Comparison of Chase Sapphire Preferred and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey: A showdown between mid-tier travel cards

The battle of the mid-tier travel cards is heating up as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card faces off against its newest competitor, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card. Both cards come with a $95 annual fee, but which one offers the best value for travelers?

In terms of sign-up bonuses, the Sapphire Preferred takes the lead with 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, valued at around $1,537. On the other hand, the Autograph Journey offers 60,000 bonus points for the same spending requirement, valued at $960.

When it comes to earning rates, the Sapphire Preferred offers 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel, Lyft purchases, and Peloton equipment purchases, among others. The Autograph Journey, on the other hand, provides 5 points per dollar on hotels, 4 points per dollar on airlines, and 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining.

In terms of benefits, the Sapphire Preferred offers a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards hotel credit, a 10% anniversary points boost, and various subscription services. The Autograph Journey provides a $50 annual statement credit for airline purchases, cellphone protection, and exclusive access to concerts.

Overall, the Sapphire Preferred emerges as the winner due to its higher sign-up bonus, valuable earning rates, and extensive list of benefits. However, the Autograph Journey shows promise with its unique perks and growing list of transfer partners. Travel enthusiasts will have to weigh their options carefully to determine which card best suits their needs.