Head to head

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Card

On the criteria below, Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

Wells Fargo Autograph Card

Wells Fargo

At a glance

Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, and lounge access; Wells Fargo Autograph Card wins on annual fee.

Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if year-one math is your priority; take the Wells Fargo Autograph Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

3 vs 1
  • First-year math Chase Sapphire Reserve

    Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Wells Fargo Autograph Card

    Wells Fargo Autograph Card is $795 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling Chase Sapphire Reserve

    Chase Sapphire Reserve earns more on its best category (8× vs 3×).

  • Lounge access Chase Sapphire Reserve

    Chase Sapphire Reserve includes lounge access; the other doesn't.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$795
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
$1,700
First-year net
+$905
+$0
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Chase Travel, Flights Direct, Hotels Direct
Dining, Travel, Transit
Lounge access
chase-sapphire-lounge, priority-pass
No
Travel insurance
Yes
Yes
Elite status
Yes
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
None
Reward currency
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Wells Fargo Rewards

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.