Wells Fargo Transfer Partners
When it comes to transferrable bank point programs, points and travel enthusiasts – from casuals to full-on degenerates like me – probably think of three rewards currencies first. Those are Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points. Additional options occasionally enter the conversation, some mired in more controversy than others. But one of those others has popped up for positive reasons. The list of Wells Fargo transfer partners is increasing, reflecting a surprisingly-strong lineup of longer-time and newer participants. Today, I’m resetting the updated Wells Fargo travel transfer partner list and highlighting some intriguing opportunities.
The Full Lineup of Wells Fargo Transfer Partners
Refreshingly simple, the bank calls its points Wells Fargo Rewards. Here are the travel programs where cardholders can transfer Wells Fargo Rewards points, including the transfer ratio (Wells Fargo: travel loyalty program). Recently-added partners are in bold:
- Aer Lingus AerClub (Avios), 1:1
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue, 1:1
- Avianca LifeMiles, 1:1
- British Airways Executive Club (Avios), 1:1
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, 1:1
- Choice Privileges, 1:2
- Iberia Club (Avios), 1:1
- JetBlue True Blue, 1:1
- Virgin Red, 1:1
- Virgin Atlantic, 1:1
- Wyndham Rewards, 1:2
My Take
Full disclosure, I don’t participate in the Wells Fargo Rewards program. For years, I’ve been denied for participating cards, including the Wells Fargo Autograph and Autograph Journey, primarily due to my active nature elsewhere. I’m increasingly jealous of those who are, though!
Hotels
One sneaky-good aspect of Wells Fargo transfer partners are the hotel participants (Mark recently covered this a bit). Choice Privileges has been a longtime participant, but this partnership became much more valuable due to a Citi devaluation. Citi ThankYou Points transferred to Choice Privileges at a 1:2 ratio until last month, when that rate was decreased to 1:1.5. By simply maintaining its transfer rate, Wells Fargo now offers the most attractive transfer ratio of any bank rewards currency to Choice Privileges. That trend doesn’t end there. With the recent addition of Wyndham Rewards at 1:2, Wells Fargo Rewards also offers the leading bank point transfer ratio with this hotel loyalty program.
Choice Privileges was previously my favorite Citi ThankYou Point transfer partner, primarily due to the hotel program’s partnership with Preferred Hotels and Resorts. People have done big things with Wyndham Rewards via Vacasa (not me), but that’s no longer possible. In my view, though, Wyndham Rewards points can still bring solid value via stays at Club Wyndham properties and all things Caesars Rewards.
Let’s not forget that Wells Fargo Rewards technically has yet another hotel partner, again indirectly. Virgin Red points can be used to book stays at Virgin Hotels via its “The Know” program.
Airlines
The addition of Cathay Pacific is a strong one, given the Asia Miles program’s access to excellent premium rewards with the airline and other oneworld partners.
As far as the preexisting airline partners, I’m a big fan of options with Air France/KLM Flying Blue. One reason is the option to transfer points. Those two airlines allow points pooling via Flying Blue Family, similar to other Wells Fargo transfer partners, including British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Club, and JetBlue True Blue. Aer Lingus loyalists can also do so via BA, and Virgin Red points are easily transferrable to any other member. Virgin Red point moves, notably any amount, cost only $15 per transfer.
I’m only scraping the surface here. While Wells Fargo’s airline transfer partners may not be industry-leading, they are increasingly in the competitive conversation alongside others.
Conclusion
An annoying oddity of Wells Fargo’s transfer list is they list Virgin Red and Virgin Atlantic as different partners. This seems a bit repetitive, given that Virgin Red points can be used to book Virgin Atlantic/partner flights and Virgin Hotels stays. Anyway, the Wells Fargo Rewards program is trending up thanks to its recent additions. Plus, they offer a considerable roster of longtime partners which offer solid value. Individuals loyal to multiple partners (or maybe even one) should consider the roster of Wells Fargo cards which allow transfers. Check out the cards, including their attractive earn rates in certain bonus categories, crunch the numbers, and do big things – even if I can’t.
Are you a fan of the Wells Fargo transfer partners? What have been your favorite angles?
For consumers, the Active Cash is 2X. For business, the Signify is 2X. The “regular” Autograph earns 3X on gas.
If Wells had a 2x everywhere card or a 3x grocery card that was readily available I’d be inclined to sign up. Unfortunately they have an unofficial 5/24 policy from what I understand.
The Premier Autograph has great travel protections. Comparable to the CSR. I’m fixin’ to transition to it from the publicly available versions.
I’d say Wells would help really its attractiveness by adding Air Canada, Emirates, and Singapore. And, adding two curve balls on the hotel side with Leading Hotels and Preferred Hotels.