Here's My Favorite New Credit Card of 2024

After a few generally slow years for credit card innovation, we're starting to see some interesting new products come to market. One that stands out as a particularly impressive new credit card is the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card.

Although the card has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees), it has some impressive rewards and perks that could make it well worth the cost. Keep reading to learn why I'm such a fan.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card has class-leading travel rewards

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is a travel credit card by nature, and as such, it has a standout rewards program. Cardholders earn rewards at these rates:

• 5X points per $1 on hotels
• 4X points per $1 on airlines
• 3X points per $1 at restaurants and on all other travel
• 1X point per $1 on everything else

Wells Fargo offers several ways to redeem points, and unlike many competing travel cards, you won't get a lower redemption rate if you choose an option like gift cards or cash back.

Not only are the earning rates fantastic on travel and restaurant spending, but cardholders also can transfer points to several airline and hotel partners. Don't worry if your preferred airline isn't on the list, as one of its partners may be.

For example, American Airlines isn't on the list, but British Airways is, and you can use British Airways points to book American Airlines flights. In most cases, transferring to an airline loyalty program is the best way to maximize the value of your points.

Other benefits of the card

In addition to an excellent rewards program, you'll get a $50 statement credit once per year toward an airline purchase, and this benefit pays for more than half of the annual fee all by itself.

Other benefits include:

• Trip cancellation, trip interruption, and lost baggage insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Cellphone protection insurance for up to $1,000 with a deductible of just $25 (far better than most competitors)
• No foreign transaction fees

While offers can certainly vary over time, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card also has an extremely generous welcome offer for a travel credit card at this price point.

An alternative without an annual fee

It's also worth noting that there's a no annual fee version of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card that is an impressive product as well. It's called the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card.

Its rewards program is slightly less attractive, but still very strong. It earns rewards at a rate of 3X points per dollar on restaurant purchases, travel, gas, streaming services, transit, and phone plans. Like the Journey card, its points are also transferable to airline and hotel partners. Plus, it has strong cellphone protection, and unlike the Journey, also has an intro APR period for new purchases (but not balance transfers).

In short, if you want a credit card with no annual fee and a fantastic rewards program, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card should be on your short list to consider.

The bottom line

If you use the card often, the impressive rewards program of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card could more than justify the annual fee all by itself. For example, let's say you're a frequent traveler and spend $2,500 on hotels, $5,000 on airfare, and $5,000 at restaurants and other travel this year. This would get you reward points worth at least $475.

That's in addition to the flight credit and other benefits. If you're looking for an excellent all-around rewards card, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is a highly competitive product that is worth a look.