Wells Fargo Autograph Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card [Detailed Comparison]

If given a choice between paying an annual credit card fee and not paying one, many would choose the latter. Unfortunately, not all no-annual-fee credit cards are created equal.

That’s the basis for our card comparison today.

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card and Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card are 2 likely card candidates with attributes that can add value for the cardholder. Neither card charges an annual fee, although earning potential, redemption options, protections, and benefits vary greatly.

As we expand on all the features and benefits of our featured cards, it’s sure to become clear which card could offer the better value for a no-annual-fee card.

Wells Fargo Autograph Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card — Overview

Before we go into the details of the Wells Fargo Autograph card and the Wells Fargo Reflect card, let’s start with a quick summary of the cards’ features and benefits.

Here’s how our 2 featured cards compare:

Value of a Welcome Offer

Immediately after approval for the Wells Fargo Autograph card, you get an opportunity to earn a welcome bonus offer. Typically worth up to hundreds of dollars, you earn the welcome offer by meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified period after card approval.

The Wells Fargo Reflect card does not currently have a welcome offer.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ 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.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers great 3x bonus points and cell phone protection with no annual fee.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers great 3x bonus points and cell phone protection with no annual fee.

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.

20,000 points

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR thereafter

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 Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is an excellent no annual fee card that offers 3x points on 6 different bonus categories. Choose from multiple options when you’re ready to redeem your rewards, and take advantage of great perks including cell phone protection, auto rental collision damage waiver, and no foreign transaction fees.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points per $1 spent on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans
• 1x points per $1 spent on other purchases
• No annual fee

Cons

• Points are worth a fixed 1 cent per point, so it isn’t possible to get outsized value

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Select “Learn More” 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. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% 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.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Wells Fargo Reflect^® 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.

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a long intro APR period without an annual fee.

Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a long intro APR period without an annual fee.

Welcome Offer

No offer available

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter.

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 Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card is a great option for those looking for a long intro APR window on purchases and qualifying balance transfers without an annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24%
• $0 annual fee
• Cell phone protection

Cons

• Does not earn rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It’s an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each purchase transaction after conversion into U.S. dollars.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Autograph card has a welcome offer worth up to hundreds of dollars and can be earned by meeting spending requirements in the specified period after card approval. There is no welcome offer for the Wells Fargo Reflect card.

Earning Potential

One key reason for selecting a specific credit card is earning rewards on purchases. The Wells Fargo Autograph card earns Wells Fargo Rewards points on every purchase and bonus earnings in select categories.

The Wells Fargo Reflect card does not earn rewards.

The Wells Fargo Autograph card is the superior card for earning rewards. Having bonus categories for everyday purchases you’re making anyway helps rewards add up quickly.

You won’t earn rewards with the Wells Fargo Reflect card, but the card earns cash-back as a statement credit for purchases made with merchant and service providers via My Wells Fargo Deals.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Autograph card earns 3x points on select everyday categories and 1x on all other purchases. The Wells Fargo Reflect card does not earn rewards on general card purchases but can earn cash-back via My Wells Fargo Deals with select merchants.

Redemption Options

Wells Fargo Rewards points earned on the Wells Fargo Autograph card can be used for several redemption options, including travel, transferring to travel partners, statement credits, and more.

Here are the choices you’ll have at redemption time.

Redeem for Flights

Rewards earned on the Wells Fargo Autograph card can be redeemed for 1 cent each for travel via Wells Fargo Rewards or transferred to airline partners for greater potential value.

Wells Fargo has 6 airline transfer partners, including Aer Lingus AerClub, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club/Virgin Red. Although the list of airline partners is not as broad as those for some card issuers, you can book award flights with every major airline alliance using these partners.

Redeem for Free Hotel Nights

There is just 1 hotel transfer option, but it’s possible to find great value for your Wells Fargo Rewards points. Points can be transferred at a 1:2 ratio to Choice Privileges, the hotel loyalty program for Choice Hotels.

This effectively doubles your reward points to redeem for Choice Privileges sweet spots. Check out our list for travel inspiration and the best ways to redeem Choice Privileges points.

There are no earning or redemption options with the Wells Fargo Reflect card.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Autograph card earns flexible Wells Fargo Rewards points that can be redeemed for 1 cent each for travel or transferred to airline and hotel partners for even greater potential value. The Wells Fargo Reflect card does not earn rewards or have redemption options.

