Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
Both are travel travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/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
For most people the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($2,500 more in estimated value) than the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Wells Fargo Autograph Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 125,000 points | 60,000 bonus points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,500 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $4,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Wells Fargo |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Chase_travel) | 8x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
|
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 points
Read the full review
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
$95/yr · 60,000 bonus points
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 Sapphire Reserve or Wells Fargo Autograph Journey?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a public bonus (125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500), while the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey?
- Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $795+ of those credits, the math works. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 Sapphire Reserve or the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 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.