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Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card Review: Value-Packed Rewards and Perks for the Frequent Traveler

Review Updated
Joel O'Leary
Author: Joel O'Leary
Joel O'Leary
Joel O'Leary
Full Time Writer

Joel is a full-time writer at Motley Fool Money, where he brings a clear, approachable voice to topics ranging from credit cards to side hustles. He’s been writing about money since 2018, covering topics like credit cards, savings hacks, and the FIRE movement. Before joining the team, he managed editorial content for the How To Money podcast. When he’s not behind the laptop, Joel is likely at the beach surfing, or out and about with his family.

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Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation.

You know that one friend who won't shut up about their credit card?... Well, that's my buddy who is always singing the praises of his Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (rates and fees).

To be honest, I have super high standards for travel cards. But I started digging into the details and I've got to admit -- this card punches well above its weight.

It's got a generous welcome offer, high rewards rates on travel, and a refreshingly simple fee structure. Here's everything you need to know about the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card.

Ratings Methodology

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good (670-850)
Apply Now for Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.

1X-5X points

Annual Fee

$95

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. 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 bonus points

  • This value-packed travel card earns unlimited 3X to 5X points on hotel, airline, travel, and restaurant purchases, plus 1X points on other purchases. It includes useful travel benefits, cellphone protection insurance, and an annual $50 airline credit (with minimum purchase). Its flexible redemption options, including transferring rewards to eligible travel partners, make this a stand-out card for frequent travelers.

    • Generous welcome bonus
    • Several bonus reward categories
    • Annual statement credit (w/ minimum airline purchase)
    • Ability to transfer rewards to travel partners
    • Flexible redemption options
    • Travel protections
    • Cellphone protection
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Annual fee
    • Limited transfer partners
    • Apply Now to take advantage of this 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.

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

Our highest-rated credit cards have:

  • ​​High value through rewards or 0% intro APR offers
  • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
  • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
  • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

Our highest-rated credit cards have:

  • ​​High value through rewards or 0% intro APR offers
  • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
  • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
  • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

What I like about the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card scores high in rewards and low in fees. So it's a great fit for most travelers, especially those new to premium travel cards.

High earning potential for travel

This card is all about rewarding the way people actually spend -- especially if travel is a regular part of your life. Here are the top earning categories:

  • 5X points on hotels
  • 4X points on airlines
  • 3X points on restaurants and other travel

To put this into perspective… If you spend $10,000 a year on travel -- say $4,000 on hotels and $6,000 on flights -- you'd earn 44,000 points, worth $440 when redeemed for travel. Not bad for doing what you were already planning to do.

Easy redemption options

One of the best parts about earning points is actually using them -- and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card makes that process refreshingly straightforward.

You can redeem points for:

  • Travel through the Wells Fargo Rewards portal
  • Statement credits
  • Gift cards
  • Apple purchases

Wells Fargo's points are valued at $0.01 each. So 60,000 points = $600 in travel. Simple math, no gimmicks.

A great welcome bonus

Let's be real. Sometimes the welcome bonus is the reason we try a card. Well, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card makes it worth your while with 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

That's a cool $600 you can put straight toward your next trip. This adds a lot of value in your first year of ownership.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Circle with letter I in it. INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. 1% - 5% Cashback Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash rewards on everyday spending 		$200 cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. 2% cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5-3 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Downsides you should consider

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card shines for people who spend heavily on hotels and airfare. If you value travel protections or a wide variety of transfer partners, you might want to look elsewhere.

Limited transfer partners

While Wells Fargo does offer a small selection of participating airline and hotel partners that you can transfer points to, the options are nowhere near as vast as what some other issuers offer.

Rewards portal is 'meh'

While functional, the Wells Fargo travel portal is nothing to write home about. It works, but don't expect the bells and whistles of Chase Travel or Amex.

Is the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey worth the annual fee?

For starters, you'll get a $50 annual statement credit, with $50 minimum airline purchase. So if you can take advantage of that you're more than half way covering the $95 annual fee.

Other easy ways to justify the annual fee:

  • Book just one or two hotel stays per year
  • Spend on dining or travel regularly
  • Qualify for the welcome bonus

The easy answer is yes. Even moderate travelers can recoup the fee through rewards alone.

How to apply for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card

1. Check your credit score

Before you apply, it's smart to take a quick look at your credit score. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is geared toward applicants with good to excellent credit (FICO® Score of 670 or higher).

Not quite there yet? No stress -- check out this helpful guide to help increase your credit score.

2. Fill out the application online

This link will take you to the secure application form.

You'll need to provide your:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Contact information
  • Employment and income details

Remember to always be truthful and double-check all your information before submitting. Errors can cause a delay in the approval process.

3. Submit your application

Wells Fargo will usually give you an instant decision. If more time is needed to review, they may request additional info or follow up by mail.

4. Get your card and start booking flights!

If approved, you'll receive your card by mail in seven to 10 business days. You'll need to activate it online or by phone before using it.

Remember the welcome offer is only met if you meet the minimum spend right after opening the card. So make sure you start using it ASAP and pay all your regular expenses with it.

Final thoughts

Between the strong rewards on travel, flexible redemptions, and that big welcome bonus, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card checks a lot of boxes for anyone looking to get more out of their everyday spending.

And who knows? A few months from now, you might be the one telling your friends how great this card is. Just don't say I didn't warn you!

Ready to get started? Apply for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card and start earning points toward your next adventure.

FAQs

  • Most approved applicants have a credit score of 670 or higher, though some get approved with slightly lower scores based on income and debt levels.

  • Nope! This card has zero foreign transaction fees, making it great for international travel.

  • Yes, if you have other Wells Fargo cards (like the original Autograph), you can pool your points into one rewards account.

  • No, points don't expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.