Wells Fargo Rewards Program: How to Earn, Redeem and Maximize
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Written by
Lee Huffman
Flexible points are some of the most valuable rewards for travelers. Not only can you redeem these points for cash, travel and more, but transferring to airline and hotel partners opens up a new world of possibilities.
Wells Fargo Rewards has been around for some time, but the program introduced transfer partners in 2024 as a way to offer enhanced redemption value to the bank’s cardholders. You can earn these rewards from some of the best Wells Fargo credit cards and redeem them in multiple ways.
Let’s dive into the Wells Fargo Rewards program, including which cards are eligible, how to earn and redeem cash rewards, and which Wells Fargo transfer partners are available.
What Is the Wells Fargo Rewards Program?
Wells Fargo Rewards is the bank’s proprietary program that enables cardholders to earn and redeem flexible points or cash rewards. It competes with other popular issuer loyalty programs, like Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards®, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Capital One Rewards.
Wells Fargo Rewards is available on several consumer and personal credit cards.
How To Earn Wells Fargo Rewards
While Wells Fargo offers more than 10 credit cards, not all of them are eligible to earn rewards in this program. Unlike other bank loyalty programs, Wells Fargo does not offer dining rewards, a shopping portal, refer-a-friend bonuses or other promotions that allow customers to earn additional rewards.
Note: Some cards earn points you can redeem for travel, cash back and more, while others earn cash rewards directly.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
- Welcome Bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Annual Fee: $0
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a simple way to earn rewards without having to remember bonus categories or activate limited-time promotions. You’ll earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, no matter how much you spend or where you shop. This card is ideal for people who want to earn a flat rate of rewards without having to remember bonus categories, or as a secondary card to use on purchases that don’t qualify for extra rewards on another Wells Fargo credit card.
Additionally, the card includes a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR. This feature gives you extra time to pay off your balance without incurring any interest charges. You’ll also receive cell phone protection of up to $600 (with a $25 deductible) and secondary rental car insurance at no extra charge.
Wells Fargo Autograph Card
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
- Annual Fee: $0
People who want to enjoy travel perks without paying an annual fee will love the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card. It features unlimited 3x points on travel, dining, gas, transit, phone plans and popular streaming services. Whether you’re traveling around the world or running errands in your hometown, you’ll earn valuable rewards on common bonus categories. For all other purchases, you’ll receive a flat 1x points.
Booking your dream vacation can be expensive. This card offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, followed by a 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR. A 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR will apply for balance transfers. Getting a whole year to pay off your vacation (or any other spending) can make it easier to fit the purchases into your budget without incurring interest charges. Additionally, Autograph Card holders receive access to Autograph Card Exclusives, which include tickets to live events featuring fan-favorite artists.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
- Annual Fee: $95
Frequent travelers should consider the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card to unlock higher earning power, complimentary travel protections and annual travel credits. The Autograph Journey Card offers enhanced earning power on travel with 5x points on hotels, 4x points on flights, and 3x points on dining and other travel purchases. Everything else earns 1 point per dollar. Plus, you’ll receive a $50 annual statement credit when you make a $50 minimum airline purchase.
The card includes complimentary travel insurance to guard against the unexpected while away from home. These benefits include up to $1 million in travel accident insurance, lost baggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption protection, and secondary rental car insurance. Your cell phone coverage also expands to $1,000 per claim ($25 deductible) against damage, theft or loss.
Wells Fargo Attune Card
- Welcome Bonus: Earn a $100 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Annual Fee: $0
The Wells Fargo Attune World Elite Mastercard® Card offers cash rewards when you take care of yourself and the world. It offers 4% cash rewards for self-care (spa, gym, fitness and wellness), entertainment (sports, recreation, and entertainment), and impactful purchases (public transit, EV charging, thrift stores, and other planet-friendly stores). Plus, you’ll receive 1% cash rewards on all other purchases.
While taking care of yourself and the planet, you can also take care of your wallet with 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, followed by a 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR. A 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR will apply for balance transfers. This offer makes it easier to pay off purchases over time without incurring any interest charges during the promo period. In addition to the welcome bonus, Wells Fargo will also donate $50 to Capital Link for every new cardholder who meets the minimum spending requirement.
Information for the Wells Fargo Attune World Elite Mastercard® was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for these products.
Signify Business Cash Card
- Welcome Bonus: Earn a $500 cash rewards bonus when you spend new price$5,000 in purchases for your business in the first 3 months
- Annual Fee: $0
Small business owners can also earn Wells Fargo Rewards with the Signify Business Cash® Card. Like the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, this card earns an unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases. It has no annual fee, and you can add free employee cards to earn rewards and track their spending.