Travel Protections and Benefit

Travel protections can help out if something should happen during a covered trip. With travel benefits, you save money and enjoy complimentary perks.

Here are the travel protections and benefits on both featured cards and those unique to the Wells Fargo Autograph card.

• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Reserve and pay for your car rental with your card and decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW insurance to receive coverage for damage or theft. Coverage is secondary within the U.S. and primary outside of the U.S. where coverage is available. Secondary coverage means filing a claim with any other applicable insurance before card coverage applies.
• Roadside Dispatch: Pay just 1 prearranged fee for a service call and receive limited towing, standard winching, tire changing, emergency fuel delivery, jump-starting, or lockout service.

Wells Fargo Autograph Card

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Foreign transaction fees can be 3% of the transaction amount. You won’t be charged these fees using the Wells Fargo Autograph card.
• Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection Benefits: Receive premium benefits when booking with your card. These benefits include a room upgrade on arrival (when available), complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast for 2, a $25 food and beverage credit, a best rate guarantee, late checkout on request (when available), and VIP guest status.
• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: Make 1 call 24/7 during your travels for services, including medical or legal referrals, help to arrange emergency transportation, translation services, and more. Cardholders are responsible for the cost of actual services received.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Autograph card and Wells Fargo Reflect card have auto rental collision damage waiver and roadside dispatch benefits. The Wells Fargo Autograph card, additionally, has Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection benefits, travel and emergency assistance services, and no foreign transaction fees.

Shopping Protections and Benefits

The shopping protections on the Wells Fargo Autograph card and the Wells Fargo Reflect card can provide economic relief should something happen to an eligible purchase made with your card.

Shopping benefits can save you money.

Here are the protections and benefits of our featured cards.

• Cell Phone Protection: Pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card and receive protection for theft or damage. You could receive up to $600 per claim for repair or replacement of your phone. There is a limit of 2 claims, a maximum of $1,200 per 12-month period, and a $25 deductible per claim.
• Introductory 0% APR for Purchases: Pay back large or multiple purchases over time without interest charges.
  • Wells Fargo Autograph Card: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR thereafter
  • Wells Fargo Reflect Card: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24%
• My Wells Fargo Deals: Earn additional cash back via the Wells Fargo shopping portal. Find merchant deals, make the required purchase, and earn cash rewards.

Additionally, the Wells Fargo Autograph card offers access to Wells Fargo Exclusives. These are special live events where card members can purchase up to 6 tickets with their card.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Autograph card and the Wells Fargo Reflect card come with shopping protections and benefits, including cell phone protection, introductory 0% APR periods on purchases, and access to deals via the Wells Fargo shopping portal.

Additional Benefits — Wells Fargo Reflect Card

One of the most compelling reasons to consider the Wells Fargo Reflect card is the card’s 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24%.

If you have high-interest rate balances on other, non-Wells Fargo credit cards and transfer the balance within 120 days of account opening, you could qualify for payback without interest charges for up to 21 months. There is a 5% transfer fee on the transferred amount, or $5, whichever is greater.

Hot Tip:

It may be possible to upgrade your Wells Fargo Reflect card to a rewards-earning personal Wells Fargo card. Typically, this may be an option after you have had the card for a year. If you’ve utilized any introductory 0% APR period, you should have repaid those charges or balance transfers. The option to upgrade will also be based on payment history, income, and creditworthiness, as determined by Wells Fargo. Typically a hard inquiry on your credit is not done for a card product change.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

It’s wise to understand any fees associated with your credit card choice. Annual fees, authorized user fees, and transaction fees can add up.

The Wells Fargo Autograph card has a $0 annual fee, and the Wells Fargo Reflect card has a $0 annual fee. Also, neither card charges a fee to add authorized users.

The Wells Fargo Reflect card charges foreign transaction fees of 3% of the total transaction (rates & fees). The Wells Fargo Autograph card does not charge foreign transaction fees.

Final Thoughts

For consumers who have large or multiple upcoming purchases or who have high-interest credit card balances, the lengthy 21-month introductory 0% APR period on the Wells Fargo Reflect card could be compelling. The savings on interest rate charges alone could make the card a good choice.

Plus, it may be possible to upgrade the Wells Fargo Reflect card to a rewards-earning Wells Fargo card after you’ve utilized the 0% APR period.

The Wells Fargo Autograph card has a 12-month 0% APR period for purchases and is a far better overall card. The card has a stellar earning structure, flexible redemption options, and several useful protections and benefits.