Wells Fargo’s Best Points Transfer Airline & Hotel Partners

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Wells Fargo launched a new travel rewards program that allows customers to transfer their Go Far Rewards points to six different airline and hotel loyalty programs similar to American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Capital One Miles.

The initial lineup of Wells Fargo rewards transfer partners includes five airline partners and one hotel partner, with more expected to be added in the future. This new feature coincides with the launch of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card, Wells Fargo’s first travel rewards credit card, which comes with a range of travel benefits and the ability to transfer points to partners at a 1-to-1 ratio.

In this article, we will dive deeper into Wells Fargo’s transfer partners, exploring how to use Go Far Rewards points and maximize their value through strategic transfers to airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Wells Fargo's Transfer Partners

Wells Fargo currently has five airline partners that transfer at a 1 to 1 ratio and one hotel partner Choice Privileges that transfers at a 1 to 2 ratio:

Wells Fargo Logo Wells Fargo Transfer Partners
Aer Lingus Aer Lingus AerClub Air France Air France-KLM Flying Blue
LifeMiles Avianca LifeMiles British Airways British Airways Executive Club
Iberia logo Iberia Plus Choice Logo Choice Privileges (1 to 2)

How to Transfer Wells Fargo Points to Partners

Wells Fargo credit card holders with either the Autograph or Autograph Journey card can now transfer their accumulated points to any of their six travel partners.

To access the new “Points Transfer” feature, log into your Wells Fargo Rewards account by clicking on your rewards balance in the account summary. On the main Wells Fargo Rewards page, you may see the points transfer option in a pop-up window, or you can find it by navigating to “Use Rewards” in the top right corner and selecting “Rewards Points Transfer.”

The page will display your available points balance and the eligible transfer partners, categorized into airlines and hotels. To view the full list of options, click on either “airlines” or “hotels” to expand each section.

One unique aspect of Wells Fargo’s program is that it allows you to transfer points in any denomination, enabling you to transfer the exact number of points needed for a specific reward without leaving any points stranded in your account. This flexibility also helps extend the expiration date of miles or points that are close to expiring. 

Remember that point transfers are irreversible, so it’s best to keep your points in your Wells Fargo account until you have a specific redemption in mind. Once you transfer your points to a loyalty program like British Airways or Flying Blue, you cannot move them back to your Wells Fargo account.

Rankings of the Best Wells Fargo Transfer Partners

Wells Fargo has a good selection of transfer partners from top to bottom. Here are my ranking of Wells Fargo’s best transfer partners.

1. Iberia Plus

Iberia Plus Avios offers exceptional value, particularly for transatlantic flights on Iberia flights. The program’s distance-based award chart provides some of the best redemption rates for business-class travel to Europe, especially during off-peak periods. For instance, you can book one-way business class flights from East Coast cities like Boston, Chicago, or New York to Madrid for just 34,000 Avios during off-peak times.

The program also shines for short-haul redemptions, with competitive pricing for both economy and business class on shorter routes. Iberia’s partnerships within the oneworld alliance expand your options, allowing redemptions on carriers like American Airlines, British Airways, and Qatar Airways.

A standout feature of Iberia Plus is its low carrier-imposed surcharges on award tickets, particularly compared to some partner programs. This can result in significant savings on long-haul premium cabin awards.

For maximum flexibility, Iberia Plus participates in the wider Avios ecosystem. This means you can transfer Avios between Iberia, British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus AerClub, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club, often at a 1:1 ratio. This feature allows you to leverage sweet spots across multiple programs.

While partner airline redemptions through Iberia Plus are possible, they may not always offer the best value. It’s often worth comparing rates with other oneworld programs to ensure you’re getting the most from your Avios.

Iberia Plane A350

2. Air France- KLM Flying Blue

Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France, KLM, and several partner airlines, offers travelers numerous opportunities to maximize their miles. With a wide network of airline partners and easy earning options through major credit card transfer programs, Flying Blue provides excellent value for award redemptions.

One of the best ways to use Flying Blue miles is through Promo Rewards, which offer discounts of up to 50% off standard award rates on select routes each month. These can yield incredible deals, such as business class flights between the U.S. and Europe for under 40,000 miles one-way.

