Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Review (2023)
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Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Review (2023)

The Wells Fargo Autograph is a versatile credit card that offers rewards for both everyday and travel spending. Also, it has a 0% intro APR.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 20, 2023
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Interest Rates Last Update: November 1, 2023

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph

Rewards Plan

1X – 3X 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Also, earn 1X points on other purchases

Welcome Bonus

20,000 Points 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

0% Intro

12 months on purchases

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.24% – 29.99% variable
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph

Rewards Plan

1X – 3X 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Also, earn 1X points on other purchases

Welcome Bonus

20,000 Points 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months

0% Intro

12 months on purchases

PROS

CONS

APR

20.24% - 29.99% variable

Annual Fee

$0

Balance Transfer Fee

$5 or 3% (the greater)

Credit Requirements

Good - Excellent

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a versatile credit card that offers rewards for both everyday and travel spending. Cardholders can earn 3X points on popular categories such as dining, travel, gas stations, transit, and streaming services. This makes it a good option for travelers who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases like gas and transit. 

The card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first twelve months, allowing cardholders to finance large purchases without incurring any interest charges during this period. Cardholders can also redeem points in various ways, including purchasing gift cards, vacations, or using points as a statement credit on their account.

However, the card does not provide exclusive travel perks such as an annual travel credit, priority boarding, or complimentary checked bags. Furthermore, the sign-up bonus is relatively low compared to other no-annual-fee cards, and the card does not offer the option to transfer points to partner airlines or hotels. Additionally, the card does not offer a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers.

  • Everyday & Travel Rewards
  • My Wells Fargo Deals
  • No Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Wells Fargo Credit Close-Up
  • Protections
  • Basic Card
  • No Transfer Partners
  • Low Welcome Bonus
  • No 0% APR On Balance Transfer

In this Review

Estimating Your Rewards: A Practical Simulation

The following table presents a rewards simulation that demonstrates the benefits of using the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card. It estimates the potential rewards that can be earned by using the card to cover expenses across various categories.

Wells Fargo Autograph

Spend Per Category
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets
10,000
$4,000 – Restaurants
12,000
$4,000 – Airline
12,000
$2,000 – Hotels
6,000
$5,000 – Gas
15,000
Estimated Annual Points
55,000 Points

Pros and Cons

Like any credit card, the Wells Fargo Autograph also has its share of advantages and disadvantages that potential users should be aware of before making a decision:

Pros
Cons
Everyday & Travel Rewards
Basic Card
0% Intro APR
No Transfer Partners
My Wells Fargo Deals
Low Welcome Bonus
No Foreign Transaction Fee
No 0% APR On Balance Transfer
Wells Fargo Credit Close-Up℠
Protections

The card offers 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Also, earn 1X points on other purchases. This can be good for travelers who want to also get rewards on everyday spending such as gas or transit.

Wells Fargo offers a valuable tool called “My Wells Fargo Deals,” which grants cardholders access to various savings and bonus point incentives at selected merchants. This tool tailors its offers based on the individual spending patterns of each cardholder, and can be conveniently accessed through their online account.

For instance, a cardholder may receive bonus points for shopping at a particular retailer during a specified time frame, or may receive a discount on a specific product or service through My Wells Fargo Deals.

With this card, you can enjoy a 0% introductory APR 12 months on purchases. This means that if you need to finance a large purchase, you can do so without incurring any interest charges during this period.

After the introductory period ends, however, you will need to start paying interest on any remaining balance. The go-to APR will be either 20.24% – 29.99% variable , depending on your creditworthiness and other factors.

The card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee, which is a great benefit for travelers.

By enrolling in the Credit Close-Up℠ offered by Wells Fargo, you can acquire the tools necessary to comprehend and monitor your FICO® Score, boost it, or keep it at a stable level.

By signing up, you will receive monthly updates on your FICO® Score as well as customized insights into your credit situation. The service is free for Wells Fargo Online® customers, and utilizing it will not have any negative impact on your credit score.

 

Since this is a no-annual-fee card, it does not provide any exclusive travel perks such as an annual travel credit, priority boarding, or complimentary checked bags.

While the card does offer rewards for everyday spending, it may not be the best option for travel benefits. There are other credit cards available that offer superior travel benefits and rewards.

 

The Autograph card offers a sign up bonus of 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. 

This is quite low even compared to other no annual fee cards. 

Unlike other no-annual-fee travel credit cards such as the Chase Freedom Flex, the Wells Fargo card does not offer the option to transfer points to partner airlines or hotels, which can limit the potential value of your rewards.

Transferring points to partners can provide several benefits, so it's worth considering this feature when comparing different travel credit cards.

 

The card offers 0% initial APR on purchases but not on balance transfers, so if you're wanting to pay off an existing amount, this card may not be the ideal option for you.

The card offers several benefits including up to $600 cell phone protection against damage or theft, an auto rental collision damage waiver, travel and emergency services assistance, and a 24/7 roadside dispatch referral network for emergency roadside assistance, towing, or locksmith services. 

 

Who Is The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card For?

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a suitable option for those who frequently spend money on travel, dining out, gas, streaming services, phone plans, and vacations, as it provides unlimited 3X points per dollar spent in these categories. This card can help you earn and redeem rewards quickly and maximize the value of your spending. Additionally, if you're looking for a credit card with a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first twelve months, this card is an excellent choice.

However, if you frequently carry a balance on your credit card or don't spend much in the bonus categories, you may want to explore alternative credit card options that better align with your needs.

Compared to other Wells Fargo cards, the Autograph may be the best for travel rewards. If you're looking for cash back, you can consider the Active Cash card, while the Reflect card is best for those who need a very long 0% intro APR.

It's also worth noting that the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card does not offer the same flexibility in redeeming points for airline and hotel transfers as some other cards, so if this feature is important to you, you may want to consider other cards.

How To Apply?

Here's how to apply for the Autograph card on Wells Fargo website:

Step 1: Visit the Wells Fargo Autograph Card page and click “Apply Now”.

Step 2: After you click on ‘apply now', it takes you to the next page, where you have to fill in your personal information, such as name, email, address, income, etc. With the information to be filled out, you will get the Terms & Conditions, which will include details on the rate, fee, and other cost information. At the end you have to tick right on accept terms and condition box and click submit.

Wells Fargo Autograph review
(screenshot from wellsfargo.com)

Step 3: Submit your application and wait for Wells Fargo to review and process it. Depending on their processing times, this could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. If your application is approved, your new Wells Fargo Autograph Card will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days.

FAQs

My Wells Fargo Deals is a tool that offers cardholders access to savings and bonus point incentives at selected merchants, personalized based on their individual spending patterns

You can enroll in the Credit Close-Up by visiting the Wells Fargo website and signing up for the service. It is free for Wells Fargo Online® customers and won't negatively affect your credit score.

You can manage your Autograph Card account through your online account or through the Wells Fargo mobile app.

Yes, you can add an authorized user to your Autograph Card account at no additional cost.

Wells Fargo cardholders who pay their monthly cell phone bill with an eligible Wells Fargo card can get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft, subject to a $25 deductible.

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann's areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.