Wells Fargo Autograph Card

In-Depth Review: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Credit Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph^SM Card is a general rewards credit card from Wells Fargo. The card offers accelerated rewards on a versatile array of categories, with no points cap and no annual fee.

Who Can Benefit from the Wells Fargo Autograph Card?

The Wells Fargo Autograph Credit Card is best suited for individuals who value rewards and travel perks. If you frequently make purchases and enjoy earning points that can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, this card is an excellent choice.

Similarly, if you are a frequent traveler, the Autograph Credit Card’s travel benefits, such as no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance, can save you money and provide added convenience.

How to Get the Card

Wells Fargo may decline your application if you have opened another Wells Fargo card within the last six months.

Credit Needed

Wells Fargo has strict rules regarding who is eligible for its credit card products. You’ll likely need a FICO Score 0f 670+ to apply for a Wells Fargo credit card, although a 700+ score is better suited for approval. This means you’ll need good or excellent credit to qualify for the Wells Frago Autograph Card.

Pre-Qualify Before Applying?

Wells Fargo offer a pre-qualification tool on its website that lets you see if you’re pre-selected for one of its credit cards, including the Autograph Card. This process is quick, taking less than a minute to use and doesn’t impact your credit score before applying.

Introductory APR Benefit

The Autograph, similar to other credit cards offered by Wells Fargo, provides an impressive introductory benefit in the form of a 0% introductory APR period. New accounts enjoy0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, followed by a completive APR that varies based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate.

That introductory rate is decent, but lesser than what you might find elsewhere. The Chase Freedom Unlimited, for example, provides 0% APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers. Still, an introductory rate – and a 0% rate at that – is nothing to scoff at.  

How to Earn Rewards

20,000-Point Welcome Offer

New Wells Fargo Autograph cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of opening an account. This welcome offer has a cash value of $200 and is on-par with other comparable rewards credit cards from bigger banks.

Earn Up to 3X On Select Purchases

The Wells Fargo Autograph prioritizes points, giving cardholders lucrative rewards with nearly every purchase. The card earns up to 3X points per $1 spent on purchases, with those 3X points coming in the following purchase categories:

The variety of categories with the Autograph is exceptional and provides daily value for consumers. Dining, gas, and travel are standard fare with credit cards these days, but the addition of phone plans, transit, and streaming are great features that provide significant value.

All other purchases with the Autograph Visa Signature earn 1X points. There are no point caps, although points will expire. Go Far Rewards points expire at the end of the 60th month after they are earned. This means Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards expire after five years.

Bonus Categories Explained

As with all rewards credit cards, the Wells Frago Autograph Card has very specific rules regarding what is – and what isn’t – an eligible purchase.

What Does Wells Fargo Classify as a “Streaming Service?”

Streaming is especially nice, as more and more Americans add over-the-top streaming to their viewing habits instead of over-the-air television or cable. For reference, here is what Wells Fargo considers an eligible streaming service:

How Does Wells Fargo Classify Bonus Category Purchases?

The card also earns triple points on five other bonus categories. Here is how Wells Fargo defines these categories:

• Dining: WF defines dining as “eating places and restaurants, drinking places, fast food restaurants, and/or caterers.”
• Gas: EF defines gas as “gas stations, automated fuel dispensers, and electric vehicle charging stations.”
• Phone plans: Eligible phone plans include landline and cell phone providers considered telecommunication services.
• Transit: WF defines eligible transit purchases as “passenger railway, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways, parking lots and garages.”
• Travel: WF defines eligible travel as “airline, hotel/motel, timeshare, or vehicle/auto rental, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites, campgrounds.”

Other Ways to Earn Rewards

The My Wells Fargo Deals program is a great complement to Autograph, as it provides cardholders with an extra way to earn points when shopping with eligible retailers. To participate in this program, simply log in to your Wells Fargo account or app.

How to Redeem Rewards

To redeem your Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards Points, you have several eligible options available to you. Here are the multiple ways you can redeem your points:

• Travel: You can use your Go Far Rewards Points to book flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages through the Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards portal. There are no blackout dates or seat restrictions for flights, and you can use your points to cover the entire cost of your trip.
• Cash Redemption: You can choose to redeem your points for cash back as a deposit to your Wells Fargo savings or checking account, or as a statement credit to your Wells Fargo credit card.
• Gift Cards: You have the option to redeem your points for gift cards from a variety of popular retailers and restaurants.
• Merchandise: You can use your points to shop for merchandise, including electronics, home goods, fashion items, and more through the Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards portal.
• Charitable Donations: If you’re feeling generous, you can donate your points to a selection of charitable organizations through the Go Far Rewards portal.
• Digital Rewards: You can also use your points to redeem for digital rewards such as e-books, movies, and music downloads.

The number of points required for redemption varies depending on the option chosen. Ensure that your account is in good standing and that you have accrued the minimum points required for your chosen redemption option.

Other Card Benefits

Other notable features of the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Signature credit card include:

• Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when paying the monthly cell phone bill with the Autograph.
• Wells Fargo Control Tower access via the mobile app
• Contactless payment and EMV chip technology
• Voice Verification and 2-step Verification at sign-on
• No foreign transaction fees
• No annual fee

Visa Signature Benefits

Autograph cardholders also enjoy a slew of essential security benefits, protections, and enhancements courtesy of the Visa Signature payment network. Visa Signature provides an enhanced level of service over Visa Traditional – the baseline of Visa protections. This means that Autograph cardholders can expect the following Visa protections and benefits:

Comparison

What We Like About the Wells Fargo Autograph Card

Versatile Rewards

One of the standout features of the card is its rewards program. With the ability to earn points on every purchase, you can maximize your rewards potential. Whether you use your points for travel, merchandise, or cash back, the flexibility of the rewards program is a definite plus.

No Annual Fee

Another great perk of this card is the lack of an annual fee with the account. The lack of an annual fee, plus the addition of no foreign transaction fees and lucrative travel rewards options makes the card an ideal travel companion for those who want a comprehensive rewards program without any hidden fees.

Things to Consider

Limited Perks

If you’re looking for a card with exclusive travel perks and other benefits, you’ll likely have to pay for it. The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card doesn’t have an annual fee, but it also lacks features such as lounge access, security fast pass, or hotel or airline incidental credits. This is a major nitpick, but it does lower the potential value with the card somewhat.

Wells Fargo Ratings

How does Wells Fargo rank as a credit card issuer? Here is a selection of reviews for the bank from consumers and financial experts:

Should You Apply for the Wells Fargo Autograph Card?

Overall, there is much to like about the Wells Fargo Autograph^SM Card. The card provides a generous rewards program and a decent welcome bonus to create a solid rewards card that hits the right notes.

From its generous rewards program to its advanced security measures, the Autograph Credit Card stands out from the competition. However, it is important to consider your individual financial needs and goals before making a decision.

The 3X categories with the Autograph are robust – as is the 12-month interest-free introductory period on purchases. While the welcome bonus isn’t mind-boggling, it provides solid value that doesn’t distract from the everyday value of the credit card.