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Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card vs. Citi Strata Premier Card [Detailed Comparison]

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Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, deta...
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When credit cards hit the market or popular standards are refreshed, it’s time to investigate the buzz.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card and the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card perfectly resemble those descriptions. For this reason, we’ve chosen these 2 mid-level rewards-earning cards for our comparison today.

Both cards could be considerations for everyday spending, earning on travel purchases, and accumulating flexible rewards that offer value at redemption time. Complimentary travel insurance and shopping benefits would also be a plus.

In today’s comparison, we’ll look at all these card attributes, dive into the details, and make it easy to discover the better card for you.

Cards Comparison Summary

We’ll uncover all the details of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and Citi Strata Premier card coming up next.

First, here’s a preview of the features and benefits in a quick side-by-side comparison:

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Feature or Benefit

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ CardCiti Strata Premier℠ Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.

Top Earning Categories

  • 5x points on hotels
  • 4x points on flights
  • 3x points on other travel and restaurants
  • 10x points on car rentals, hotels, and attractions booked via Citi Travel
  • 3x points on airfare, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations

Top Redemption Options

  • Redeem points for travel via Wells Fargo
  • Transfer points to airline partners and Choice Privileges
  • Redeem for an account credit
  • Redeem points for travel via Citi Travel
  • Transfer points to airline or hotel partners
  • Redeem for a statement credit

Top Travel Protections and Benefits

  • $50 airline fee reimbursement
  • Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance
  • Lost baggage reimbursement
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
  • Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection benefits
  • $100 hotel credit
  • Trip cancellation/trip interruption
  • Baggage Insurance
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Luxury Collection and Hotel Collection benefits

Top Shopping Protections and Benefits

  • Cell phone protection
  • My Wells Fargo Deals
  • Autograph Card Exclusives
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty
  • Citi Merchant benefits

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

  • $95 annual fee
  • No additional fee for authorized users

Welcome Offer

Immediately after approval for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card or the Citi Strata Premier card, you have a unique opportunity to earn a welcome bonus offer.

Welcome bonus offers, which can be worth hundreds of dollars, can be earned by meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified period.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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.

A powerful point earning card with access to transfer partners.

A powerful point earning card with access to transfer partners.
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
60,000 points
$900
$95
20.49%, 25.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR
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 JourneySM Card is an excellent option for those looking for a great all-around travel rewards card that offers bonus categories on hotels, airfare, travel, and dining, giving you the opportunity to earn points on these purchases quickly.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options including access to transfer partners, an annual statement credit with airfare purchase, and no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees).

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Earn 5x points on hotels
  • Earn 4x points on airfare
  • Earn 3x points on other travel and restaurants; 1x on other purchases
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • List of transfer partners is smaller than competing programs
Card Highlights
  • Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
  • Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
  • $95 Annual Fee.
  • Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
  • Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
  • Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • 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: 20.49%, 25.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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.

For a limited time: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com.
75,000 points
$1,200
$95
20.49% to 28.49% Variable APR
Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
  • 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
  • $100 annual hotel benefit
Cons
    • $95 annual fee
Card Highlights
  • For a limited time: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com.
  • Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
  • Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.
  • Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
  • No foreign transaction fees on purchases.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49% to 28.49% Variable APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and the Citi Strata Premier card come with generous welcome offers worth hundreds of dollars or more. Welcome bonus offers can be earned on either card by meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified period after card approval.

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Earning Potential

Iru Veli F n B beach dining chef
You could earn bonus points when using your card for dining experiences. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and Citi Strata Premier card earn rewards as points that can be redeemed in several ways. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card earns Wells Fargo Rewards points, and the Citi Strata Premier card earns ThankYou Points.

Both cards earn well on select everyday purchases and travel with overall bonus category differences. How these categories match your spending mix determines which card is a better earning match for your situation.

Here are all the ways you could be earning on our featured cards:

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Earning Category

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card

Citi Strata Premier Card

Hotels

5x points

10x points via Citi Travel

3x on all other hotels

Airlines

4x points

3x points

Travel

3x points

3x points on air travel and hotels, 1x on all other travel

Restaurants, Including Dining, Takeout, Catering, and Delivery

3x points

3x points

Supermarkets, Gas, and EV Charging Stations

1x points

3x points

Car Rentals and Attractions

3x points when coded as travel, 1x all other purchases

10x points via Citi Travel, 1x when booked elsewhere

All Other Purchases

1x points

1x points

Both cards have apparent robust earning structures. The Citi Strata Premier card stands out with 10x points per dollar spent on select travel via the card’s associated travel portal, Citi Travel. This could be a plus if you don’t mind using the portal for hotels, car rentals, and attractions.

Your earnings would likely come from general travel purchases rather than portal purchases. If you spend heavily on flights, hotels, and travel, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card has the edge.

