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Hilton Honors American Express Aspire vs Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire comes from American Express at $550/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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($875 more in estimated value) than the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey's. Get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire first; revisit the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express AspireWells Fargo Autograph Journey
Annual fee$550$95
Sign-up bonus175,000 points60,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$875-
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$4,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressWells Fargo
Card categoryhoteltravel
Best earning category (Hilton)14x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Automatic Diamond status
  • Free weekend night certificate
  • $400 resort credit + $200 flight credit
  • $209 CLEAR + $100 Conrad/Waldorf
  • 5x on flights
  • 4x hotels
  • 6 transfer partners (2024)
  • $50 airline credit
Read the full review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
$550/yr · 175,000 points
Read the full review
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
$95/yr · 60,000 bonus points

Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire

Pretty much a no-brainer if you stay at Hilton hotels. The $550 annual fee pays for itself with just the free night reward alone, which can be used at any standard room property, even $1,000+ per night hotels.

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, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire or Wells Fargo Autograph Journey?
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire has a public bonus (175,000 points, worth roughly $875), while the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire's $550 annual fee worth it compared to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey?
Premium cards like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire ($550/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $550+ 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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express 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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire or the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire: $6,000 spend in 6 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.