Wells Fargo Autograph Card evaluation: High quality perks with no annual price

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers 3 points per dollar in popular spending categories, straightforward points redemptions at a flat rate and several value-added benefits that aren’t common on cards with no annual fee (see rates and fees). Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

The Autograph card is ideal for those who want a credit card with no annual fee, as well as travel and shopping protections and a quality earning structure.

It also works well for those who want to round out their points and miles strategy with a card offering fixed-rate redemptions. Unfortunately, not everything in life can be paid for with transferable points. Using a card with fixed-rate redemptions can help you “pay with points” on life’s other expenses.

The fact the Autograph Card has no annual fee means there’s no cost for keeping it in your wallet, enjoying benefits like cellphone protection and free access to your credit score, among other perks.

Here’s a closer look at the Wells Fargo Autograph Card.

You can earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 or more on purchases in the first three months from account opening. You can redeem points with Wells Fargo Rewards at a value of 1 cent each, making this bonus worth $200.

It’s worth noting that most Wells Fargo credit card applications have the following terms:

You may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo credit card if you have opened a Wells Fargo credit card in the last 6 months. We may also limit the total number of open Wells Fargo credit card accounts you have.

Thus, Wells Fargo will consider whether you opened other cards in the past six months and how many credit cards you have with this bank before deciding whether to approve your application or issue the welcome bonus.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

With the Autograph Card, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants, takeout, catering, food delivery services, travel, gas, transit, eligible streaming services and phone plans. You’ll earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

This represents a solid 3% return on spending, given that points are redeemed at a value of 1 cent each.

Related: The best rewards credit cards for each bonus category

You have several options for redeeming your points at wellsfargo.com/rewards. You can redeem points at a value of 1 cent apiece as a statement credit, for gift cards (in $25 increments) or to book travel, such as flights, rental cars or hotel stays.

You also can redeem points as a credit to a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account or mortgage, plus you can pay with points at participating merchants, including when using PayPal to pay for your purchases online.

There are positives and negatives to this approach to points. The positives are that you never have to guess what your points will be worth when you use them, and redeeming points is simpler when you don’t need to decipher the best uses of your points. The negative side is that you won’t ever achieve a higher redemption value than 1 cent, which you can do with transferable points.

It’s also worth noting that you can get a value of 1.5 cents per point when redeeming points for airfare if you have Wells Fargo Visa Signature® Credit Card.

The information for the Wells Fargo Visa Signature has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

As a Visa Signature card, you’ll enjoy two built-in benefits with the Autograph card.

The Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection provides elite-like benefits on hotel bookings made through its program, including room upgrades on arrival (when available), a $25 food and beverage credit at the property, VIP guest status and complimentary breakfast for two each day.

The Visa Signature Concierge Service can help you with travel bookings, restaurant recommendations and reservations or booking tickets to an event.

Related: Everything you need to know about Visa Signature card benefits

The Autograph Card also offers several protections on purchases made with your card. Benefits include secondary auto rental collision damage waiver on rentals when you pay for the entire transaction with your card, 24/7 roadside dispatch, travel and emergency services assistance, and free access to your FICO credit score.

You also get up to $600 of cellphone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly bill with the Autograph Card. However, there is a $25 deductible per claim and a limit of two claims in a 12-month period.

As a Wells Fargo cardholder, you’ll have access to My Wells Fargo Deals for cash-back offers from various merchants. You also can get an emergency cash advance or emergency card replacement (within 24 hours or up to three days, depending on where you are) if the need arises.

• If you want Wells Fargo rewards with a simpler earning structure: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card earns cash back in the form of Wells Fargo Rewards points, meaning you have access to the same points as the Autograph card but without needing to pay attention to bonus categories. Instead, you’ll earn an unlimited 2% cash back on purchases and still enjoy the up to $600 of cellphone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible) and credit score access perks, and there’s no annual fee on this card (see rates and fees).
• If you want fixed-value points with more benefits: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns a minimum of 2 miles per dollar on each purchase, and you can redeem Capital One miles for travel, as a statement credit, against travel purchases and when shopping online and more. The card has a $95 annual fee and you can get reimbursement for your application fee to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• If you want a similar earning structure with more valuable points: The Citi Premier® Card has a $95 annual fee and earns 3 points per dollar in the following categories: air travel, hotels, gas stations, supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout). Along with cashing out your points, you also can use ThankYou points with nearly 20 airline and hotel partners, plus you’ll still enjoy cellphone protection with this card.

It’s worth comparing the value of getting a no-annual-fee card with one that has an annual fee under $100, as the latter can provide more value.

Read more: Complete guide to credit card annual fees

This card is a great choice for those wanting no annual fee but also quality earning potential and travel and shopping protections. Rewards are easy to redeem with fixed-rate redemptions. However, points and miles enthusiasts might be better off with a travel rewards credit card.

Official application link: Wells Fargo Autograph Card

For rates and fees of the Wells Fargo Autograph card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Wells Fargo Active Cash, click here.