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If you’re looking for a straightforward cash-back card that doesn’t require tracking categories or points, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card may be your perfect match. With unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase and no annual fee, this card provides excellent value for everyday expenses, making it a strong contender for consumers who prefer simplicity and consistency.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, exploring its rewards structure, sign-up bonuses, fees, and additional features. We’ll also compare it to other popular cash-back cards and highlight the pros and cons so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for your wallet.
This card is a no-fuss, flat-rate cash-back credit card that stands out for its simplicity and value. Below are its standout features:
The simplicity of earning a consistent 2% on every purchase with no caps or complicated redemption options makes this card highly attractive for consumers seeking reliable, hassle-free rewards.
One of the most appealing features of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is its flat-rate rewards structure. Here’s how it works:
2% Cash Back on Every Purchase: You’ll earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, with no categories to activate or track. Whether you’re buying groceries, filling up your gas tank, or shopping online, you’ll earn the same straightforward cash-back rate.
Redeeming Cash Back: You can redeem your cash back in several ways, including statement credits, direct deposits into your Wells Fargo account, or as a deposit into an eligible Wells Fargo checking or savings account. You can also use your cash back to pay down a loan or mortgage with Wells Fargo, or redeem for gift cards.
This simplicity makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card a perfect match for those who don’t want to fuss with rotating categories or tiered rewards rates. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of card that rewards you equally for all your purchases.
This card also offers a solid sign-up bonus:
This is a competitive bonus, especially for a no-annual-fee card. It’s also easy to achieve with a low spending threshold of just $500, making it accessible to most consumers.
Additionally, the card features a generous introductory APR offer:
0% Introductory APR: You’ll enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, which is perfect if you’re looking to finance a big purchase or transfer existing debt. After the introductory period, the variable APR will be 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99%, depending on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfer Fee: There’s a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, for transfers made within the first 120 days. After that, the fee increases to 5%.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is designed to be a low-cost, everyday card, with minimal fees:
For a card with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and competitive rewards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash stands out as a great option for those seeking value without the high costs often associated with premium credit cards.
Beyond its rewards and low fees, the card offers additional benefits that add even more value:
Cell Phone Protection: You’ll get up to $600 of protection against damage or theft to your cell phone when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. There’s a $25 deductible per claim, and you can make up to two claims per 12-month period.
Zero Liability Protection: Wells Fargo’s zero liability policy means you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized purchases made with your card, offering peace of mind in case of fraud.
My Wells Fargo Deals: Cardholders can earn additional cash back by activating offers in the Wells Fargo Deals platform. These offers are tailored to your spending habits and are available at select retailers.
While these benefits are not as extensive as those offered by premium cards, they are impressive for a no-annual-fee cash-back card, particularly the cell phone protection.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card holds its own against other popular flat-rate and cash-back credit cards. Here’s a comparison with similar cards:
Citi® Double Cash Card (Read Our Review): Like the Wells Fargo Active Cash, the Citi Double Cash offers 2% cash back on all purchases, but it does so in two parts: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay off your purchases. The Citi Double Cash has no sign-up bonus, while the Wells Fargo Active Cash offers a $200 bonus. Citi Double Cash also lacks some of the additional perks, such as cell phone protection, that the Wells Fargo Active Cash provides.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers 1.5% cash back on most purchases, but cardholders can earn 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on everything else. While this tiered structure may be more rewarding for certain spenders, the simplicity of Wells Fargo Active Cash’s 2% on all purchases is more appealing for those who want straightforward rewards. However, Chase Freedom Unlimited has better travel benefits and integrates with Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program, offering more flexibility.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: The Capital One Quicksilver offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it less rewarding than the Wells Fargo Active Cash’s 2%. Both cards have no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and a similar $200 sign-up bonus. However, the Wells Fargo Active Cash has the edge with a better flat cash-back rate and the added cell phone protection.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is an excellent option for those who prefer simplicity in their rewards. With unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees, it’s a solid choice for everyday spending, especially if you’re looking for a low-cost card that doesn’t require tracking categories or juggling points.
For consumers seeking a card that delivers consistent rewards with minimal fuss, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is a strong contender. However, if you’re looking for a card with more robust travel benefits or the ability to transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners, there are other cards to consider.
Overall, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card provides great value for those who want reliable cash-back rewards without the complications of rotating categories or high fees.
Affiliate and Relationship Disclosure: Credit Mileage may receive compensation from affiliate links included in this post at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission of providing quality financial education and resources. Additionally, Credit Mileage has a direct business relationship with eCreditAdvisor, which may be mentioned or linked in our content. Our opinions and recommendations remain our own, and we only promote products or services that we believe offer value to our readers. We currently do not have any credit card affiliate links on our website.
Editorial note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card company, airline, or hotel chain. None of these organizations have reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content in any way.
Legal and Financial Advice Disclosure: Credit Mileage is not a law firm, and this article is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. This information is meant purely for educational purposes. We strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information, but it is not a substitute for professional financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney or financial advisor before making any decisions regarding your financial situation.
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