Amex Gold Card vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Card [2024]

A key foundation of a points and miles lifestyle is having an everyday spending card that earns rewards on common purchases.

With that foundation in place, every purchase you make will earn valuable rewards.

Selecting a card that will match your purchasing habits is a key factor when getting started.

Today we’ve selected two cards that have powerful earning structures for daily purchases, the American Express^® Gold Card and the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card.

These cards also earn well on select travel, have multiple redemption options, and come with several useful protections and benefits.

Join us as we look closely at all the features and benefits of the Amex Gold card and Wells Fargo Autograph card to see which card deserves a spot in your wallet for everyday spending.

Overview

Let’s start with a quick overview of the key features and benefits of the Amex Gold card and the Wells Fargo Autograph card.

Here’s a brief card comparison to review before we dive into the details of both cards:

Comparing Welcome Offers

Once you’re approved for either the Amex Gold card or Wells Fargo Autograph card you’ll have the opportunity to earn a welcome bonus offer.

Each of our featured cards has a generous welcome offer, typically worth hundreds of dollars, that can be earned once minimum spending requirements have been met.

Minimum spending requirements must be met in the specified period following card approval.

BEST FOR DINING

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Bottom Line:

The Amex Gold card and Wells Fargo Autograph card come with generous welcome bonus offers that can be earned after meeting minimum spending requirements in the period following card approval. Check for the latest welcome offer before applying.

Earning Potential Comparison

The Amex Gold card earns flexible Membership Rewards points while the Wells Fargo Autograph card earns points that can readily be redeemed for cash-back.

We’ll discuss redemption options shortly but first, let’s look at each card’s unique earning structure.

Here’s how you’ll earn rewards when spending with our featured cards:

The Amex Gold card earns well on flights, at supermarkets, and on dining. If the majority of your spending falls into these categories, you could do well with the card.

The Wells Fargo Autograph card has elevated earnings in 6 categories, making it a potentially good choice for earning on everyday purchases.

Since the best card for earning rewards is ultimately based on your spending mix, let’s look at a couple of simple spending scenarios that illustrate the earning differences.

Spending Scenario #1

Spending Scenario #2

While there is a significant difference in rewards earning in our first scenario, a change in the spending mix creates a closer match in the second example.

The better earning card for your situation will be the one that best matches your specific spending mix.

Earning potential is a key factor in selecting an everyday purchasing card, although it is not the only factor you should consider. The value you receive at redemption time is even more important.

Next, we look at your options for redeeming rewards and the potential value you can expect.

Bottom Line:

The Amex Gold card is the earnings winner for most everyday spending scenarios. Because of its elevated earnings at U.S. supermarkets, on dining, and flights, the points add up quickly. The Wells Fargo Autograph card offers 3x points earning in 6 bonus categories and has a solid earning structure for a no-annual-fee card.

Redemption Options

It’s an exciting time when you have a stash of rewards, and you’re ready to redeem them for something special. With the Amex Gold card and Wells Fargo Autograph card, you’ll have several choices.

Will you book a family vacation, a flight to visit a friend, or have the satisfaction of paying off a significant recent purchase with a statement credit?

Here are the options you’ll have at redemption time:

The Amex Gold card has the key advantage at redemption time with the ability to transfer points to airline or hotel partners. This flexibility also adds value. We value Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents each, while Wells Fargo points are worth just 1 cent each due to their fixed redemption value.

If you earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points on the Amex Gold card, you could potentially redeem those points for $880 worth of flights (or more) by transferring to airline partners. Earning 40,000 points on the Wells Fargo Autograph card would be worth $400.

The Amex Gold card, while the better card for redemption options, does come with an annual fee. The Wells Fargo Autograph card does not.

Bottom Line:

Membership Rewards points earned on the Amex Gold card have far greater potential value than points earned on the Wells Fargo Autograph card with a fixed value of 1 cent each. Transferring Membership Rewards points to airline or hotel partners can result in the highest potential redemption value.

Travel Protection and Benefits Comparison

Both the Amex Gold card and Wells Fargo Autograph card come with useful travel protections and benefits.

Travel protections can provide help if something goes wrong during your journey, while travel benefits can save you money or add comfort to your trip.

Here are the travel protections and benefits you’ll find on both of our featured cards and those that are unique to each card.

Car Rental Insurance

Use your card to reserve and pay for your entire car rental, and decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW insurance, to receive secondary coverage for damage and theft. Secondary coverage means that you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance before card coverage applies.

Global Assist Hotline/Travel and Emergency Services Assistance

Make just 1 call for 24/7 assistance during your travels. Services can include help arranging emergency transport, referrals for translation services, English-speaking medical/legal service referrals, and help obtaining emergency funds.

Extra Travel Protection and Benefits By Card

Amex Gold Card

• Access to Premium Protection Car Rental Insurance — Add Premium Protection to your card for 1 low price that covers the entire rental period and receive primary car rental insurance. Prices range from $12.25 to $24.95, depending on coverage level and state of residence, to cover up to 42 consecutive rental days.
• Trip Delay — If your trip is delayed more than 12 hours due to a covered loss, you could receive up to $300 per covered trip on up to 2 claims per 12-month consecutive period.
• Baggage Insurance — You could receive up to $1,250 as reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
• The Hotel Collection Benefits — Reserve and pay for your stay with your card and receive an upgraded room on arrival (when available), and a $100 credit to use for eligible charges that vary by property.

