The Wells Fargo Autograph and Propel cards were once rivals within the Wells Fargo rewards program. However, the Propel program is being discontinued, with existing users transitioned to the Autograph. This article dives into the minute differences between these two (almost) identical cards, helping you understand which one might have been a better fit (had the Propel remained).
Basic Feature Comparison
| Category | Points Earned |
|---|---|
| Travel, Gas, Transit, Streaming Services, Restaurants | 3X points |
| All Other Purchases | 1X point |
Comparison Table Between Wells Fargo Autograph Vs Wells Fargo Propel (Discontinued)
| Feature | Wells Fargo Autograph | Wells Fargo Propel (Discontinued) |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Visa | American Express |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 25,000 points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening | Up to 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | 2.3% |
| Auto Rental Insurance | No | Yes (primary coverage) |
| Extended Warranty | No | Yes |
Who Should Choose Which Card? (Almost a moot point now!)
Since the Propel is being discontinued, the choice is easy – you get the Autograph card. But if the Propel were still around, here’s who might have preferred which:
- Wells Fargo Autograph: Those who prioritize wider acceptance (Visa network) and don’t necessarily need the auto rental insurance or extended warranty benefits.
- Wells Fargo Propel (Discontinued): Travelers who wanted the added protection of auto rental insurance and extended warranty, while also being comfortable with American Express acceptance (which can be limited at some merchants).
Also Read:Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Vs Amex Gold Card: Chasing Travel Rewards or Everyday Simplicity?
Pros and Cons: Wells Fargo Autograph
Pros
- No annual fee
- 3X points on a variety of spending categories
- Visa network for wider acceptance
- Welcome bonus
Cons
- Lacks travel insurance benefits (provided by some competitor cards)
- Lower points value compared to cash back cards (unless redeemed for travel through Wells Fargo portal)
Pros and Cons: Wells Fargo Propel (Discontinued)
Pros
- No annual fee
- 3X points on a variety of spending categories
- Included auto rental insurance and extended warranty
- Welcome bonus
Cons
- Limited acceptance due to American Express network
- Foreign transaction fee
Requirements to Get the Cards
Both cards (well, mostly the Autograph now) require good credit, typically a credit score of 670 or higher. There is no specific income requirement listed by Wells Fargo.
Conclusion
The Wells Fargo Autograph and Propel were near-identical twins. The Autograph remains a solid option for those who want a no-annual-fee card with bonus points in travel, dining, and other spending categories. If the Propel were still available, the choice might have come down to network preference and whether the travel insurance benefits were important to you.