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Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Flex vs Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Flex comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey from Wells Fargo at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureChase Freedom FlexWells Fargo Autograph Journey
Annual fee$0$95
Sign-up bonus$200 cash back60,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$200-
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$4,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseWells Fargo
Card categorycashbacktravel
Best earning category (Rotating)5x1x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 5% rotating categories
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • No annual fee
  • Cell phone protection
  • 5x on flights
  • 4x hotels
  • 6 transfer partners (2024)
  • $50 airline credit
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Flex
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Read the full review
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
$95/yr · 60,000 bonus points

Editorial take: Chase Freedom Flex

Worth it only if you'll actually activate the rotating 5% categories every quarter. If you won't, the Freedom Unlimited earns more on everyday spend with zero effort.

Editorial take: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

5x on flights is class-leading at this price point. Wells Fargo added 6 transfer partners in 2024 (Flying Blue, Avianca, BA Avios, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Choice), making this card meaningfully better than before. Worth considering over Sapphire Preferred for frequent flyers.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Flex or Wells Fargo Autograph Journey?
The Chase Freedom Flex has a public bonus ($200 cash back, worth roughly $200), while the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Chase Freedom Flex's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey?
The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey's $95 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey's benefits to clear $95 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Flex.
Can I have both the Chase Freedom Flex and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and Wells Fargo) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
Should I get the Chase Freedom Flex or the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 spend in 3 months. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey: $4,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.