Wells Fargo Propel Credit Card Review
Wells Fargo just re-released their Propel credit card which uses the American Express network. The card was reconfigured and has come back with a very compelling package. In this Wells Fargo Propel credit card review we will take a look at the welcome bonus, the earning structure, and the card’s perks.
Current Welcome Bonus vs Historical High
The current welcome bonus offer is:
- 30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
The points are worth 1 cent a piece which makes it a $300 welcome bonus. Since this is a newly re-branded card this is also the historical high.
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Bonus Restrictions
Wells Fargo will only allow you to get one welcome bonus every 15 months across all cards. They also require you to have a preexisting relationship to receive an approval most of the time. Setting up a checking account before applying usually suffices. Their checking accounts often come with a welcome bonus of their own too.
Earning Structure
The Wells Fargo Propel card comes with the following earning structure:
- 3x points per dollar spent on
- Dining
- Travel (gas included)
- Restaurant delivery services
- Streaming Services
- 1x points per dollar spent on everything else
Cardmember Perks
The Wells Fargo Propel comes with the following perks:
- Access to Amex Offers since it is on the American Express network. This does not count against American Express’ 5 or 6 credit card limit since they are not the issuing bank.
- Enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine, appetizer or discount on your meal at participating restaurants with from American Express Invites.
- No foreign transaction fees
- $600 in cell phone protection (subject to $25 deductible) for damage or theft. You must pay your cell phone bill with the card.
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Fees
The Wells Fargo Propel card has no annual fee.
Welcome Bonus Value – $300
Each Wells Fargo Propel point is worth 1 cent and can be redeemed for cash or towards gift cards. Since there is no annual fee you keep the entire $300 value.
Summary
The Wells Fargo Propel credit card is one of the better no annual fee cards out there, especially for people who travel often. It comes with one of the best welcome bonuses for a fee free card, offers valuable bonus categories, and access to Amex Offers.
Dining, travel, gas and streaming services are some large spending areas, so getting 3% back on them is awesome value. While it doesn’t compare to what you could in those areas with a premium card, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, it is better than most no fee cards.
This card does need a companion card for non bonus spend though since 1% on everyday costs just won’t cut it. You could easily pair it with a 2% cash back card, like the Citi Double Cash, and start racking up the dollars. You can also pair it with the Wells Fargo Visa Signature Card and that unlocks the ability to use your points at 1.5 cents a piece for travel bookings.
The Propel card comes with some nice perks for a no fee card too. The cell phone insurance is a great perk for people that crack their phone often. Amex Offers can save you hundreds of dollars and it doesn’t take up a valuable American Express slot either.
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Long Term Keeper
This card does not have an annual fee and is issued by a bank, Wells Fargo, that is not as mainstream as other card issuers. Those two factors make this card worth keeping long term.
The Propel’s earning structure makes it a card worth using for your travel and dining related expenses if you are not willing to get a premium card with an annual fee. If you prefer cash back to miles and points then this is a card worth having, and keeping, in your arsenal.
Conclusion
The Wells Fargo Propel card by American Express is a very competitive no annual fee card. It offers a great welcome bonus, rewarding earning structure, and a few decent perks all for no annual fee.
Wells Fargo can be a little bit tricky with approvals so make sure you have an existing relationship with them (checking account etc.) before applying.
The card is worth keeping long term since it is from a smaller bank and it comes with no annual fee. Keeping it long term will improve your credit score and it will help with future Wells Fargo application approvals.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the old king of travel rewards cards. Right now
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Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
What happened to the 15 month rule about a welcome bonus from any Wells Fargo card?
I missed that one Max – added it in. Thanks!