Is the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card worth the higher annual fee?

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card costs $95/yr vs $0/yr for the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card or Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card have that the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card doesn't?

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card offers lounge access, travel credits. The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Is the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card worth the higher annual fee?

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card costs $95/yr vs $0/yr for the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card or Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card have that the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card doesn't?

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card offers lounge access, travel credits. The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Is the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card worth the higher annual fee?

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card costs $95/yr vs $0/yr for the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card or Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card have that the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card doesn't?

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card offers lounge access, travel credits. The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

CardRewards

Editorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: May 2026.

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card vs Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card ($95/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

No image

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card

PenFed

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card

Wells Fargo

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$95

Welcome Bonus

50,000 Flex point

20,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card	Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card
Airlines	4X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card wins in 7 of 9 categories. The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card leads in 2.

Airlines

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card earns 4X vs 1X

Hotels

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card earns 4X vs 1X

Gas Stations

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Transit

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Streaming

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Phone Bills

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Dining

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Telecom

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Tolls

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

The Bottom Line

The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $95), making it the more accessible option.

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

Choose the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card worth the higher annual fee?: The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card costs $95/yr vs $0/yr for the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card or Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card have that the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card doesn't?: The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card offers lounge access, travel credits. The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card or the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card?: Choose the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card if you spend enough to justify the $95/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Explore More

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card — Full Review All PenFed Cards

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card — Full Review All Wells Fargo Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: PenFed cards · Wells Fargo cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card vs Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card

No image

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card

PenFed

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card

Wells Fargo

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$95

Welcome Bonus

50,000 Flex point

20,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card	Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card
Airlines	4X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card wins in 7 of 9 categories. The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card leads in 2.

Airlines

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card earns 4X vs 1X

Hotels

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card earns 4X vs 1X

Gas Stations

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Transit

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Streaming

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Phone Bills

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Dining

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Telecom

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Tolls

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

The Bottom Line

The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $95), making it the more accessible option.

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card worth the higher annual fee?: The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card costs $95/yr vs $0/yr for the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card or Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card have that the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card doesn't?: The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card offers lounge access, travel credits. The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card or the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card?: Choose the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card if you spend enough to justify the $95/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Explore More

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card — Full Review All PenFed Cards

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card — Full Review All Wells Fargo Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: PenFed cards · Wells Fargo cards

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card vs Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card

No image

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card

PenFed

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card

Wells Fargo

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$95

Welcome Bonus

50,000 Flex point

20,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card	Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card
Airlines	4X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card wins in 7 of 9 categories. The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card leads in 2.

Airlines

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card earns 4X vs 1X

Hotels

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card earns 4X vs 1X

Gas Stations

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Transit

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Streaming

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Phone Bills

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Dining

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Telecom

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

Tolls

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card earns 3X vs 1X

The Bottom Line

The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $95), making it the more accessible option.

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card worth the higher annual fee?: The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card costs $95/yr vs $0/yr for the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card or Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card have that the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card doesn't?: The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card offers lounge access, travel credits. The Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card or the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card?: Choose the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card if you spend enough to justify the $95/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Explore More

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card — Full Review All PenFed Cards

Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card — Full Review All Wells Fargo Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: PenFed cards · Wells Fargo cards

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3x points on travel purchases (per RewardsCC API)
+4x points on airlines and hotels (competitive rates)
+Priority Pass Select lounge membership included
+$100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every 5 years
+No foreign transaction fees

+3X points on 6 popular categories: dining, travel, gas, transit, streaming, phone bills
+No annual fee with transferable points (rare combination)
+1:1 transfers to 8 airline partners including British Airways, JetBlue, and Virgin Atlantic
+No spending caps on bonus categories
+No foreign transaction fees

Cons

−$95 annual fee (not waived first year)
−Only 1x on non-travel purchases
−Points value is 1 cent each (no transfer partner premium)
−Trip delay reimbursement limits may be lower than premium cards
−Less brand recognition than major bank travel cards

−Only 1X on groceries and general shopping
−Welcome bonus of 20,000 points ($200 value) is modest
−Limited hotel transfer options (only Choice Privileges at 1:2 ratio)
−No premium travel benefits like lounge access or travel insurance
−Penalty APR of 29.99% for late payments

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card costs $95/yr — that's $95 more than the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $95 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. With 3 premium perks, heavy spenders on airlines and hotels can often offset the full fee.

Bottom line: The $95 difference is small enough that the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3x points on travel purchases (per RewardsCC API)
+4x points on airlines and hotels (competitive rates)
+Priority Pass Select lounge membership included
+$100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every 5 years
+No foreign transaction fees

+3X points on 6 popular categories: dining, travel, gas, transit, streaming, phone bills
+No annual fee with transferable points (rare combination)
+1:1 transfers to 8 airline partners including British Airways, JetBlue, and Virgin Atlantic
+No spending caps on bonus categories
+No foreign transaction fees

Cons

−$95 annual fee (not waived first year)
−Only 1x on non-travel purchases
−Points value is 1 cent each (no transfer partner premium)
−Trip delay reimbursement limits may be lower than premium cards
−Less brand recognition than major bank travel cards

−Only 1X on groceries and general shopping
−Welcome bonus of 20,000 points ($200 value) is modest
−Limited hotel transfer options (only Choice Privileges at 1:2 ratio)
−No premium travel benefits like lounge access or travel insurance
−Penalty APR of 29.99% for late payments

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

Bottom line: The $95 difference is small enough that the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3x points on travel purchases (per RewardsCC API)
+4x points on airlines and hotels (competitive rates)
+Priority Pass Select lounge membership included
+$100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every 5 years
+No foreign transaction fees

+3X points on 6 popular categories: dining, travel, gas, transit, streaming, phone bills
+No annual fee with transferable points (rare combination)
+1:1 transfers to 8 airline partners including British Airways, JetBlue, and Virgin Atlantic
+No spending caps on bonus categories
+No foreign transaction fees

Cons

−$95 annual fee (not waived first year)
−Only 1x on non-travel purchases
−Points value is 1 cent each (no transfer partner premium)
−Trip delay reimbursement limits may be lower than premium cards
−Less brand recognition than major bank travel cards

−Only 1X on groceries and general shopping
−Welcome bonus of 20,000 points ($200 value) is modest
−Limited hotel transfer options (only Choice Privileges at 1:2 ratio)
−No premium travel benefits like lounge access or travel insurance
−Penalty APR of 29.99% for late payments

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

Bottom line: The $95 difference is small enough that the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment