Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card Review [2025]: Earn High Flat-Rate Rewards

Card basics

Should you get the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?

You should consider applying for the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card if you do want to earn rewards as easily as possible and don't want to put a lot of time into navigating categories. Specifically, you might like this card if:

• You already have one or more cards earning high rates on your top spending categories.
• You don't want to think about which credit card to use when you shop.
• You've tried a credit card with bonus categories before and weren't a fan.

There are times when I have the energy to use different cards for different purposes, and there are times when I don't. The Active Cash is great for when you don't want to deal with categories. You can earn a strong rewards rate, with no caps, activation, changing categories, or other hassles.

Plus, it offers more ways to redeem your cash rewards than many similar cash back cards without annual fees. It could be a good option if you already have cards you love from Wells Fargo or another issuer, such as Chase, Capital One, or Citi.

When you shouldn't get this card

Of course, even if the card is a great fit for your spending habits, it also needs to offer redemption options that you like. The Wells Fargo Active Cash card allows you to redeem rewards for cash and cash equivalents, but you can't transfer them to travel partners.

While Wells Fargo has travel cards — including the Wells Fargo Autograph^® Card and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card — the Active Cash doesn't allow you to transfer earnings to travel partners like airlines or hotels. The Active Cash card also charges 3% for foreign transactions, so don't plan on using this for purchases while traveling abroad.

And in all honesty, if using rewards for travel is your priority, you'll want to look at a travel rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card. You get travel perks, the ability to transfer to travel partners, and you can pool your rewards with some of Chase's other cards.

But some find a lot of value in taking advantage of those higher-paying earning categories. For example, an issuer might make Amazon.com purchases a 5% earning category in the fourth quarter, when many are doing holiday shopping. Even if that 5% is limited to the first $2,000 you spend, that's $100 in your pocket, as opposed to $40 if you were earning 2%.

If you can stay on top of the rotating categories and don't mind the extra work, you can earn more cash back with a rotating category card.

Why you might prefer flat-rate rewards over bonus categories

There are two basic types of cash rewards cards — flat-rate cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash and bonus category cards.

Bonus category cards work a few different ways. They might work like the Chase Freedom Unlimited^® card, with a higher flat-rate on all purchases than many cards plus bonus categories with even higher rates that don't change. The Freedom Unlimited, for instance, earns 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Other cash back cards are rotating category cards. They might work like the Discover it^® Cash Back, where you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Rotating category cards often have categories that change quarterly and may require activation, which means keeping track of a calendar.

Credit cards with high earnings rates on specific categories sound good on paper, but they can be difficult to take full advantage of. These cards become less rewarding when you forget to activate categories or use your card for the right purchases. And the more credit cards you have, the more difficult it can be to know the right card to use and when.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card benefits

Good redemption options for Wells Fargo customers

The redemption options for this card are great for a cash rewards card and especially good for Wells Fargo customers. Your rewards can be redeemed for:

• Statement credits (to the credit card or a Wells Fargo checking account, such as Wells Fargo Everyday Checking)
• Paying yourself back for eligible purchases
• Gift cards
• Paying at checkout via PayPal
• Booking travel
• Credits to a mortgage or loan account

Remember when I said this wasn't a great card for travel? It's not, even though you can technically redeem your earnings through Wells Fargo's travel portal. While there are times where you might want to book travel through a card's portal (for example, some Chase cards may offer rewards boosts or hotel credits if you book through Chase Travel℠), it can be easier to book directly with an airline or hotel.

Still, it's nice to have the option to do either to check for the best prices. But Wells Fargo doesn't let you transfer your Active Cash earnings to a travel partner, such as an airline or hotel brand, so you can't maximize your loyalty rewards with one of these programs. This is disappointing since Wells Fargo's transfer partners are decent, and the Wells Fargo Autograph^® Card and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card qualify for transfers.

Intro APR offers

The Wells Fargo Active Cash offers a 0% introductory APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable). There is a balance transfer fee of 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5.

There is also a 0% intro APR on new purchases for 12 months from account opening (then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR). These offers are comparable to those offered by the best 0% APR credit cards, but if having a lengthy intro APR period is important, there are better cards out there.

For example, the Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card has a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR. It also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 21 months from account opening, then 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR. But, there's a trade-off for the longer intro APR period — you won't earn cash back on your purchases with this card.