For standard redemptions, Flying Blue uses dynamic pricing but generally offers competitive rates. Flights from the U.S. to Europe start at 20,000 miles in economy, 35,000 in premium economy, and 50,000 in business class. These rates apply to destinations throughout Europe, including connecting flights, making it an excellent option for reaching various European cities.

A unique sweet spot is that Flying Blue prices flights to North Africa the same as Europe, allowing travelers to visit destinations like Morocco or Tunisia for the same mileage as a European trip. The program also offers good value for flights to Hawaii on Delta, starting at 35,000 miles round-trip from the contiguous U.S.

For those looking to explore beyond Europe, Flying Blue partners with airlines like Japan Airlines and Etihad Airways, opening up possibilities in Asia and the Middle East. The program also has an extensive network in Africa through partnerships with Kenya Airways and Air Mauritius, providing access to destinations that can be expensive when paying cash.

While Flying Blue does impose fuel surcharges on some awards, they are generally moderate compared to other programs. Flexibility in travel dates and destinations is key to finding the best value, especially given the program’s dynamic pricing model.

Air France
Photo: Air France

3. Avianca LifeMiles

Avianca LifeMiles offers exceptional value for Star Alliance award redemptions, particularly for premium cabin travel. The program stands out for its competitive rates and absence of carrier-imposed surcharges, making it an attractive option for savvy travelers.

One of LifeMiles’ strongest suits is its pricing for long-haul business and first-class flights. For instance, you can book Lufthansa first class from the US to Europe for just 87,000 miles one-way, significantly less than what other programs charge. Business class to Europe is also competitively priced at 60,000-63,000 miles.

The program shines in other regions too. Flights to Asia offer great value, with business class from the US priced at 75,000 miles. A notable sweet spot is the Honolulu to Tokyo route, available for only 48,000 miles in business class or 66,000 miles in first class.

LifeMiles employs a unique pricing structure for mixed-cabin awards, potentially resulting in lower overall costs. This can be advantageous when booking long-haul premium cabins with economy connections.

While LifeMiles excels in many areas, it’s worth noting that the program has some limitations. Complex itineraries can be challenging to book, and award availability may sometimes differ from other Star Alliance programs. However, for simple point-to-point travel, especially across the Atlantic, LifeMiles often provides unbeatable value.

To maximize the program’s benefits, consider subscribing to LifeMiles+, which offers perks like waived change and cancellation fees, as well as mileage rebates on redemptions. With its competitive pricing and minimal fees, Avianca LifeMiles remains a top choice for Star Alliance award travel.

Avianca Airlines Plane

4. British Airways Executive Club

British Airways Executive Club offers some of the most versatile and valuable frequent flyer rewards through its Avios points currency. Avios can be redeemed for flights on British Airways and its oneworld alliance partners, including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and more.

One of the best uses of Avios is for short-haul flights, particularly within North America. Flights under 1,150 miles on American or Alaska Airlines cost just 11,000 Avios one-way in economy. This can provide excellent value for domestic U.S. trips or flights to nearby international destinations like the Caribbean.

For long-haul international flights, Avios can unlock premium cabin experiences on top airlines. You can book Cathay Pacific business class from Hong Kong to Taipei for 20,800 Avios, or fly Qatar Airways’ renowned Qsuites between the U.S. and Doha for 70,000 Avios. Avios are also great for accessing exclusive airport lounges, like Cathay Pacific’s The Wing in Hong Kong or the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney.

The program uses distance-based award pricing, so nonstop flights typically offer the best value. Avios can also be combined between British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airways accounts. Overall, British Airways Avios provide excellent flexibility and value for both short trips and aspirational long-haul awards when used strategically.

British Airways Suites
Photo: British Airways

5. Aer Lingus AerClub

Aer Lingus AerClub Avios offers excellent value for transatlantic flights, particularly from the East Coast of North America to Ireland. One of the best redemptions is off-peak economy flights from cities like Boston, New York, or Toronto to Dublin for just 13,000 Avios one-way with minimal fees. Even flights from the West Coast require only 16,250 Avios off-peak. Business class redemptions are also competitive, starting at 50,000 Avios from the East Coast.

AerClub uses a distance-based award chart with peak and off-peak pricing. Most of the year is considered off-peak, except for summer months and some holiday periods. This creates opportunities for great deals during shoulder seasons.

