✈ The Next Credit Card I’m Applying For, Why Flights to China Are Dwindling & More News From TPG ✈

Also: Virgin Atlantic adds new North American routes September 9, 2024 [THE POINTS GUY]( [View in browser]( [TPG Daily NEWSLETTER]( [THE POINTS GUY]( An underrated mid-tier offer by Ben Smithson, Senior Writer [TPG | Hero Image] I write about points and miles every day for a living, so I keep a close eye on new credit card offerings — and there’s one card I’ve decided should be the next card I add to my wallet. The new [Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠Card]( doesn’t get as much attention as the [Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card]( or the [Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card]( but I think it's an underrated mid-tier card. The card offers a respectable 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months. Wells Fargo Rewards points are worth 1.6 cents apiece according to TPG’s September 2024 [valuations]( making this bonus worth about $960. While there are cards with [higher welcome bonuses]( there are other perks that really make this card shine. For starters, the $50 annual statement credit for airfare purchases (with a $50 minimum airline purchase) offsets more than half the annual fee of $95. The card offers a small but [useful list of transfer partners]( including British Airways Executive Club, Air France-KLM Flying Blue (my [favorite SkyTeam loyalty program]( and Avianca LifeMiles, all at a 1:1 rate, as well as Choice Privileges at a 1:2 ratio. Given that the card is new, I’m hopeful more transfer partners will be added soon ([Air Canada’s terrific Aeroplan program]( would be at the top of my wish list). But the earning rates on this card make it a compelling offer. It’s not unusual for mid-tier cards to offer bonus points on a few select categories, but the Autograph Journey card offers an incredible: - 5 points per dollar spent at hotels - 4 points per dollar spent on airlines - 3 points per dollar spent on other travel and restaurant purchases - 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases What makes these earning rates even better is that the generous bonus points earned at hotels and on airlines are for spending directly with your favorite airline or hotel brand — there’s no requirement to purchase travel through the card issuer's portal to earn extra points. Given that some flight prices can be higher through these portals, as [TPG’s special report recently discovered]( the freedom to earn at least 3 points per dollar spent on all travel and dining, regardless of how you choose to book, has caught my attention. No other card is this generous in all of these categories. That’s why the [Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card]( is the next card I plan to apply for. Here are some more resources to help you decide on your next card: - [Best credit cards of September 2024]( - [Why I got the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card — and how I plan to use the welcome bonus]( - [Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card: Valuable earning rates and new transfer partners]( - [How to choose your best credit card strategy for 2024]( Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, [visit this page](. Photo Credit: NICK ELLIS/THE POINTS GUY. Today’s top stories [US-China flights are a quarter of what they were prepandemic — here’s why]( Russian airspace is closed to U.S. airlines and fewer Americans are traveling to China. [Read more]( [Virgin Atlantic to fly to Canada for first time in 10 years in broader 3-route expansion]( Virgin Atlantic is expanding its network with the addition of three "new" destinations. [Read more]( [Aeroplan elite members can now transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio — but is it worth it?]( We'll discuss why it might make sense (or not) to transfer your points. [Read more]( [I nearly missed my cruise ship — here’s how you can avoid becoming a pier runner]( When you’re on your own, it’s your responsibility to make it back to the ship on time. [Read more]( [How and why to get Hyatt lifetime Globalist status]( A look at how to earn World of Hyatt lifetime Globalist status, and the benefits it provides. [Read more]( The latest 1. [U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card review: Bonus rewards in multiple categories]( 2. [American reveals details of upcoming Boeing 777 retrofits, new Airbus A321XLR routes]( 3. [Norwegian Cruise Line ships ranked by size from biggest to smallest — the complete list]( 4. [How to choose an airline credit card]( 5. [10 of the best US national parks to visit in the fall]( 6. [San Juan cruise port guide: Top things to see and do in Puerto Rico]( 7. [Capital on Tap Business Card review: Simple cash back and high credit limits for businesses]( 8. [20 new Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night]( 9. [Got excellent credit? These are the best credit cards for you]( 10. [Wyndham rolls out US debut of its newest luxury brand]( [fb]( [insta]( [yt]( [tw]( [in]( [mail](mailto:hello@thepointsguy.com) You are receiving this email because you opted in at [thepointsguy.com](. Where to find us: The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe [here](. Changed your mind? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( at any time. Advertiser Disclosure: The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our [advertising policy]( and [product review methodology]( for more information. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024