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Wells Fargo is one of the largest credit card issuers in the country, and two of its standout options are the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card(Rates and fees) and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card(Rates and fees). Both travel cards have strong rewards programs, but they are very different in terms of the benefits they offer and their fees.
If you’re looking for a simple rewards card with a $0 annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph card is likely a good fit. But if you travel often and want more comprehensive benefits, the Autograph Journey card can be well worth it.
In this breakdown of the Wells Fargo Autograph vs. Autograph Journey, learn about each card’s rewards, benefits, and costs to find the best fit for your needs.
Key takeaways
- Both the Wells Fargo Autograph and Autograph Journey cards offer useful benefits like rewards on purchases, cell phone protection, and emergency travel services.
- While the Autograph Journey card has a $95 annual fee, the Autograph card has a $0 annual fee.
- Unlike the Autograph card, the Autograph Journey card does not offer a 0% intro APR for purchases.
- The Autograph card is best if you want a rewards card without a $0 annual fee.
- The Autograph Journey card is more suitable if you’re a frequent traveler who would benefit from the travel perks.
Wells Fargo Autograph vs. Autograph Journey comparison
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Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card |
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Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card |
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| FinanceBuzz star ratings |
4.7
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5.0
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| FinanceBuzz valuation1 <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p> | Year 1: $945 Year 2: $745 |
Year 1: $1,250 Year 2: $650 |
| Annual fee | $0 | $95 |
| Welcome 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) | Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip |
| 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 unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases |
| Intro APR | 0% APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable | None |
| Annual credits | None | $50 annual statement credit with your first $50 minimum airline purchase |
| Travel perks |
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| Other benefits |
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| Foreign transaction fee | None | None |
| Credit needed | Good to excellent | Good to excellent |
| Read full review | Read full review |
Our verdict
If you're a frequent traveler, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is the standout choice. Not only will you earn a much higher rewards rate on hotel stays, flights, and dining out, but you can also qualify for an annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase. Plus, the card offers substantial travel benefits, including trip cancellation or interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and travel accident insurance.
The Autograph's card is more sparse, and its list of travel benefits is more limited. This card mostly makes sense if you travel just occasionally and prefer a card without an annual fee.
Wells Fargo Autograph benefits and drawbacks
- $0 annual fee
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening (then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable)
- $600 annually in cell phone protection, subject to a $25 deductible
- Limited travel perks
- Higher rewards rate only on select categories
- No balance transfer offer
The Autograph is one of the top Wells Fargo credit cards available. It doesn't have an annual fee, and you can take advantage of perks like rental car coverage and cell phone protection. If you use your card to pay for your cell phone bill, your phone is covered against damages or theft, up to a maximum of $600 per year (subject to a $25 deductible).
The card also gives you a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening (then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable), giving you a full year to pay off a major purchase — such as new appliances or a dream vacation — without interest.
However, its travel benefits are limited compared to other travel rewards cards, and it doesn't have an intro APR for balance transfers. You can earn a higher rewards rate only on limited purchase types. Unless you spend significant amounts on travel and gas, you may be better off with a card that has a better flat rewards rate or categories that better fit your lifestyle.
Read our full Wells Fargo Autograph Card review.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey benefits and drawbacks
- Extensive travel benefits
- Generous welcome offer — you can earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip
- Cell phone protection with a higher $1,000 annual maximum, subject to a $25 deductible
- $95 annual fee
- No intro APR
- No airport lounge access
If you enjoy traveling often, the Autograph Journey card may be more appealing. Although it has a $95 annual fee, its list of travel benefits is extensive. You can utilize perks like travel accident insurance, trip cancellation coverage, and lost luggage reimbursement, reducing the hassle and cost of potential hiccups on your trips.
Plus, the card has a generous welcome offer that allows you to earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip. You also get cell phone protection that protects you for up to $1,000 per year (subject to a $25 deductible).
However, it doesn't have an intro APR for purchases or balance transfers, so you may owe interest quickly as a new cardholder if you keep a balance. And, unlike major travel rewards cards, it doesn't include airport lounge access as one of its perks. If you’re a frequent traveler who craves the peace of an airport lounge, this drawback could be a dealbreaker.
Read our full Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card review.
How both cards excel
The Wells Fargo Autograph and Autograph Journey cards both shine in the following areas.
- Travel rewards: Both cards offer some travel benefits and protections, including car rental coverage and travel and emergency assistance services. I like having these features on my cards since they can either save me money or make my travel experiences less stressful.
- Foreign transaction fees: Neither card charges foreign transaction fees, so there’s no added cost to using your card overseas. Other cards can charge up to 3%, which can especially impact your finances if you’re making big purchases.
- Cell phone protection: Cell phone protection is a relatively unusual benefit available with both cards. You're protected against damages or theft as long as you use the card to pay your cell phone bill. Since I currently pay $10 monthly for phone insurance, I find this card benefit especially appealing for saving some money.
