Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Review 2024

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2024-07-23T20:22:57Z JUMP TO Section Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.
  • Overview
  • Rewards
  • Benefits
  • Fees
  • Cardholder Insights
  • Card Comparison
  • FAQs
  • Why You Should Trust Us
  • Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews.

    The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Citi® Double Cash Card, Chase Freedom Flex®. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

    The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is definitely worth considering if you want to earn a strong rate of cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee. It's got a solid welcome bonus and 0% intro APR offer (0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR), which puts it high on our list of the best zero-interest credit cards. It's also on our list of the best credit cards overall.

    There's a lot to like about the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, and that's especially true if you're looking for a card that offers a high rate of rewards without rotating categories or earning caps. 

    Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Apply now lock icon An icon in the shape of lock. On Wells Fargo's website Rates & Fees Wells Fargo Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Insider’s Rating Info icon Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals. A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.3/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening

    Regular APR

    20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable

    Intro Offer Info icon $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening

    Earn $200 cash rewards bonus

    Recommended Credit

    Good to Excellent

    Pros
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good welcome bonus for a $0 annual fee card
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Straightforward 2% cash rewards on purchases with no categories to track
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong benefits including cell phone protection, Visa Signature perks, and an intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
    Cons
    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If you've opened a Wells Fargo card in the past six months, you may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo credit card
    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Foreign transaction fees
    Insider’s Take

    The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is definitely worth considering if you want to earn a strong rate of cash rewards on purchases without rotating categories or earning caps and with no annual fee. It's got a solid welcome bonus and intro APR offer, which puts it high on our list of the best zero-interest credit cards.

    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Product Details
    • Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific 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 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.
    Show Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.

    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Review

    The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases, and without any hoops to jump through. This card also comes with no annual fee, and new cardholders get a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, followed by a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR.

    It starts you off with a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening, which makes it more rewarding than its closest cash-back competitor — the Citi® Double Cash Card . Most people know the Citi® Double Cash Card as the other major 2% cash back credit card, but there are some major differences.

    With the Citi® Double Cash Card, you effectively earn 2% cash back but your rewards are doled out in two segments — you get 1 point per dollar (1% cash back) when you make a purchase and another 1 point per dollar (1% cash back) when you pay it off. The Citi® Double Cash Card has a 0% introductory APR that only applies to balance transfers and not to purchases (0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR).

    If you opt for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card instead, you'll get the chance to earn a welcome bonus and 2% cash rewards for each dollar you spend, and the card comes with benefits like cell phone protection and Visa Signature Concierge to boot.

    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Rewards

    Wells Fargo Active Cash welcome bonus offer

    New cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening. That's a competitive welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee credit card, and the minimum spending requirement is easily attainable for most folks.

    It's also similar to offers on comparable cards like the Chase Freedom Flex® and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.

    How to earn cash rewards with the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

    With this card, you'll earn 2% cash rewards on purchases with no rewards category limitations or quarterly activation. This means you can use it for your purchases and earn this flat rate of rewards for each dollar you spend.

    It doesn't get any more simple than that, which is one of the biggest upsides of this card. 

    How to use rewards from the Wells Fargo Active Cash

    Rewards earned with the card belong in the Wells Fargo Rewards program, which means you can redeem them in several ways. For example, you can:

    • Redeem to cover purchases charged to your card in amounts starting at $1 in rewards
    • Redeem for statement credits to a Wells Fargo mortgage, loan, or credit product account
    • Redeem at a Wells Fargo ATM in increments of $20, although you'll need a Wells Fargo debit card to do so
    • Cash in your rewards for gift cards
    • Use your rewards to book travel, including airline tickets

    This kind of flexibility is good news for consumers who want more than one way to redeem their cash rewards. However, you should note that a few of the redemption options available are only for Wells Fargo customers, including payments to Wells Fargo loan products and cash rewards at a Wells Fargo ATM. 

    Wells Fargo Active Cash rewards expiration

    Your cash rewards won't expire as long as your card is open and in good standing (meaning paid on time). If you're late with a payment, you won't be able to redeem rewards until your account isn't delinquent.

    And, if you close your account, be sure to redeem your rewards before doing so. You'll forfeit any rewards in your account if you close it, unless you have another Wells Fargo Rewards card.

    Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Apply now lock icon An icon in the shape of lock. On Wells Fargo's website Rates & Fees Wells Fargo Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Insider’s Rating Info icon Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals. A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.3/5 Icon of check mark inside a promo stamp It indicates a confirmed selection. Perks

    Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Intro APR

    0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening

    Regular APR

    20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable

    Intro Offer Info icon $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening

    Earn $200 cash rewards bonus

    Recommended Credit

    Good to Excellent

    Pros
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good welcome bonus for a $0 annual fee card
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Straightforward 2% cash rewards on purchases with no categories to track
    • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong benefits including cell phone protection, Visa Signature perks, and an intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
    Cons
    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If you've opened a Wells Fargo card in the past six months, you may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo credit card
    • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Foreign transaction fees
    Insider’s Take

    The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is definitely worth considering if you want to earn a strong rate of cash rewards on purchases without rotating categories or earning caps and with no annual fee. It's got a solid welcome bonus and intro APR offer, which puts it high on our list of the best zero-interest credit cards.

    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Product Details
    • Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific 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 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.
    Show Pros, Cons, and More chevron down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.

    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Benefits and Features

    Since this is a no-annual-fee card, there aren't a ton of flashy benefits. But it does come with a couple of perks that can save you money and make your life easier.

    Introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers

    New cardholders are eligible for a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, followed by a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR.

    This isn't the longest intro APR Wells Fargo offers (the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has an even stronger offer), but if you're looking to save on interest in the short term, it's a very good deal.

    Cell phone protection

    Pay your phone bill with your card and you'll become eligible for cell phone protection. This benefit is worth up to $600 per claim against damage or theft, although a $25 deductible applies. There's a maximum of two claims per 12-month period.

    24/7 Concierge Service

    The Visa Signature® Concierge can help you make travel or dining plans or provide other types of personal assistance. This benefit is offered for free 24 hours a day.

    Emergency card disbursement and card replacement

    If your credit card is lost or stolen, this protection can replace your card in as little as 24 hours.

    Roadside dispatch

    This benefit includes a phone number you can call for pay-per-use assistance when you're on the road. For example, you can call roadside dispatch for help with a flat tire, tire changes, or lockout service.

    Travel and emergency assistance services

    This benefit is offered 24 hours a day, and it comes in the form of an assistance hotline. You can use this hotline to get help with medical or legal referrals, emergency transportation assistance, emergency translation services, and more. The service itself is complimentary, but you're responsible for any third-party costs.

    Access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection

    Cardholders can book through the Visa Signature Hotel Collection (a credit card hotel booking program) and receive additional perks, including:

    When you make a reservation through Visa Signature Hotels, you're automatically entitled to the following:

    • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
    • Free in-room Wi-Fi
    • Late check-out upon request, when available
    • Complimentary breakfast for two
    • A $25 food or beverage credit

    Wells Fargo Active Cash Annual Fee and Other Costs

    The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has no annual fee, which is a major benefit considering the high rate of cash rewards you get. You'll want to avoid carrying a balance, though, because a regular APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable applies.

    There are some other additional fees to keep in mind, including foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, a cash advance fee, and late payment fees.

    Cardholder Insights

    To add additional context to our Wells Fargo Active Cash card review, we scoured popular forums like FlyerTalk and Reddit to see what cardholders have to say about it. Here are some of the most common opinions we found.

    The sign-up bonus

    Many cardholders said they chose the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card for its sign-up bonus of $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening. The relatively slow spending requirement to earn the intro bonus makes it especially appealing.

    There's a threshold for some redemptions

    Unlike some other cash-back credit cards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card only has automatic or paper cash-back redemptions in increments of $25. For those who don't plan on using the card very frequently, it could take a while to redeem cash-back rewards. However, there is a workaround: You can use rewards to erase purchases from your statement.

    A good flat-rate cash-back card

    Many cardholders said they like this card's ease of use, and turn to it when they make purchases that don't fall under another card's bonus categories. No matter what you buy, you know you're getting 2% back on your purchase.

    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Comparison

    Citi Double Cash vs Wells Fargo Active Cash

    If you're considering this card, you'll want to also look at its closest competitor, the Citi® Double Cash Card, which earns 1 point per dollar (1% cash back) when you buy, plus 1 point per dollar (1% cash back) when you pay your bill.

    That earning structure already puts the Citi® Double Cash Card at a slight disadvantage. Where the Citi® Double Cash Card shines is in its long intro APR on balance transfers. New cardholders receive a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR, making it one of the best balance transfer credit cards.

