For frequent travelers seeking to maximize their rewards, both the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card and the Amex Gold Card offer enticing perks. But with distinct features and rewards structures, choosing the right card depends on your spending habits and travel style. Let’s dissect these cards and see which one fuels your wanderlust the most effectively.
Basic Feature Comparison
| Feature | Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | Amex Gold Card |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Network | Visa | American Express |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $250 |
| Rewards Rate | 3X points on travel, dining, gas stations, phone plans & car rentals (1X on other purchases) | 4X points at supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1X), 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amex Travel, 1X on other purchases |
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months | Up to 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
Comparison Table Between Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Vs Amex Gold Card
| Feature | Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | Amex Gold Card |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Network | Visa | American Express |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $250 |
| Rewards Rate | 3X points on travel & various categories (1X on others) | 4X points at supermarkets (up to $6,000/year), 3X on flights, 1X on others |
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 25,000 points | Up to 60,000 points |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Travel Credits | None | Up to $200 airline fee credit, Up to $120 Uber Cash credit (varies) |
| Airport Lounge Access | None | Priority Pass Select membership |
| Required Credit Score (estimated) | 670+ | 700+ |
Also See: Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Vs Amex Gold Card: Chasing Points or Seeking Simplicity?
Who Should Choose Which Card:
- Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Ideal for those with good to excellent credit who prioritize travel and various everyday spending categories but don’t want to pay an annual fee.
- Amex Gold Card: A better fit for frequent travelers and foodies with excellent credit who spend heavily at supermarkets and restaurants, value premium travel benefits, and are comfortable with an annual fee.
Pros and Cons: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Earns points in a broad range of travel and everyday spending categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months (then ongoing APR applies)
Cons:
- Lower rewards rate compared to Amex Gold Card for some categories (groceries)
- Limited travel statement credits or airport lounge access
- Potentially lower credit limit compared to Amex Gold Card
Pros and Cons: Amex Gold Card
Pros:
- Higher rewards rate for groceries and dining
- Up to $200 annual airline fee credit
- Up to $120 annual Uber Cash credit (varies by quarter)
- Includes airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select membership
Cons:
- $250 annual fee
- Rewards program heavily weighted towards groceries and dining
- Limited acceptance due to American Express network
Requirements:
- Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Generally requires good to excellent credit (typically a score of 670 or higher).
- Amex Gold Card: Typically requires excellent credit (often a score of 700 or higher).
Conclusion:
For budget-conscious travelers who value broad category rewards and no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card shines. However, the Amex Gold Card unlocks a richer rewards program for specific categories, coupled with premium travel perks like airport lounge access, ideal for frequent flyers and foodies who can justify the annual fee. Ultimately, the best card depends on your spending habits, travel style, and creditworthiness.