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Share on FlipboardChase Freedom Unlimited® Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
When considering different credit cards on the market, most people find themselves wanting a no-effort cash back card. Two of the leading providers for these types of cards are Chase and Wells Fargo. Learn the key differences between the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Wells Fargo Active Cash to decide which is the right for you.
Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Card summary
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Card summary
Expert Verdict
The better of these two cards is definitely the Chase Freedom Unlimited. However, there is a value in not having to worry about spending within categories. With the Active Cash card, you can spend away and know you’re getting a respectable 2% cash back on everything.
CPFC
Comparing the Wells Fargo Active Cash® and Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Breaking down the many differences between the Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited can be a lot to read which is why we’ve put together a high-level overview of the standout features of each below:
Earning rewards
Winner:
Chase Freedom Unlimited
When it comes to earning rewards, these cards have a slightly different strategy. The Wells Fargo Active Cash card allows you to earn 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases with no categories to track or quarterly activations. If you prefer a card that earns rewards without you having to think about it, this can be a good option.
However, the Chase Freedom Unlimited lets you earn up to 5% in certain categories (5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases), which can be more lucrative if your spending aligns with these categories.
Rewards redemption
Winner:
Both Wells Fargo Active Cash and Chase Freedom Unlimited
Wells Fargo allows you to redeem rewards through a variety of ways, including as a credit to a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account, or mortgage, for flights, car rentals, and hotel stays, a statement credit, gift cards, or shop with rewards for merchandise and gifts from participating merchants and retailers.
Chase cardholders can also redeem rewards for cash back, a statement credit, gift cards, travel, and Shop With Points at Amazon. Moreover, if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve, you’re able to convert the cash back you earn using the Freedom Unlimited into Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Sign-up bonus
Winner:
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Wells Fargo allows you to earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months, compared to Chase which also offers a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months, but also has a 5% cash back offer on combined gas station and grocery purchases in the first year (up to $12,000 spent). This additional cash back bonus makes Chase Freedom Unlimited the winner.
Introductory APR offer
Winner:
Both Wells Fargo Active Cash and Chase Freedom Unlimited
Both the Wells Fargo Active Cash credit card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited card have 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
Balance transfer features
Winner:
Wells Fargo Active Cash
If using the Wells Fargo Active Cash card, balance transfers must be made within 120 days to qualify for the 0% intro rate and intro 3% fee. After that, pay up to 5% for each transfer ($5 minimum). Chase Freedom Unlimited has a similar offer, but their 3% intro offer is only available for transfers made within 60 days of account opening.
Fees
Winner:
Both Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash
| Annual fees | Neither the Wells Fargo Active Cash nor the Chase Freedom Unlimited cards have an annual fee. |
| Foreign transaction fees | Both the Wells Fargo Active Cash and the Chase Freedom Unlimited cards charge foreign transaction fees (3%). |
Additional perks
Winner:
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Wells Fargo Active Cash:
Cell phone protection (up to $600 against damage or theft; subject to a $25 deductible).
Auto rental collision damage waiver.
Travel and emergency assistance services.
Roadside dispatch.
24/7 concierge services providing assistance finding tickets, booking travel, making reservations, and more.
Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection provides premium benefits at select hotels.
Chase Freedom Unlimited:
Purchase protection.
Extended warranty protection.
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance.- Auto rental collision damage waiver.
- Travel and emergency assistance services.
Complimentary DoorDash and Instacart+ memberships.
Break up eligible purchases into budget friendly payments with no interest through My Chase Plan.
While Wells Fargo Active Cash has some benefits, they are relatively limited compared to the Chase Freedom Unlimited card. Chase’s perks focus more on travel benefits and include the complimentary memberships to DoorDash and Instacart+, which can save cardholders hundreds of dollars if used.
Why should you get the Wells Fargo Active Cash card?
If you prefer a simple and consistent rewards structure, the flat 2% cash back on all purchases with Wells Fargo Active Cash® makes earning rewards easy without worrying about bonus categories. Plus, if you plan to make large purchases and need a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® can provide a temporary interest-free period.
If avoiding an annual fee is a priority, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for cash back rewards.
When it comes to other perks, the Wells Fargo Active Cash card doesn’t have as many as some other cards on the market. However, it does have cell phone protection, auto rental collision damage waiver and roadside assistance, and Visa Signature concierge services and luxury hotel access.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and spending patterns. Consider how you plan to use the card, what categories you spend most on, and the benefits that align with your needs. Comparing the rewards rates, introductory offers, and additional perks will help you make an informed decision and choose the credit card that suits you best.