Welcome offer that feels within reach

It's hard to not get excited about a new credit card's welcome offer, especially when it feels relatively easy to qualify for. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card's welcome offer is a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.

That's a pretty low spending threshold compared to other cash back cards. For example, the Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express lets you earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.

Cell phone protection

Cell phone protection isn't a common benefit, but this card offers up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card. Be aware there's a modest $25 deductible with this protection. But still, that's a small price to pay for the coverage.

Wells Fargo is known in the world of credit cards for offering this unique benefit on many of its cards.

How the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card compares

Although there aren't any cards exactly like the Wells Fargo Active Cash, there are a few close competitors that beat the card in some ways — and potentially fall short in others. These include the Citi Double Cash^® Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited^®.

Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Citi Double Cash^® Card

If you like the idea of a strong, flat-rate reward card but want the option to transfer points, the Citi Double Cash^® Card is a good alternative. You earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.

The cash back is accumulated as ThankYou points. You can redeem these points for cash or gift cards. You can also transfer your points to one of three of Citi's transfer partners: Choice Privileges, Wyndham Rewards, and JetBlue TrueBlue.

So it has the earning power of the Active Cash Card, but with the ability to transfer directly to a few travel partners. However, you won't earn your cash rewards all at once, and this could be a little frustrating if you're not into delayed gratification.

Learn more in our Citi Double Cash Card review.

Earn Cash Back Twice

Citi Double Cash^® Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Simple flat-rate cash back on all your purchases
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable) APR
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No introductory APR on purchases

Card Details

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited has less in common with the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card than the Citi Double Cash. It earns 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. 1.5% isn't quite as good as 2% cash rewards, but some people might prefer the Freedom Unlimited because its bonus earning categories make it more rewarding for travel and certain top spending categories, like dining.

I wouldn't necessarily say that the Chase Freedom Unlimited is more well-rounded than the Wells Fargo Active Cash, but you may find that it offers better earning potential if you use it strategically to earn elevated rates on certain spending. The Active Cash would probably be the simpler card to use, but the Chase Freedom Unlimited is a beginner-friendly card for people at least a little interested in categories.

Learn more in our Chase Freedom Unlimited review.

Unlimited Cash Back

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

4.7

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Base rewards rate of 1.5%
• $0 annual fee
• Ability to transfer cash back to other Ultimate Rewards cards
• Intro APR offers for purchases and balance transfers

Drawbacks

• Has a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
• No bonus categories for gas or groceries

Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Earning & redeeming cash rewards

How much you could earn with the Active Cash

Here's a look at how your cash rewards can add up with the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.

Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend.

Year one earnings: $950

Year two earnings: $750

These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model which takes a look at points earned via spending, the welcome bonus, and the annual fee.

Best ways to earn rewards

The Wells Fargo Active Cash offers one way for you to earn rewards, which is by making purchases with your card. You're able to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

If you want to increase your potential cash rewards, it's best to use your card for every purchase you can. Think about your everyday expenses, such as dining out and groceries, and don't forget about using your card to pay your cell phone bill (which gives you cell phone protection).

You could also use the Active Cash for larger purchases. You'll want to have the cash on hand to pay it off right away, though. For example, if you've been saving up for a new $2,000 sofa, instead of paying cash or using store financing, put it on the Active Cash Card, then pay off your card.

Maximizing your redemptions

Any cash rewards you earn with the Wells Fargo Active Cash can be redeemed in multiple ways through the Wells Fargo Rewards program, including gift cards, statement credits, merchandise, and travel.

The best way to maximize your redemptions, though, is to be a Wells Fargo customer. That gives you the most flexibility. Wells Fargo customers with eligible accounts get options like deposits into a savings or checking account, credits toward a mortgage or loan, and withdrawals of $20 increments from Wells Fargo ATMs with a Wells Fargo debit or ATM card.

Overall, there's typically little difference between the value of these redemption options, so go with your preference.

FAQs

Bottom line

The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card has a lot to offer while requiring little from you to make it worth it. It could work great as a primary card to put all your purchases on, especially if you're someone who banks at Wells Fargo or you just prefer redeeming your rewards for cash, but it's probably even better as a secondary card you can use alongside cards with bonus categories.

If your focus is on travel or you like the idea of higher earnings rates with bonus categories, choose another credit card.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash

Drawbacks

• Foreign transaction fee of 3%
• No bonus categories

Card Details

• Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.