The Wells Fargo Autograph Journeyservice mark℠ Card is a Visa Signature® card built for those who spend frequently on travel and entertainment. It offers a strong rewards program, a variety of redemption options, and a suite of travel benefits that justify its annual fee.
Key Features and Benefits
Here’s what makes the Autograph Journeyservice mark℠ Card stand out:
- Accelerated Rewards on Key Spending Categories: This is the card’s main attraction. You can earn an excellent rate of rewards on everyday travel and dining. The categories include:
- 5x points on hotels.
- 4x points on airfare.
- 4x points on other travel (e.g., trains, cruises, timeshares, car rentals).
- 4x points on dining.
- 4x points on other spending, including gas, electric vehicle charging stations, and transit.
- 1x point on all other eligible purchases.
- Annual Travel Statement Credit: The card offers a valuable $50 annual statement credit for airfare purchases, which can significantly offset the card’s annual fee.
- Redemption Options: The points you earn are flexible. You can redeem them in several ways:
- Travel: Redeem points for flights, hotels, and car rentals through the Wells Fargo travel portal.
- Cash Back: Convert your points to cash back, which can be deposited into your Wells Fargo checking or savings account.
- Gift Cards: Redeem points for a wide selection of gift cards from popular retailers.
- Shop with Points: Use your points to pay for purchases at participating merchants.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credit: The card provides a statement credit of up to $100 every four years to cover the application fee for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. This is a major perk for frequent international travelers, as it helps expedite the security and customs process.
- Visa Signature® Benefits: As a Visa Signature card, it comes with a host of valuable benefits, including:
- Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: Get help with things like medical referrals and legal services when you’re away from home.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Provides coverage for lost or stolen luggage.
- Roadside Dispatch®: A pay-per-use roadside assistance program.
- Concierge Service: Get 24/7 assistance with booking reservations, event tickets, and more.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: A crucial benefit for international travelers. You won’t incur extra charges when making purchases in a foreign currency, saving you money on every trip.
- Cell Phone Protection: When you pay your monthly cell phone bill with the card, you can get coverage against damage or theft for up to $600 per claim, with a maximum of two claims per year. This is a great added layer of security for an expensive item.
- Annual Fee: The card has a $50 annual fee. However, the $50 airfare credit and the value of the rewards can easily offset this cost, making the card a net positive for a frequent traveler.
How the Rewards Program Works
The rewards program is straightforward: for every dollar you spend in an eligible category, you earn a certain number of points. These points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed at any time, as long as you have enough to meet the redemption minimums.
Let’s break down the earning potential. If you’re a traveler who spends significantly on hotels, flights, and dining, you can quickly rack up points. For example, a single hotel stay of $500 would earn you 2,500 points (5x), and a $200 flight would add another 800 points (4x). This accelerated earning is what makes the card a top choice for its target audience.
The points are flexible and can be redeemed for a variety of options, making them very valuable. While the best use of the points is often for travel through the Wells Fargo portal, the ability to redeem them for cash back or gift cards provides great flexibility.
How to Apply for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journeyservice mark℠ Card
Applying for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journeyservice mark℠ Card is a streamlined process that can be completed online, over the phone, or in a Wells Fargo branch.
Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin your application, it’s essential to understand the general eligibility criteria. While these are not a guarantee of approval, they are a good indicator of your likelihood of being approved.
- You must be a permanent resident of the United States.
- You must be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama and Nebraska).
- You need to have a good to excellent credit score (typically considered to be in the 700+ range).
- You must have a stable income and a positive credit history.
The Online Application Process
The online application is the fastest and most convenient way to apply.
- Visit the Official Wells Fargo Website: Navigate to the credit cards section of the Wells Fargo website and find the Wells Fargo Autograph Journeyservice mark℠ Card page.
- Review the Card Details: Read through all the terms and conditions, including the interest rates, fees, and the welcome bonus offer.
- Start the Application: Click on the “Apply Now” button to begin the secure online application form.
- Provide Personal Information: You will be asked to provide details such as your full name, Social Security Number, date of birth, physical address, and contact information.
- Provide Financial Information: You will need to enter your employment status, annual income, and monthly housing payment. This information helps Wells Fargo assess your ability to manage the credit line.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information you have entered to ensure it is accurate. Then, read and agree to the cardholder agreement and submit your application.
What Happens Next?
Once you submit your application, you may receive an instant decision. In some cases, Wells Fargo may need to conduct a further review, which could take a few business days. If you are approved, your new credit card will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days. Upon receiving the card, you’ll need to activate it before you can begin making purchases and earning rewards.
Conclusion
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journeyservice mark℠ Card is a compelling option for travelers who want a premium card without the sky-high annual fees of some competitors. With its generous rewards on travel and dining, a valuable annual airfare credit, and key travel benefits like no foreign transaction fees and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit, it offers a strong value proposition. If you travel frequently and spend consistently on flights, hotels, and dining, this card can be an excellent tool to help you earn valuable rewards and make your journeys more enjoyable.
