19 Benefits of the Wells Fargo Autograph Card [$1,540+ Value]

Finding an everyday credit card that earns elevated rewards on every purchase can be challenging. The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card takes on that challenge with strong earnings and surprising benefits for a $0-annual-fee card.

The card won’t burden you with associated fees or limit your choices at redemption time, either.

In today’s article, we expand on all the reasons to consider the Wells Fargo Autograph card, including how it delivers bottom-line value as a card for everyday purchases.

We’ll also estimate the potential value you could receive in the first year of card membership.

Card Benefits Summary

* The bonus value of the welcome offer and the value of benefits are estimated valuations calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability, and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Earn Valuable Points [$740+]

1. Earn a Welcome Bonus ($200)

Once approved for the Wells Fargo Autograph card, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a welcome bonus:

• Earn 20,000 bonus points when spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

The Wells Fargo Autograph card earns Wells Fargo Rewards points on every purchase. We’ll discuss your options for redeeming those rewards shortly.

First, we’ll look at how you’ll earn points on every purchase you make with your card.

2. Earn by Spending Every Day on Your Card ($540)

Every purchase on the Wells Fargo Autograph card earns valuable base reward points. Points add up quickly when earning bonus points on select purchases.

Purchases in these select bonus categories earn 3x bonus points per dollar spent:

• Gas Stations
• Phone plans
• Popular streaming services
• Restaurants
• Transit
• Travel

All other purchases earn 1 base point per dollar spent.

If you spent just $1,500 monthly in 3x earning categories, you would earn 54,000 Wells Fargo points annually ($1,500 x 3 x 12 months). At a modest valuation of 1 cent each, those points would be worth $540.

Bottom Line:

Earn a welcome bonus offer by meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified period after card approval. Bonus earning categories include gas stations, phone plans, restaurants, select streaming services, transit, and travel.

Save on Card Fees (Value Varies)

It won’t set you back a large sum of money to keep the Wells Fargo Autograph card in your wallet. Here are some ways you’ll save on fees with the card.

3. No Annual Fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph card has a $0 annual fee, which means you can keep the card as long as you desire. Credit longevity can play a role in building a good credit history.

A typical rewards-earning card with similar attributes could be $95.

4. No Foreign Transaction Fees

Take the Wells Fargo Autograph card when you travel abroad, knowing you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees on any of those purchases.

A typical foreign transaction fee is 3%. If you spent $1,000 abroad, you would save $30.

5. Introductory 0% APR on Purchases

Save money on interest rates with a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR thereafter.

If you have a large purchase(s) coming up, paying the balance back over time without interest charges could provide significant savings.

6. No Charge To Add Authorized Users

Earning rewards is a family affair when it comes to everyday purchases. You can add family members (or trusted friends) to your card account without an extra fee.

Purchases made by the authorized user earn rewards that are applied to the primary cardholder’s account. Be aware, the primary cardholder is also responsible for all authorized user charges.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Autograph card can save you money on fees. The card has a $0 annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, an introductory 0% APR on purchases, and no charge to add authorized users.

Redeeming Your Rewards (Value Varies)

Earning rewards is a key factor when selecting the right card for everyday purchases.

The actual value you receive will be determined when it’s time to redeem those rewards. Fortunately, the Wells Fargo Autograph card offers several great options.

7. Redeem Points for Travel

Use your rewards to book flights, hotels, and car rentals via the Wells Fargo Rewards portal. Points are worth 1 cent each toward travel.

8. Transfer Points to Airline Partners

Wells Fargo points transfer to airline partners at a ratio of 1:1. Partner programs currently include Air Lingus AerClub, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Executive Club, and Iberia Plus. More could be added in the future.

This means 25,000 Wells Fargo points will equal 25,000 miles or Avios (the currency used by several airline partners listed above). And, yes, 25,000 miles can be enough for a one-way off-peak flight to Europe. It’s possible to fly for less when Flying Blue offers a sale.

9. Transfer Points to Choice Privileges

While transferring Wells Fargo points to airline partners has the potential for good value, transferring points at a 1:2 ratio to the Choice Privileges hotel loyalty program can also be a good option.

