Delta SkyMiles® Reserve vs Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve
VS
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠
The short answer: The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ delivers a bit more value for most spenders.

Side-by-side comparison

Delta SkyMiles® ReserveWells Fargo Autograph Journey℠
Annual fee$650$95
Welcome offer60,000 125,000 SkyMiles (limited-time)60,000 bonus points ($600 value)
Dining1x3x
Groceries1x1x
Gas1x1x
Travel1x5x
Streaming1x1x
Everything else1x1x
Est. yearly rewards*$292$424
Points typeLocked to Delta SkyMilesTransfers to airlines & hotels
NetworkAmexVisa

*Estimated yearly rewards on typical household spending, every point valued at a flat 1 cent. Verified June 2026. See your own numbers in the calculator.

The verdict

On a typical year of household spending, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve earns about $292 a year in rewards and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ about $424, valuing every point at a flat 1 cent. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve charges $650, which you clear through its rewards and perks. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ charges $95, but carries about $50 in annual statement credits that offset it for anyone who uses them. Counting rewards, fees, and any credits, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ delivers more total value, about $712 a year more for a typical spender, mostly because it earns more where you spend most, on travel and dining. The bigger difference is the ceiling: the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ earns points you can move to travel partners for outsized value, while the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve stays locked to a single airline or hotel program. Favor the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ if you will use travel transfers, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve if you want simplicity. On the sign-up bonus, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve currently has the larger welcome offer (a limited-time offer above its usual amount, so treat it as a one-time boost). A welcome bonus is a one-time event, so weigh it apart from the ongoing rewards.

Pick the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ if your spending leans toward dining, travel.

Read the full reviews

Frequently asked questions

Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve or the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ better?
On typical household spending, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ comes out ahead after its annual fee, by roughly $712 a year with every point valued at a flat 1 cent. But the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve can be the better fit if your spending lines up with its stronger categories. Run both through the Cardocrat calculator to see your own numbers.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠?
In most cases yes, as long as you meet each issuer's approval rules (for example Chase's 5/24 rule). Many people hold complementary cards to cover more bonus categories, then pool or redeem the rewards together where the program allows.
Which has the better welcome bonus, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve or the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠?
As of June 2026, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve offers 125,000 SkyMiles and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ offers 60,000 bonus points ($600 value). Welcome offers change often, so confirm the current offer on each card's page before applying.