    For a deeper dive into the differences between these cards, check out our Citi Double Cash card review.

    Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Wells Fargo Active Cash

    If you don't mind juggling a few bonus categories, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® could be a good alternative to the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. With the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you can earn additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).

    Plus, you'll earn 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining, 3% cash back at drugstores, and 1.5% cash back on everything else, with no limits. So if you spend a lot on travel, restaurants, and drugstores, you could earn more rewards with this card. It also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then a 20.49% - 29.24% Variable APR. 

    Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited card review.

    Best cards to pair with the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

    This card's strength is its 2% cash rewards rate across the board, which makes it great to use for purchases that don't earn a bonus with other cards. The best strategy is to pair it with another that earns a high rate of rewards in categories where you spend the most.

    For example, if you spend a lot on groceries, gas, and online shopping, you could pair the card with the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, which earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent per year (then 1% back), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 spent per year (then 1% back), and 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 spent per year (then 1% back), and 1% cash back on other purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit). 

    Alternately, you could consider pairing with the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, which earns 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases through November 14, 2024, 5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One travel, and 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target).

    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Is the Wells Fargo Active Cash card a good credit card? Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

    If you're looking for a straightforward no-annual-fee card with strong cash rewards on purchases, this is a very good credit card. Few cards match its 2% cash rewards rate, and while it isn't jam-packed with benefits, it comes with a few handy perks that can save you money.

    However, if you prefer a card with a few more bells and whistles, or you're looking to earn a higher rewards rate in specific categories (such as groceries or gas), a different cash-back card could be in order. You can read our guide to the best cash-back credit cards for all the top options.

    Is the Wells Fargo Active Cash card hard to get? Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

    To qualify for this card, you'll need at least a good credit score, which means a FICO score of at least 670. If your score isn't quite where it needs to be, have a look at the best credit cards for average credit and our list of the best credit cards for bad credit. Some of these cards earn rewards, too.

    What is the Wells Fargo Active Cash card? Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

    The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a Visa Signature card. This means it comes with extra perks, including access to the Visa Signature Hotel Collection and Visa Signature Concierge.

    Is the Wells Fargo Active Cash made of metal? Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

    No, it's not a metal card. It's made of plastic, like most other cards.

    Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

    Insider's credit cards team evaluated the card in comparison to similar no-annual-fee cards that earn cash rewards. We looked at several factors, including:

    • Ease of use — Are the rewards from the card easy to earn and redeem, and are there various options for using rewards? Are there any spending caps or other limitations?
    • Earning potential — How do the card's earning rates compare to similar cards in the same category? If there are bonus categories, do any of them have a spending cap, and do they apply to typical everyday spending?
    • Perks — While most cards of this type are fairly no-frills, does the card come with benefits that similar cards lack? For example, cell phone protection, travel insurance, or a strong intro APR offer?

    You can find out more about Insider's methodology in our how we rate credit cards guide.

    spanHolly Johnson is a credit card expert, award-winning writer, and mother of two who is obsessed with frugality, budgeting, and travel. In addition to serving as contributing editor for The Simple Dollar and writing for publications such as Bankrate, U.S. News and World Report Travel, and Travel Pulse, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love."/span Freelance Writer Holly Johnson is a credit card expert, award-winning writer, and mother of two who is obsessed with frugality, budgeting, and travel. In addition to serving as contributing editor for The Simple Dollar and writing for publications such as Bankrate, U.S. News and World Report Travel, and Travel Pulse, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love." Read more Read less spanAngela Fung is the Compliance Manager for Business Insider's a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance"Personal Finance/a division, overseeing a team that ensures content accuracy and editorial independence so readers are always getting up-to-date and objective financial advice./spanspanThe compliance team's mission is to maintain reader trust by confirming stories are fact-checked and current so that readers can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by maintaining clear, precise language that is compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team./span Marketing Compliance Manager Angela Fung is the Compliance Manager for Business Insider's Personal Finance division, overseeing a team that ensures content accuracy and editorial independence so readers are always getting up-to-date and objective financial advice.The compliance team's mission is to maintain reader trust by confirming stories are fact-checked and current so that readers can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by maintaining clear, precise language that is compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team. Read more Read less Top Offers From Our Partners Chime® Checking Account Set up Direct Deposit and get your paycheck up to 2 days before your coworkers.** No overdraft fees. No monthly fees. A tooltip Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. **Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date. Start Banking

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