Transferring 10,000 Wells Fargo points to Choice Privileges will result in 20,000 Choice points. You can book some extraordinary hotels for 20,000 points.

An example would be the Clarion Hotel at Copenhagen Airport, a convenient, upscale property close to all the city sights. And, it’s just 20,000 Choice points per night. The Clarion Helsinki is an equally desirable property at 20,000 points per night.

Scandinavia is a sweet spot for using Choice points, but you’ll find good value worldwide. Here’s a great list of creative ideas for redeeming Choice points.

By transferring points to airline and hotel partners, you may receive value beyond the 1 cent per point. If you received 2 cents per point, you would gain another $540 in additional value on the 54,000 points you earned.

10. Additional Redemption Options

Redeem your rewards for 1 cent each toward a statement credit, shop at select retailers, or use your rewards to purchase gift cards.

Bottom Line:

Transferring Wells Fargo points earned on the Wells Fargo Autograph card to airline and hotel partners can result in the greatest potential value for your points. You can also redeem your points for a statement credit, gift cards, and more.

Travel Benefits ($100 Value)

11. Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection ($100)

Receive several elite-style benefits when booking one of the 900+ properties in the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.

In addition to these benefits, you’ll have access to limited-time offers, including third- or fourth-night free and special on-site amenities:

• Room upgrade on arrival, when available
• Complimentary breakfast for 2
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• $25 food/beverage credit
• VIP Guest status
• Late checkout on request, when available
• Best rate guarantee

Using the benefit even once a year could provide at least $100 in value.

12. Visa Signature Concierge

Need assistance scoring those hard-to-get dinner reservations, event tickets, or travel bookings? The Visa Signature concierge is available 24/7 to help.

Travel Protections ($100+ Value)

Because the Wells Fargo Autograph card is a Visa Signature card, several travel protections and benefits are included with card membership.

13. Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver ($100)

Reserve and pay for your entire car rental with your card, decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive an auto rental collision damage waiver. Coverage is secondary, which means you must first file a claim with any other applicable coverage before card coverage applies. Certain vehicles are not covered, and terms apply.

Car rental CDW/LDW coverage can easily cost $20 a day. If you rented for 5 days a year, you would save $100.

14. Roadside Dispatch

Pay 1 prearranged service fee and receive limited towing, standard winching, lockout service, jumpstarting, tire changing of an inflated spare, and emergency fuel delivery service. Service is available 24/7 and there is no limit on how many times you may use the service.

15. Emergency Cash and Card Replacement

Assistance securing emergency cash or a card replacement during your travels is just 1 call away. Emergency cash (issued as a cash advance) can be transferred to a nearby financial institution for your pickup, and a replacement card can be provided in as few as 24 hours.

16. Travel and Emergency Assistance Services

Receive access to legal or medical referrals, translation services, lost luggage assistance, arranging emergency transportation, and more. Assistance is available 24/7 during your travels.

Shopping Protections and Benefits ($600+ Value)

Shopping protections provide coverage should something go wrong with a covered purchase. Benefits can help save you money when you use your card for select purchases.

Here are the protections and benefits found on the Wells Fargo Autograph card:

17. Cell Phone Protection ($600)

Pay for your monthly cell service with your card and receive protection for damage or theft, up to $600 per claim. Coverage includes repair or replacement with a maximum limit of 2 claims, up to $1,200 total, per 12-month period. There is a $25 deductible per claim.

18. My Wells Fargo Deals

My Wells Fargo Deals are offers from select merchants and service providers. Select the offers you like and earn additional rewards when you make the required purchase with your card.

19. Autograph Card Exclusives

As a Wells Fargo Autograph cardmember, you’ll receive exclusive ticket access to once-in-a-lifetime Autograph Card Exclusives events.

Final Thoughts

The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a smart choice for everyday purchases. The card has a strong earnings structure, earns transferrable rewards, and has a $0 annual fee, making it a creditable option.

The list of transfer partners isn’t as strong as some of the other transferrable rewards programs. However, the core selection of airline partners does provide access to additional airline alliance members, expanding the options.

The estimated values for each benefit are for illustration purposes. The actual value you receive will depend on the redemption option selected and the benefits you use.

You may also want to consider the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card, a Wells Fargo-issued card for frequent travelers.