The Wells Fargo Propel is arguably the best no-fee personal credit card to open in 2018 - here's why

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is a good option for a credit card with no annual fee.
• The Propel card offers a 30,000-point welcome bonus (the highest available on a no-annual-fee personal card) and 3x points per dollar spent on eating out and ordering in, gas, flights, hotels, domestic car rentals, and popular streaming services.
• You never have to worry about your points expiring or paying foreign transaction fees.
• A great bonus benefit of the Wells Fargo Propel is cell phone protection.

If you are looking for a premium credit card with no annual fee, your search is over.

The revamped Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card offers an array of wonderful bonuses and redemptions without the commitment of a hefty annual fee. With a strong welcome bonus (the highest available on a no-annual-fee personal card), a rewarding set of bonus categories, and a cell phone protection feature, it's a better time than ever to take advantage of the Wells Fargo Propel and all it has to offer.

At a glance

• 30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first three months
• $0 annual fee
• Earn 3x points on eating out and ordering in, gas, flights, hotels, domestic car rentals, and popular streaming services
• Earn 1x points on all other purchases
• Points never expire as long as account remains open
• Unlimited earning potential on points
• No blackout dates on air travel when redeemed through Go Far Rewards
• Low introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
• No foreign currency conversion fees
• Cell phone protection from damage or theft

Rewards

With the Wells Fargo Propel, you can transfer points for cash back or air travel through the Go Far Rewards program. It's both low maintenance and convenient, which is perfect for anyone who doesn't want the hassle of an intricate rewards interface.

Additionally, you can earn more on everyday purchases in the following 3% bonus categories: travel, dining, gas stations and popular streaming services. It's not every day that you find a credit card that maximizes your use of Netflix or Hulu, making this reward particularly special.

Even if you don't bank with Wells Fargo, you are still eligible for the Wells Fargo Propel. While not a reward per se, it's nice to have the flexibility of using a card outside of your own bank.

Read more: Dining rewards are on the rise in 2018 as credit card issuers like Wells Fargo and AmEx target foodies

Benefits

With so many credit cards offering benefits like purchase protection, travel protection, extended warranty coverage, return protection, coverage for lost or stolen items, travel accident insurance, lost baggage coverage, and domestic car rental insurance, it can be difficult to differentiate which card will be most beneficial to you; however, the Wells Fargo Propel has a celebrated benefit that makes it easier to choose.

Cell phone protection, which Wells Fargo offers with some of their other credit cards, provides up to $600 in protection against damage or theft (subject to $25 deductible). As long as you pay your monthly bill with the Propel, you will be able to take advantage of this benefit.

Welcome bonus

When selecting a new credit card, the most important factor to consider is the welcome bonus.

Credit cards have become fiercely competitive in trying to gain your business, benefitting new credit card users with more valuable welcome bonus offers. Currently, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card is offering 30,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months.

The 30,000 points equate to $300 in cash back, travel rewards, or gift cards. There is no limit to the points you can earn, and points don't expire as long as your account remains open. A great perk is that when it comes time to redeem your points, there are no blackout dates on air travel through Go Far Rewards.

Bonus categories

For a card with no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card offers generous earning potential on travel, dining, gas stations, and popular streaming services. You'll earn 3x the points for ordering in or dining out, booking airfare or hotel stays, or even for paying Spotify Premium, Netflix, Apple Music, and more with your card.

For all other purchases, you'll earn 1x points back. As previously mentioned, all of the bonus categories you earn in offer 3% cash back, giving you competitive rewards at no annual cost.

How to maximize Go Far Rewards points

To put a valuation on the credit card's rewards currency, each point is worth a penny. That's standard across all areas of redemption, including travel, gift cards, charity donations, and cash back.

For those who love discerning award charts to see what redemption provides the best value, this card won't feed your hunger. On the flip side, if you like credit cards with simple award charts and straightforward redemptions, the Propel card is for you. If you have more than one Wells Fargo credit card, you can pool your Go Far Rewards, earning you more points in a shorter amount of time.

The bottom line

When you consider the fact that most credit cards with any good benefits to speak of charge an annual fee upwards of $95, the Wells Fargo Propel is a bargain deal. You can still earn as many points as you would on another card, with the added incentive of getting cash back and earning 3x the points in certain categories like dining, traveling, and popular streaming services.

Plus, with 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months, and no blackout dates on air travel through Go Far Rewards, you can take advantage of rewards quickly and unrestricted.

The cell phone protection feature brings this card to the top of the list for no-fee rewards credit cards.

Click here to learn more about the Wells Fargo Propel from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.