The Citi Strata Premier card shines on gas and supermarket purchases, with 3x earnings compared to 1x points with the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card. Consider the Citi Strata Premier card if you spend a considerable amount each year in these categories.

Both cards earn well on dining.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and the Citi Strata Premier card have robust earning structures; both earning well on flights, hotels, and dining. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is the better earner on general travel purchases. The Citi Strata Premier card will serve you well if your spending is high at supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging.

Redemption Options

Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport Spa Pool
Redeeming points for free award flights or hotel nights may deliver the best potential value. Clarion Copenhagen Airport Spa. Image Credit: Christine Krzyszton

Once you’ve accumulated rewards points by spending on the Wells Fargo Autograph card or Citi Strata Premier card, you can have the pleasure of redeeming them.

Your choices are many, but some redemptions yield better value for your rewards than others. Let’s look at your choices when it’s time to redeem your rewards.

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Redemption

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card

Citi Strata Premier Card

Redeem for Travel via the Associated Travel Portal

Redeem points for 1 cent each via Wells Fargo

Redeem points for 1 cent each with the Citi Travel portal

Transfer Points to Airline or Hotel Partners

5 airline partners or Choice Privileges hotel program

14 airline partners, 3 hotel partners, 1 retail partner

Redeem for a Statement Credit

Redeem points for 1 cent each for a card statement credit or credit to a Wells Fargo mortgage or loan

Redeem points for 1 cent each for a statement credit to reimburse for eligible purchases

Additional Redemption Options

Gift cards, shopping with select retailers, charitable donations, check out with PayPal and Amazon

Direct deposit, check, gift cards, shopping with select retailers, charitable donations, checkout with PayPal and Amazon

While you have several choices at redemption time, the best potential value for the rewards earned on either card is to transfer to airline or hotel partners.

Wells Fargo Rewards

Wells Fargo Rewards currently has 5 airline transfer partners, including Aer Lingus AerClub, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Executive Club, and Iberia Plus. Rewards transfer at a ratio of 1:1. While there are only 5 airline partners, more are expected in the future. Plus, these key partners provide access to all 3 major airline alliances.

Wells Fargo Rewards has 1 hotel transfer partner, Choice Privileges. We like that rewards transfer at the ratio of 1 Wells Fargo Rewards point to 2 Choice Privileges points. You can easily book an excellent hotel for transferring just 8,000 Wells Fargo Rewards points (16,000 Choice Privileges points). Check out the Selma Spa+ Hotel in Sunne, Sweden, available for 16,000 Choice Privileges points, as an example of where your rewards can take you.

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Citi ThankYou Rewards has more airline and hotel partners than Wells Fargo, so you have more choices with it.

Our team members enjoy flying business class in Qatar Qsuite from the U.S. to Doha. Qatar Airways Privilege Club is a ThankYou Rewards transfer partner. A one-way Qsuite ticket costs just 70,000 Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios. Wells Fargo Rewards points transfer at a ratio of 1:1 with all airline partners. Learn more about using ThankYou Points for great flight redemptions in this article.

In addition to more than a dozen airline transfer partners, Citi ThankYou Points can be transferred to hotel and retail partners, such as ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Wyndham Rewards, Choice Privileges, and Shop Your Way.

Bottom Line:

Wells Fargo Rewards has 5 airline partners and 1 hotel partner, while Citi ThankYou has more than a dozen airline partners, 4 hotel partners, and 1 retail partner. Both rewards programs offer plenty of good value at redemption time.

Travel Benefits

Travel benefits can save you money or deliver perks you can enjoy during your journey.

Take your card along when you travel, as neither of our featured cards charges foreign transaction fees.s of each separate card:

The travel benefits included separately on each card are:

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card

Citi Strata Premier Card

  • $100 Hotel Credit: Book a hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding fees and taxes) via Citi Travel and receive $100 off. Discount is valid once per year.
  • Luxury Collection and Hotel Collection Benefits: Enjoy elite benefits when booking a hotel stay via Citi Travel with Booking.com site for either the Luxury Collection or Hotel Collection properties. No minimum stay is required.
    • Luxury Collection: Receive complimentary breakfast for 2, free Wi-Fi, a $100 resort credit, early check-in, late checkout, and room upgrades, when available.
    • Hotel Collection: Receive complimentary breakfast for 2, free Wi-Fi, and early check-in and late checkout when available.

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Travel Protections

SLS Hotel Beverly Hills Luxury Collection rooftop pool larger cabana
Travel perks such as elite hotel benefits can make your trip more comfortable. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Protections included on the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and the Citi Strata Premier card can provide reimbursement should something go wrong during your trip.

