offers home improvement and furnishings as one of the six options to earn you elevated cash back.

This could mean major rewards for you if you’re about to start a home renovation project. I especially like that this category includes payments to contractors like electricians and plumbers, not only to brick-and-mortar retailers.

Drugstore purchases are also one of your options with the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards, so if that’s a particularly high spending area for you, this card might be a good option.

Learn more in our Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards review.

Other key features to note

Here are a few other areas in which there are differences that might impact your decision between the Wells Fargo Autograph Card and Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card.

Intro APR offers

The Wells Fargo Autograph offers 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable).

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards offers 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles (then 18.74% - 28.74% Variable). It also offers 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.74% - 28.74% Variable).

The terms of these intro APR offers are typically better on the Customized Cash Rewards because they offer more time. There’s also no intro APR offer for balance transfers on the Wells Fargo Autograph, so if you need to transfer a high-interest balance, Customized Cash Rewards is the better option.

Redemption options

Wells Fargo Autograph redemption options include:

• Account deposits or statement credits
• Mailed check
• Cash by withdrawal from a Wells Fargo ATM
• Travel
• Gift cards
• Charitable donations
• Merchandise
• Pay with Rewards
• Transfers to a Rewards Pool or another Wells Fargo Rewards account

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards redemption options include:

• Statement credits
• Paper check
• Deposits into a Bank of America checking or savings account
• Credits or contributions to an eligible Merrill^® account

If you value flexibility in terms of how to redeem rewards, you’ll want to go with the Wells Fargo Autograph Card.

Credit requirements

The Wells Fargo Autograph typically requires a good or excellent credit score while the Customized Cash Rewards typically requires an excellent credit score. Here are the credit score ranges on the FICO scoring model:

• Excellent: 800 to 850
• Very Good: 740 to 799
• Good: 670 to 739
• Fair: 580 to 669
• Poor: 300 to 579

Your approval odds could be better with the Wells Fargo Autograph compared to the Customized Cash Rewards depending on your credit score. Just remember that credit scores are just one part of your application process, so having a particular score may not guarantee you’ll be approved.

Cell phone protection

I haven’t wrecked my cell phone yet, but there’s always a possibility. If you’re worried about your phone being stolen or damaged, you’ll appreciate the Wells Fargo Autograph card’s phone coverage.

This feature offers coverage against eligible damage or theft, up to $600 per claim, if you pay a $25 deductible. You can claim this benefit up to twice each year. The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card doesn’t offer this protection.

FAQs

Bottom line

The ultimate winner between the Wells Fargo Autograph and Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards depends on your personal finance goals. In most cases, you can earn more in rewards with the Wells Fargo Autograph card.

However, if you also have Bank of America Preferred Rewards and can increase your rewards rate, or if you’d like an extra few months of an intro APR, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card may be a better option.

Awesome Rewards Rates + Intro APR

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

4.7

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans; plus earn 1X points on other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Excellent earning potential for a $0 annual fee
• Offers a welcome bonus
• No spending caps on rewards categories
• Cell phone protection (subject to a $25 deductible)

Drawbacks

• Limited options to transfer points to airlines/hotels
• Limited travel perks (secondary car rental insurance and travel and emergency assistance)
• Fewer perks than some dedicated travel cards

Card Details

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
• 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.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Choose Your Cashback Category

Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

4.4

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Apply Now

Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• $0 annual fee
• Enhanced cash back in a popular spending category of your choice
• Long intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• You can swap out your highest spending category each month, so you can maximize earnings

Drawbacks

• Quarterly spending caps
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• Must be a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member for maximized benefits
• Not as many redemption options

Card Details

• $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
• Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
• No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.