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How long do Wells Fargo Rewards points take to transfer?

Aug. 14, 2024
5 min read
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Earlier this year, Wells Fargo significantly improved its travel rewards program by adding transfer partners. That means that if you hold a card that earns Wells Fargo Rewards points, you can now transfer those points to a handful of airlines and hotels, where you can often get more value out of your points than by redeeming them directly through Wells Fargo's portal.

But if you decide to take advantage of Wells Fargo's transfer partners, how long will your points take to transfer?

Thankfully, based on our tests, the answer is: not very long.

Related: Why I got the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card — and how I plan to use the welcome bonus

Wells Fargo Rewards points transfer times

Air France jet in Paris in 2023
CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

With some programs, transferring points to certain partners may take several days or even weeks. This can cause problems when you're planning a redemption and the award space disappears before the points reach your frequent flyer or hotel rewards account.

Fortunately, when it comes to Wells Fargo, our tests show that transfers are almost instant when you move points to any of the six available transfer partners.

ProgramTransfer ratioTransfer time
Aer Lingus AerClub1:1Within minutes
Air France-KLM Flying Blue1:1Within minutes
Avianca LifeMiles1:1Within minutes
British Airways Executive Club1:1Within minutes
Choice Privileges1:2Within minutes
Iberia Plus1:1Within minutes

These times are based on our personal experiences and should not be taken as hard-and-fast rules. Your transfers may be faster or slower, but you can use these times as guidelines when planning your redemptions.

Related: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card review: Valuable earnings rates and transfer partners

Tips for transferring Wells Fargo Rewards points

Although many points programs require you to transfer in increments of 1,000, Wells Fargo allows you to transfer as little as a single point — a handy feature when you're only a few points away from an airline or hotel redemption.

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WELLSFARGO.COM

As with most transferable points currencies, transfers from Wells Fargo to any of its partners are irreversible. We recommend having a redemption in mind and confirming award availability at your desired airline or hotel before you transfer those hard-earned points.

A few airlines allow you to put award tickets on hold, and the only one among Wells Fargo's transfer partners is Air France-KLM Flying Blue. If you're planning a Flying Blue redemption with Wells Fargo points, putting your award ticket on hold may be a good idea before you initiate the transfer.

Related: Your ultimate guide on how to search award availability for the major airlines

Can you transfer Wells Fargo Rewards points to someone else's account?

A woman in a hotel room wearing a robe and stretching in front of a window after waking up
CHINNAPONG/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

When transferring points to travel partners, Wells Fargo stipulates that "The partner loyalty program account must be identical to the name on your credit card." So, you can only transfer points to your own airline and hotel accounts.

However, you can transfer Wells Fargo Rewards points to someone else's Wells Fargo account if they have a card that earns Wells Fargo Rewards points. Simply choose the "Gift to Others" redemption option in your Wells Fargo account.

WELLSFARGO.COM

On the next screen, choose "Transfer Rewards as a Gift," which lets you send points directly to someone else. You can transfer as little as 1 point this way, and your giftee can then transfer their new points to their own airline and hotel accounts.

WELLSFARGO.COM

TPG confirmed that these transfers between cardholders process instantly, just like transfers to Wells Fargo's airline and hotel partners.

Related: Book award travel faster by pooling your points

Is there a fee for transferring Wells Fargo Rewards points?

Good news: Wells Fargo does not charge a transfer or excise tax offset fee. Know, though, that when you transfer points to airlines and use them to book an award flight, you will likely still need to pay taxes and fees on your ticket.

Which cards earn Wells Fargo Rewards points?

Woman's card wallet
WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES

Though Wells Fargo offers multiple credit cards, including several that earn cash-back rewards, you can currently only earn transferable Wells Fargo Rewards points with the following cards:

Related: Wells Fargo Autograph vs. Autograph Journey: Should you pay an annual fee for more benefits?

Bottom line

Wells Fargo's transfer partners open many new redemption possibilities for cardholders and make it more competitive with points programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Bilt Rewards. Wells Fargo's transfer partner list is still pretty short (and all of its partners work with other issuers as well), but the near-instant transfer times and no minimum transfer amount make it easy to redeem rewards at these partners — and we hope new partners will be added soon.


For rates and fees of the Wells Fargo Autograph, click here.
For rates and fees of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, click here.

Featured image by MINISERIES/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4 / 5
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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site

Rewards

1 - 4X points
4XEarn 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.
4XEarn 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.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Annual Fee

$325

Recommended Credit

Excellent to Good
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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 $6,000 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.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 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.
4XEarn 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.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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 $6,000 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.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.