Here are the travel protections and benefits of both cards and the additional perks of each separate card:

  • Car Rental Insurance: Reserve and pay for your entire car rental with your card and decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW insurance to receive coverage for damage and theft. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card has an auto rental collision damage waiver and offers secondary coverage within the U.S. The Citi Strata Premier card also provides secondary coverage “within the eligible renter’s country of residence.” Otherwise, coverage is primary with both cards when outside of those areas. Primary coverage means you do not have to file a claim with other applicable insurance before card coverage applies.
  • Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance: Pay for the entire trip with your card. If the trip needs to be canceled or is disrupted for a covered reason, you could receive reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses — up to $15,000 per covered person, per trip, with the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and up to $5,000 per trip with the Citi Strata Premier card.
  • Baggage Insurance: Charge the full amount of your transportation with your card and receive up to $3,000 per trip with the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and up to $5,000 with the Citi Strata Premier card.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card

  • Roadside Dispatch: Receive a roadside service call with just 1 call and 1 low, prearranged fee. Services include limited towing, standard winching, tire changing of your inflated spare, lockout and jump-start services, and emergency fuel delivery.

Citi Strata Premier Card

  • Trip Delay Coverage: If your trip is delayed more than 6 hours for a covered loss, you could receive up to $500 for eligible expenses such as meals and lodging.
Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and Citi Strata Premier card both offer primary auto rental collision damage waiver/car rental insurance when traveling abroad, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage insurance, hotel collection benefits, and no foreign transaction fees. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card has a $50 airline reimbursement credit, and the Citi Strata Premier card has a $100 hotel credit on a purchase of $500 or more. Terms apply.

Shopping Protections and Benefits

Samsonite Ascella X Softside Luggage
Items purchased with your card may receive added protection. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

When you use your Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card or Citi Strata Premier card to purchase an eligible item, you receive additional protection with your card. You also have access to special shopping benefits.

Here are the shopping protections and benefits on each of our featured cards:

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card

  • Cell Phone Protection: Pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card to receive coverage for damage or theft. You could receive up to $1,000 per claim with a maximum of 2 claims per 12 months. There is a $25 deductible per claim.
  • My Wells Fargo Deals: Activate these special merchant deals in your online account and receive cash-back after making the required purchase.
  • Autograph Card Exclusives: Cardmembers can purchase up to 6 tickets for each exclusive live event.

Citi Strata Premier Card

  • Purchase Protection: If an eligible item purchased with your card is damaged or stolen within 90 days of the purchase date, you could receive up to $10,000 per item, up to $50,000 per account per year.
  • Extended Warranty: Receive up to 24 additional months on the manufacturer’s warranty for eligible items purchased, even in part, with your card.
  • Lyft Benefit: Add your card to your Lyft account and receive a $5 Lyft credit after taking 3 rides in a calendar month.
  • Citi Merchant Offers: Log in to your online card account, select from merchant and service provider offers, make the required purchase, and get cash-back.
Bottom Line:

Cell phone protection is the key shopping protection on the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card. On the Citi Strata Premier card, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage can be potentially valuable benefits.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

It’s important to consider any associated annual card fees when determining the value you’d receive with a specific card.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card has an annual fee of $95 (rates & fees), and the Citi Strata Premier card has an annual fee of $95.

Final Thoughts

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and the Citi Strata Premier card offer good value for the right consumer.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card fares well if you’re spending heavily on general travel. The card also has valuable cell phone protection, a $50 airline statement credit, and several useful travel insurance benefits. While the card has fewer transfer partners, there’s access to all the major airline alliances and Choice Privileges.

If your greatest expenses are at the supermarket, gas stations, and EV charging, the Citi Strata Premier card is a better match for rewarding those purchases. The card also earns on travel and dining, offers flexible options at redemption time, and has travel insurance benefits.

The information regarding the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not reviewed nor provided by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which card is better, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card or the Citi Strata Premier card?

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card has better earnings on general travel, comes with cell phone protection, and has a $50 airline credit. The Citi Strata Premier card earns better on supermarket, gas station, and EV charging purchases. If you spend heavily in any of those categories, the unlimited bonus earnings could make the card worth having. Which is the better card for you depends on your spending mix, redemption preferences, and which benefits you value.

Is the Citi Strata Premier card the same as the Citi Premier card?

Yes. The Citi Strata Premier card is an updated version of the previous Citi Premier card. Travel insurance benefits and new bonus earning categories have been added.

Can Wells Fargo Rewards points be redeemed for a statement credit?

Wells Fargo Rewards points can be redeemed for 1 cent each for an eligible Wells Fargo credit card, mortgage, or loan credit.

Does the Citi Strata Premier card have foreign transaction fees?

No. The Citi Strata Premier card does not charge foreign transaction fees.

How does the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card airline credit work?

Use your Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card to make a purchase of $50 or more, directly with the airline, and receive a $50 statement credit.

Christine Krzyszton's image

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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