Wells Fargo Autograph Card

• Roadside Dispatch — No need to be stranded roadside when you have 24/7 assistance for 1 low pre-negotiated service fee. Services include limited towing, emergency fuel, lockout service, tire changing, and jumpstart. Cardholders are responsible for actual services received that exceed those included in the service call.
• Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection Benefits — Book your stay with your card and receive a room upgrade at arrival (when available), free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast for 2. Additionally, you’ll receive a $25 food/beverage credit, VIP guest status, and late checkout when requested (when available).

Bottom Line:

The Amex Gold card and Wells Fargo Autograph card come with secondary car rental insurance, travel and emergency assistance, and no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, the Amex Gold card offers access to Premium Protection primary car rental coverage, trip delay coverage, baggage insurance, and The Hotel Collection benefits. The Wells Fargo Autograph card has roadside dispatch coverage and Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection benefits.

Comparing Shopping Protection and Benefits

When you purchase an eligible item with your Amex Gold card or Wells Fargo Autograph card, you may receive protection that can provide economic relief should something happen to your purchase.

Shopping benefits can save you money or help you earn additional rewards.

Here are the shopping protections and benefits you’ll find on each of our featured cards.

Amex Gold Card

• Purchase Protection — Purchase an eligible item with your card and receive coverage for damage and theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date. The coverage limit is $10,000 per covered purchase and $50,000 per eligible card.
• Extended Warranty — Eligible items purchased with your card that have manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less will have the warranty coverage extended by 1 year.
• Uber Cash — Add your card to your Uber account and receive monthly Uber Cash of $10 each month, up to $120 each year. Uber Cash can be used for Uber rides and Uber Eats in the U.S.
• Dining Credit — Use your card for purchases at The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Five Guys, or with Grubhub, and receive up to $10 in statement credits each month, up to $120 each year. Enrollment required.
• New $100 Resy Credit: $100 annual statement credit ($50 semi-annually), redeemable at any U.S. Resy restaurant and other eligible Resy purchases. Enrollment required through your Amex account.
• New Dunkin’ Credit: $84 annual statement credit ($7/month), redeemable at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
• Amex Offers — Log in to your online card account and choose from up to 100 Amex Offers that can save you money or help you earn additional Membership Rewards points for select purchases.

Wells Fargo Autograph Card

• Cellular Telephone Protection — Pay for your monthly bill with your card, and you could receive up to $600 if your cell phone is damaged, stolen, or lost due to “involuntary and accidental parting.” Each claim is subject to a $25 deductible, and there is a limit of 2 claims per 12-month period. Lost cell phones due to mysterious disappearance are not covered.
• Introductory 0% APR on Purchases — Save money on interest charges with a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR thereafter.
• My Wells Fargo Deals — Earn additional cash-back by activating select offers from a variety of merchants.

Bottom Line:

The Amex Gold card comes with purchase protection and extended warranty coverage for eligible items. Shopping benefits include Uber Cash, dining credits, and Amex Offers. The Wells Fargo Autograph card comes with valuable cell phone protection and an introductory 0% APR on purchases.

Fees and Authorized Users

When selecting a rewards-earning card, it’s important to consider any fees associated with card ownership, especially annual fees and the cost of adding additional users.

Annual Fees

The Amex Gold card has an annual fee of $325, while the Wells Fargo Autograph card does not charge an annual fee.

This is a significant factor to consider as you would need to receive additional value from the Amex Gold card to help offset that fee. With the added potential value of transferring points to airline and hotel partners and utilizing both the Uber Cash and dining credits available on the card, this could be accomplished.

Adding Authorized Users

Authorized users can serve the purpose of earning rewards faster. The Amex Gold card does not charge a fee for up to 5 additional users. After that, there is a $35 fee for each user.

The Wells Fargo Autograph card does not charge a fee to add authorized users.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

You’ll want to avoid foreign transaction fees when making purchases while traveling. Fortunately, neither of our featured cards charges these fees. Here are the rates & fees for the Amex Gold card.

Final Thoughts

The Amex Gold card is a better overall card than the Wells Fargo Autograph card when it comes to both earning and redeeming points. We like that the card strikes a desirable balance between an everyday earnings card and a travel rewards card.

If you’re not a frequent traveler and you prefer basic cash-back earnings, the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph card will function well for everyday purchases. Plus, the card has valuable cell phone protection and an introductory 0% APR on purchases. Saving interest charges on major purchases within the first 12 months of card ownership certainly has value.

Your spending mix, redemption preferences, the value of card benefits, and your preference for paying an annual fee will ultimately determine which card works best for you.

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For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the global assist hotline benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the trip delay insurance benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card, up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for eligible persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the purchase protection benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your card membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect covered purchases made on your eligible card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Coverage limits apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card, when an American Express^® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.