Beyond just flying to Ireland, you can add connections to other European destinations for minimal additional Avios. Short-haul flights within Europe start at just 4,000 Avios one-way.

While AerClub has limited partner airlines for redemptions, you can easily transfer Avios between British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus to access more options. Always compare pricing across the Avios programs, as AerClub sometimes offers the best rates on Aer Lingus flights.

To maximize value, focus on off-peak dates, take advantage of the generous distance bands, and look for opportunities to add connections in Europe for minimal extra cost. With some flexibility, AerClub Avios can provide exceptional value for transatlantic travel.

Aer Lingus Business Class
Photo: Aer Lingus

6. Choice Privileges

Choice Privileges points offer versatile redemption options, with hotel stays typically providing the best value. Members can book reward nights at Choice properties worldwide, starting from 8,000 points per night. The program’s flexibility allows booking various room types, including apartments and suites, often at competitive rates.

Choice points can be used for stays at partner brands like Bluegreen Vacations, casino hotels, and all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. This expands the range of accommodation options available to members, from family-friendly resorts to exciting casino destinations.

For those short on points, the points plus cash option allows bookings with as few as 6,000 points. Choice also partners with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, enabling members to book luxury stays for 20,000 to 87,000 points per night.

Beyond hotel stays, Choice points can be transferred to various airline loyalty programs, including major carriers like United, British Airways, and Air France-KLM. While not always the best value, points can also be redeemed for gift cards, cruise credits, or unique experiences like college sports events and NASCAR tickets.

Cambria Hotel Asheville, NC

How to Earn Wells Fargo Points

Wells Fargo offers two credit cards that earn transferrable points: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card and the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card.

Wells Fargo allows you to combine points and cash back rewards earned from different credit cards. This means that if you have a cashback card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and a point-earning card such as the Autograph or Autograph Journey, you can pool your rewards into a single account.

By combining your cash back and points, you can maximize the value of your rewards and have more redemption options. For example, if you have $50 in cash back from your Active Cash® Card and 5,000 points from your Autograph Card, you can combine them into your Autograph Card’s rewards account.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
  • Earn 60,000 bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
  • 5x Points on Hotels, 4x Points on Airlines, 3x Points on Travel and Dining.
  • Annual $50 Credit for Airfare Purchases.
  • $95 Annual Fee
Learn More Our Review

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card delivers strong rewards for travelers, particularly with its generous hotel and airline earning rates. Its straightforward benefits and growing transfer program make it a solid choice for those new to travel rewards, though experienced points collectors may want more flexibility.

Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

Earning Rewards: 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1x points on all other purchases.

Benefits: $50 annual airline credit, cell phone protection, trip cancellation insurance, secondary rental car insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and no foreign transaction fees.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
  • bonus_miles_full
  • 3x points on Restaurants, Travel, Gas, Transit, Ridesharing, Streaming, and Phone Plans
  • Cell Phone Insurance
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • No Annual Fee
Learn More Our Review
Non-affiliate link.

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers elevated rewards on everyday purchases including restaurants, travel, gas stations, and streaming services. The card provides solid travel and shopping protections including cell phone coverage, making it a practical choice for daily spending with no annual fee.

Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full

Earn Rewards: 3x points at restaurants, travel (flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises), gas stations, EV charging stations, transit (rideshare, tolls, parking, etc.), select streaming, and cell phone and landline service; 1x points on all other eligible purchases.

Card Benefits: Cell phone protection, secondary rental car insurance, no foreign transaction fees, Visa Signature benefits, and 0% intro APR for 12 months, after that, either a reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR applies.

The Verdict

The introduction of transfer partners to the Wells Fargo Rewards program is a game-changer for Wells Fargo credit card holders. With the ability to transfer points to six airline and hotel partners, cardholders now have more flexibility and potentially greater value when redeeming their rewards.

The 1:1 transfer ratio for most partners (except Choice Privileges) and the option to transfer points in any denomination make it easy for customers to maximize their rewards. Furthermore, the ability to combine cash back and points from different Wells Fargo cards provides even more versatility.

As Wells Fargo adds more transfer partners, the Go Far Rewards points you earn could become more valuable. This move puts Wells Fargo in a better position to compete with other travel rewards credit cards, giving you more ways to earn and use your points for exciting trips and experiences.

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