United Explorer Card vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Card
On the criteria below, Wells Fargo Autograph Card wins 2 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
United Explorer Card
Chase
Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Autograph Card wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
United Explorer Card wins on first-year math; Wells Fargo Autograph Card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling.
Pick the United Explorer Card 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
1 vs 2- First-year math United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Wells Fargo Autograph Card is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Wells Fargo Autograph Card earns more on its best category (3× vs 2×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $910
- —
- First-year net
- +$760
- +$0
- Peak earning rate
- 2×
- 3×
- Top categories
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Dining, Travel, Transit
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- United MileagePlus
- 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.