Wells Fargo Attune Card review: Boosted cash-back rewards in specialty categories
Wells Fargo Attune Card overview
The Wells Fargo Attune® Card is a cash rewards card that stands out thanks to its unconventional bonus categories. While other cards earn bonus rewards on common expenses such as dining, travel and groceries, the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Attune is a good choice to earn rewards on self-care, entertainment and certain lifestyle purchases. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
The information for the Wells Fargo Attune has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The Wells Fargo Attune earns unlimited 4% cash rewards in multiple uncommon categories. The card could be a great option for fitness enthusiasts, pet owners and avid concertgoers — but those aren't the only spenders who could benefit from having it.
We recommend a credit score of 670 to give yourself a good chance at being approved.
Now, let's dig into the details and see if you're a good candidate for the Wells Fargo Attune.
Wells Fargo Attune pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Wells Fargo Attune welcome offer
New Wells Fargo Attune applicants earn a $100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening.
After you meet the spending requirement for this bonus, Wells Fargo donates $50 to Capital Link, a nonprofit that provides backup solar and battery-powered energy to medical facilities affected by power outages.
This isn't a particularly competitive welcome offer since other no-annual-fee cash rewards cards offer a $200 bonus after meeting the same spending threshold.
These include another Wells Fargo card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees), as well as competitors, such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees).
Be sure to consider Wells Fargo's application rules and restrictions when applying. For example, Wells Fargo may not approve your application if you've opened multiple credit card accounts in the last 24 months or if you've opened another Wells Fargo card in the last six months.
Related: The pros and cons of cash-back credit cards
Wells Fargo Attune benefits
The Wells Fargo Attune is a no-annual-fee card, so don't expect high-level purchase protections, statement credits or lounge access.
However, the Attune does feature up to $600 in cellular telephone protection against damage and theft when you pay your monthly bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible).
You'll also receive an auto rental collision damage waiver (coverage is secondary), access to Mastercard's World Elite concierge service, Mastercard ID Theft Protection and zero liability protection.
New cardholders are also eligible for a 0% introductory APR period on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening, then a 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% variable APR thereafter.
The Attune isn't the card to bring abroad, though, since it charges a 3% fee on all foreign transactions.
Perhaps most importantly, the Attune's broad and unique bonus-earning categories set it apart from other no-annual-fee cards and are the top benefits.
Related: Why you may want a cash-back card
Earning cash rewards on the Wells Fargo Attune
The Wells Fargo Attune earns 4% cash rewards across three types of purchases:
- Planet-friendly, impactful purchases
- Select sports, recreation and entertainment
- Self-care
These categories are broadly defined and earn elevated rewards on a long list of expenses. Many of these aren't often included in bonus categories on other cards.
Here are specific examples of purchases that earn 4% cash rewards on the Attune:
| Planet-friendly purchases, including: | Select sports, recreation and entertainment, including: | Self-care, including: |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
The Attune earns 1% cash rewards on other purchases.
This card's bonus categories are wide-ranging and unique. These may not be for everyone since they don't include common purchases like travel and groceries, but they could be game-changing for some.
Bonus category highlights include pet-related purchases, such as pet shops, supplies, boarding and grooming; tourist attractions; amusement parks; and beauty and barber shops. These purchases aren't often covered by bonus categories on other cards, making the Attune stand out.
It's worth noting that some cardholders have seen certain purchases code incorrectly, earning 1% cash rewards instead of the 4% bonus. It's worth keeping track of your statements to ensure you're getting the return you expect.
Related: Unique credit card benefits you won't find elsewhere
Redeeming cash rewards on the Wells Fargo Attune
Rewards earned with the Wells Fargo Attune can be redeemed in multiple ways:
- Gift cards in increments of $10
- Past purchases you've already made (starting at $1; you must have enough rewards in your account to cover the full purchase to redeem this way)
- PayPal checkout
- Statement credits toward your card's balance or eligible Wells Fargo checking accounts or mortgages
While these options aren't as flexible as what you'll find with some of our favorite travel rewards cards, the Attune is still a good card for simplicity.
And, if you have a card that earns transferable Wells Fargo Rewards points, such as the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (see rates and fees) or Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (see rates and fees), you can convert your cash rewards earned on the Attune into travel rewards that can be moved to one of Wells Fargo's transfer partners.
Related: How to redeem cash-back rewards from your credit card
Which cards compete with the Wells Fargo Attune?
While there isn't another card exactly like the Wells Fargo Attune, there are a few cards that compete with it:
- If you prefer rotating bonus categories: The Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) is a good catch-all option since it features quarterly rotating categories that earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in select categories when you activate. To learn more, see our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
- If you spend frequently on entertainment: The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card earns 3% cash back on entertainment, which is covered by the Attune. While it lacks some of the more specialized categories on the Attune, the Capital One Savor also offers 3% cash back on groceries (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), dining and streaming, so it could be better for certain spenders. To learn more, see our full review of the Capital One Savor.
- If you prefer a flat-rate cash-back card: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% cash back on all of your purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay), making it one of the simplest choices if you want bonus rewards in less popular categories. To learn more, see our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
See our full list of the best cash-back credit cards for more options.
Related: The best credit cards to maximize your entertainment spending
Is the Wells Fargo Attune worth it?
I view the Wells Fargo Attune as a solid option for earning cash rewards on purchases that aren't included in common bonus categories on other cards. While the Attune's bonus categories don't cover your most common spending, earning 4% cash rewards on purchases such as gym memberships, hair appointments, movies and concert tickets makes it a good supplement to a cash-back enthusiast's wallet — or someone with a points-earning Wells Fargo card.
Related: The best credit cards to maximize fitness spending
Bottom line
The Wells Fargo Attune is framed as a card centered on general well-being since it rewards planet-friendly spending, recreational purchases and self-care expenses.
It's not the best card for everyday purchases, but for no annual fee, the Attune could be a solid addition for a broad hobbyist looking to earn bonus cash rewards in unique categories or to pair with another Wells Fargo card for more transferable points.
Related: Common mistakes to avoid when using a cash-back credit card
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.