- Redemption options: With these cards, you can choose from multiple redemption options for your rewards, such as gift cards, statement credits, or travel. I like this flexibility and have used similar rewards cards to redeem points to get gifts for loved ones and cover part of my monthly balance.
4 important differences between Wells Fargo Autograph and Autograph Journey
Although the two cards share some similarities, they differ in terms of earnings rates, welcome bonuses, other card benefits, and costs. Consider these differences when deciding which makes sense for you.
1. Earnings rates
With the Wells Fargo Autograph card, you can earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans; plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
The Autograph Journey card has a more tiered rewards structure that gives you:
- 5X points per $1 spent on hotels
- 4X points per $1 spent on airlines
- 3X points per $1 spent on other travel and restaurants
- 1X point per $1 spent on other purchases
Winner: The Autograph Journey card can provide a higher rewards rate if you’re a frequent traveler who spends money on hotels and flights.
2. Welcome bonuses
While both Wells Fargo cards offer welcome bonuses for meeting spending requirements during the first three months, the reward values and spending thresholds vary.
With the Autograph, you earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (that’s a $200 cash redemption value).
With the Autograph Journey card, you get significantly more points, but it also has a much higher spending threshold. You earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
Winner: Tie. While the Autograph Journey’s welcome bonus is more attractive, you’ll need to consider whether you can meet the larger spending threshold to qualify.
3. Other benefits
The Wells Fargo Autograph card provides some basic travel benefits, including car rental coverage and travel emergency services. It also offers some unusual perks for a card without an annual fee, including cell phone protection and roadside dispatch.
The Autograph Journey card’s list of benefits is substantial, providing perks like travel accident insurance and trip cancellation or interruption insurance. Plus, it offers a high annual limit for cell phone protection.
Winner: While both cards include appealing perks, the Autograph Journey card has a much more robust selection.
4. Fees and interest
You won’t pay an annual fee to have the Wells Fargo Autograph card, and it doesn’t have foreign transaction fees. Plus, you can take advantage of the 0% introductory APR on purchases.
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees either, but it does have a $95 annual fee.
Winner: When you compare annual fees and interest rates, the Wells Fargo Autograph card is the clear winner.
Which credit card should you choose?
The Wells Fargo Autograph and Autograph Journey cards have many things in common, but their key differences impact which one you should choose. To help you decide, look at some scenarios where each card stands out.
When you should choose the Wells Fargo Autograph
- You have a major purchase planned, like a new laptop or stove, and you want to use this card to get a 0% intro APR on purchases.
- You want a card without an annual fee and like the idea that you can avoid interest if you pay off your balance in full every month.
- You don’t travel often and can benefit from the card’s more limited rewards and benefits.
When you should choose the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
- You spend a significant amount on flights and hotel stays and want to earn a higher rewards rate on these travel purchases.
- You travel several times per year and like the built-in protections of the card, such as lost luggage reimbursement.
- You worry about your phone getting damaged or lost and prefer the higher coverage limit for cell phone protection.
What factors to consider before choosing
Before choosing a card, consider these factors.
- Fees: If your chief concern is cost, the Autograph card is likely a better fit. It doesn’t have an annual fee, so there’s no annual cost to add it to your wallet.
- Perks: For those who want premium travel benefits, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card provides more perks and protections.
- Welcome bonus: The Autograph Journey will give you a larger welcome bonus if you can spend four times what the Autograph card requires.
- Rewards: Depending on your spending habits, you could potentially earn a higher rewards rate with the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card.
FAQ
Is it hard to get a Wells Fargo Autograph card?
Both the Wells Fargo Autograph and the Autograph Journey credit cards require applicants to have good to excellent credit. If your score is in the poor to fair range, you’re unlikely to qualify for these cards.
What is the difference between Wells Fargo Autograph and Autograph Journey?
The Wells Fargo Autograph card is the more basic credit card of the two with no annual fee and a simpler rewards structure. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card costs $95annually, but it offers a tiered rewards rate and more robust benefits, especially for travelers.
Do Wells Fargo Autograph or Autograph Journey cards include lounge access?
Neither credit card includes airport lounge access, a common benefit provided by many major travel credit cards. If that perk is important to you, consider options like the The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Bottom line
The Wells Fargo Autograph and Autograph Journey cards are both solid options if you have good to excellent credit. As travel rewards cards, they allow you to earn a higher rewards rate on certain transactions, and you can qualify for benefits like car rental coverage.
However, the Autograph Journey card is the more premium of the two, offering more robust benefits while also charging an annual fee. For frequent travelers, the Autograph Journey could be worth paying the $95 fee annually, while those who travel once a year (or less) will likely find the Autograph card to be a better fit.
If you're looking for other benefits, such as airport lounge access, check out our picks for the best travel rewards cards.
Top-Notch Rewards Rates + Travel Perks
Current Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases
Awesome Rewards Rates + Intro APR
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