Earn flat 2% cash back on all purchases without worrying about the spending categories
Apply now with Wells Fargo
Pros and cons of Wells Fargo Active Cash®
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Simple rewards rate with 2% cash back on all purchases. |  No bonus categories for higher rewards in specific spending areas. |
| No annual fee and offers intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. | Charges a 3% foreign transaction fee. |
| Provides cell phone protection. |
Brett Holzhauer's Expert Tip on Wells Fargo Active Cash
Why should you get the Chase Freedom Unlimited
If you spend a lot in specific bonus categories like travel, dining, and drugstore purchases, the tiered cash back rates of the Chase Freedom Unlimited® can maximize your rewards in those areas. Plus, if you can quickly meet the spending requirement for the welcome bonus, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a lucrative cash back bonus that can jumpstart your rewards earnings.
If you value travel-related benefits, such as travel insurance and rental car coverage, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® provides these additional protections. And if you prefer redeeming rewards for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers greater flexibility in how you can use your rewards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High cash back rate | 3% foreign transaction fee |
| Welcome bonus and 0% intro APR | Other cards may offer higher rates in bonus categories |
| No annual fee | Balance transfer fees |
| Flexible redemption options | Some spending caps on bonus categories |
| Ability to turn cash back into Chase Ultimate Rewards points |
Brett Holzhauer's Expert Tip on Chase Freedom Unlimited
When to get both the Wells Fargo Active Cash card and Chase Freedom Unlimited
Getting both the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card could make sense if you want to maximize your rewards potential and take advantage of the unique benefits each card offers. Here are some scenarios where getting both cards could be beneficial:
Combining welcome bonuses
Both cards offer welcome bonuses, so by getting both, you can earn both bonuses, provided you meet the spending requirements. This can be a quick way to earn a significant amount of cash back upfront.
Maximizing cash back categories
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, while the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card offers a flat 2% cash back on all purchases. By using the Chase Freedom Unlimited® for its bonus categories and the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card for non-bonus category purchases, you can maximize your overall cash back earnings.
Diverse redemption options
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® allows you to redeem cash back for statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, offering flexibility in how you use your rewards. The Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card also offers flexibility in redeeming cash rewards. Having both cards gives you more options for redeeming your rewards.
Complimentary additional perks
Both cards have some additional perks that are different from each other, giving you a wider range of benefits you can take advantage of.
When should you get neither the Chase Freedom Unlimited nor the Wells Fargo Active Cash?
You might consider not getting either the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card if:
You prefer different rewards
If you prefer rewards other than cash back, such as travel rewards or points, there may be other credit cards that better suit your preferences and spending habits.
You're focused on minimizing fees
While both cards do not have an annual fee, if you are particularly fee-conscious and want to avoid foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, and other potential charges, you might opt for a card with fewer fees overall.
You need a longer 0% intro APR
While both these cards have a 0% intro APR period for purchases and balance transfers, you may need a longer intro offer depending on your needs and financial situation.
You value luxury travel perks
While the Chase Freedom Unlimited card has some travel perks, it doesn’t offer benefits such as airport lounge access, free seat upgrades, priority boarding, baggage protection, and others. If these benefits are important to you, you should consider a card aimed toward frequent flyers.
Bottom line
The bottom line is that both the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card are solid cash back credit cards with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. The best card for you depends on your spending habits, financial goals, and preferences.Consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited® if you value bonus categories and flexible redemption options. On the other hand, if you prefer a higher flat-rate cash back on all purchases and simpler rewards structure, the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card may be the better choice.
- Earning rewards
- Rewards redemption
- Sign-up bonus
- Introductory APR offer
- Balance transfer features
- Fees
- Additional perks
WINNER
FAQs
Both cards have their strengths. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® offers a consistent 2% cash back on all purchases, making it simple and reliable. On the other hand, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® provides tiered cash back rates with higher rewards in specific categories like travel and dining. The better choice depends on your spending habits and whether you prefer a flat rate or higher rewards in certain categories.
Yes, you can have both cards. They are issued by different credit card companies, so you can apply for and have both the Wells Fargo Active Cash® and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® if you are approved for them.
Neither card earns points. Both cards offer cash back rewards, which are not transferable between the two cards.
No, as these cards are provided by different credit card companies, you cannot switch between them. If you want the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you would need to apply for it separately.
Both cards typically require good to excellent credit scores for approval. The difficulty of getting approved for either card depends on individual creditworthiness and the specific criteria set by the credit card issuers.
To have a good chance of approval for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® card, a credit score of around 700 or higher is generally recommended. However, credit card approval is not solely based on credit score, and other factors such as income and credit history will also be considered by the issuer.
Related: Wells Fargo Credit Card Requirements
Still not sure which card to pick?
Check out other popular cash back cards.
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Citi® Double Cash
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American Express® Blue Cash Everyday
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In this article, you’ll learn: 
- Wells Fargo Active Cash vs Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Why should you get the Wells Fargo Active Cash
- Pros and cons of Wells Fargo Active Cash
- Why you should get the Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Pros and cons of Chase Freedom Unlimited
- When to get both cards
- When you should get neither of the cards
- Bottom line
- FAQs
In this article
June 23, 2023
9 min