As part of its benefits, you’ll receive complimentary secondary rental car protection and up to $250,000 in travel accident insurance. Additionally, you have “pay as you go” access to Priority Pass airport lounges. Business owners can balance out their cash flow with the card’s 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, followed by a 17.49%-25.49% Variable APR.
Information for the Signify Business Cash® Card was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for these products.
How To Redeem Wells Fargo Rewards
One of the best benefits of the Wells Fargo Rewards program is its flexible redemption options.
Transfer Partners
Typically, one of the highest-value redemptions is the ability to transfer rewards to an airline or hotel loyalty program. If you have the Autograph Card or Autograph Journey Card, this option is available to you.
Wells Fargo currently has eight transfer partners, with most programs offering a 1:1 transfer ratio (except Choice Privileges, which offers 2 points for every Wells Fargo point you transfer):
- Aer Lingus AerClub
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- Avianca LifeMiles
- British Airways Executive Club
- Iberia Plus
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Choice Privileges
- Virgin Red
Cash Rewards
Cash is an excellent redemption option because you can use your rewards any way you like. You can deposit rewards into an eligible Wells Fargo bank account, or you can request a check to be mailed to your home address. If you’re cashing in points, they’re worth 1 cent each, and you can set up a recurring redemption in 2,500-point increments.
Booking Travel
You can use your Wells Fargo Rewards to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more to save money on your next trip. The bank offers a full online travel agency where you can search for trip options, then use points to pay for some or all of the cost. Points are worth 1 cent each toward travel.
Statement Credits
If you’re more focused on paying down your balance than other redemption options, you can receive statement credits to your credit card. Again, Wells Fargo Rewards points are worth 1 cent each, which means you’ll need 10,000 points for a $100 statement credit. Redemptions can be made in any amount. You can also automate redemptions with a recurring auto redemption in 2,500-point increments.
Pay With Rewards
When using PayPal to shop online and in-store, you can use Wells Fargo Rewards points to offset the cost of your purchase. To pay with rewards through PayPal, you’ll need to link your accounts, then select “Use Wells Fargo Rewards” during the checkout process.
Gift Cards and Merchandise
You can use your Wells Fargo points to buy something for yourself or as a gift for someone else. The Wells Fargo Rewards site sells gift cards to popular stores and restaurants, or you can shop through its catalog of millions of products. Occasionally, select gift cards go on sale, which allows you to buy them at a discount.
How To Maximize Wells Fargo Rewards
While there are numerous ways to earn and redeem Wells Fargo Rewards, follow these steps to maximize your rewards:
- Earn a welcome bonus on a new card: Opening a new credit card is one of the fastest and largest ways to earn rewards.
- Take advantage of bonus categories: Select a Wells Fargo credit card whose bonus categories align with the places you spend the most. By maximizing your bonus categories, you’ll earn more points and get to your preferred redemption more quickly.
- Use your card for everyday spending: Whether you’re earning category bonus points or 1% cash rewards on your purchases, using your Wells Fargo Rewards card for all of your purchases will add up quickly.
- Add authorized users or employee cards: Adding someone to your account allows you to earn rewards on their purchases as well. Keep in mind that you are still responsible for their spending, so keep close tabs on their transactions to ensure they don’t overspend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wells Fargo Rewards
How do I redeem my Wells Fargo Rewards?
Customers with an eligible Wells Fargo credit card can redeem rewards online or through the bank’s mobile app. You can browse through the redemption options, select the one that best fits your needs and choose how many points to redeem.
How much are 1,000 Wells Fargo points worth?
Generally, Wells Fargo Rewards points are worth 1 cent each. If you have 1,000 points, that is worth $10 toward travel, cash back, gift cards and more. However, it’s possible to get a higher value if you transfer points to airline and hotel partners for award travel.
What is the best thing to use Wells Fargo Rewards for?
The best redemption option is the one that matters most to you. If you want the highest value redemption, using one of the Wells Fargo transfer partners is the best choice. When you redeem points to one of these loyalty programs, you may be able to get a higher value than 1 cent per point.
Do Wells Fargo reward points expire?
You can safely keep Wells Fargo Rewards points in your account for long periods because they do not expire. You will never lose points as long as your account is open and remains in good standing. This allows you to save up for a valuable redemption instead of redeeming points for a less favorable item to avoid losing them.
