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Share on FlipboardWells Fargo Active Cash® Card Review – Earn Unlimited 2% on All Purchases
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is the easiest cash back card. If you are looking for simplicity, this card is for you: Earn an unlimited 2% back and redeem as little as $1.
Wells Fargo Active Cash®
2.00%
All purchases
2% cash back
Fees and APR
Other features
$200
Redeem your rewards to offset eligible purchases from your credit card account. Redeem for purchases as little as $1. Redeem your rewards as a credit to a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account, or mortgage. Cash redemption available in $20 increments when you use your Wells Fargo ATM or Debit Card. Find the perfect gift card for that right occasion. Gift cards are redeemable in many amounts, including popular $25 increments.
Our Verdict
Best Suited for:
Pantry Stocker 
You are not happy unless you have a kitchen full of food. You are the designated grocery person in your household, and you are good at it. But what you really like is getting cash back for spending in this category.
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. |
Comparing Wells Fargo Active Cash® with similar cards
Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Citi® Double Cash
Beyond the basics
| Balance transfer intro APR | 0% for 15 months on transfers made within the first 120 days from account opening |
| Cash advance APR | 29.99% |
| Foreign transaction fees | 3% of each transaction converted to US dollars. |
| Loan APR | None |
| Late payment fee | Upto $40 |
| Penalty APR | None |
| Credit score required | 670+ (Good – Excellent) |
Other Offers
Cell phone protectionIf you use your credit card to pay your cell phone bill, you can get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible).
Security featuresKeep your account secure with voice verification and 2-step verification at sign on.-
Wells Fargo Mobile AppPay bills or check account activity using the easy to use mobile app.
Zero liability protectionAs long as transactions are reported promptly, you are never held responsible for unauthorized purchases on your account.
Contactless paymentSpeed through checkout by tapping your card at contactless checkouts.
24/7 Concierge serviceContact a Visa Signature Concierge for help with travel, dining, or entertainment 24/7/365.
Luxury Hotel CollectionStay at luxury hotels through the Visa Signature Collection.
What we like about this card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card distinguishes itself with its uncomplicated yet rewarding cash back structure, introductory APR benefits, no annual fee, additional perks like cell phone protection, and the reliability of being backed by a reputable financial institution. These features collectively make it a compelling choice for individuals seeking a versatile and user-friendly cash back credit card:
Generous flat cash back rewards
One of the most attractive features of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card is its straightforward cash back rewards structure. Cardholders earn an unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, making it a hassle-free choice for those who prefer a simple and transparent rewards system.
Introductory 0% APR period
The card offers a valuable introductory 0% APR period on both purchases and balance transfers. This feature can be particularly beneficial for those looking to make a large purchase or consolidate existing high-interest debt without incurring additional interest charges during the introductory period.
No annual fee
The absence of an annual fee makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card an even more attractive option for individuals who want to maximize their cash back rewards without having to worry about recurring costs.
Cell phone protection
Wells Fargo offers an added layer of protection for cardholders' cell phones. By paying your monthly cell phone bill with the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card, you automatically receive cell phone protection coverage. This feature can be a valuable perk, providing peace of mind in case of theft or damage to your device.
Wide acceptance and access to Wells Fargo’s online and mobile banking
With the backing of Wells Fargo, one of the largest and most established financial institutions, cardholders can enjoy widespread acceptance of their credit card. Additionally, the card integrates seamlessly with Wells Fargo’s online and mobile banking platforms, allowing for easy management of your account, quick access to statements, and the ability to monitor your cash back rewards in real-time.
Accessible welcome bonus
You only have to spend $500 in the first three months of opening the card to earn a $200 cash rewards bonus. While the bonus is small compared to other cards, it is also more achievable than other options.
Drawbacks and considerations
While the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card offers a range of appealing features, it’s important for potential cardholders to be aware of some drawbacks and considerations before deciding. Here are key factors to keep in mind:
Foreign transaction fees
Unlike some other credit cards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card comes with foreign transaction fees. If you frequently travel internationally or make purchases in foreign currencies, these fees can add up quickly and offset the cash back benefits.
Limited bonus categories
The card's strength lies in its simplicity, offering a flat 2% cash back on all purchases. However, if you are someone who spends heavily in specific categories such as dining, travel, or groceries, you may find that other credit cards with bonus categories better suit your spending habits. It's essential to evaluate your personal spending patterns to determine if the card aligns with your lifestyle.
Credit score requirements
As with any credit card, approval is subject to creditworthiness. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card may require a good to excellent credit score for eligibility. Individuals with lower credit scores may find it challenging to qualify for this particular card.
Limited additional perks
While the card offers cell phone protection, it lacks some of the premium perks and benefits that come with higher-tier credit cards, such as travel insurance, extended warranty protection, or airport lounge access. If these additional perks are essential for your lifestyle, you may want to explore credit cards that cater to such needs, even if they come with an annual fee.
Variable APR after the introductory period
While the card provides a beneficial introductory 0% APR period, it's important to note that the APR becomes variable after this period ends. Cardholders who carry a balance should be aware of the ongoing interest rates, which can vary based on the market conditions and their creditworthiness.
How to decide if this card is right for you
Choosing a credit card is a personal decision that should align with your individual financial habits and preferences. To determine whether the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card is the right fit for you, consider the following factors:
Spending habits
Evaluate your typical spending patterns. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card is designed for simplicity, offering a flat 2% cash back on all purchases. If your spending is diverse and you prefer a no-fuss rewards structure without dealing with rotating categories, this card may be an excellent match.
Desire for bonus categories
That said, consider whether you prefer credit cards with bonus categories tailored to specific spending areas such as dining, travel, or groceries. If you have clear preferences for certain spending categories, you might find other cards with specialized rewards more advantageous.
International usage
If you frequently travel abroad or make purchases in foreign currencies, be mindful of the foreign transaction fees associated with this card. If international transactions are a significant part of your financial activity, you may want to explore credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to save on additional costs.
Interest in introductory APR benefits
If you anticipate carrying a balance or making a large purchase, the introductory 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers can be a valuable feature.
Credit score
Check your credit score before applying for the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card. This card typically requires a good to excellent credit score for approval. If your credit score is lower, you may want to work on improving it before applying or explore cards that cater to individuals with varying credit profiles.
Annual fee tolerance
Consider your stance on annual fees. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card stands out by not charging an annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for those who want to maximize cash back rewards without ongoing fees.
Importance of additional perks
Assess the importance of additional perks and benefits, such as travel insurance, extended warranty protection, or airport lounge access. If you value these extras, you might want to explore premium credit cards that come with a more extensive range of benefits, even if they come with an annual fee.
Long-term rewards strategy
Consider your long-term financial goals and how the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card fits into your overall rewards strategy. While it may lack a traditional sign-up bonus, the consistent 2% cash back on all purchases can provide steady and reliable rewards over time.
What users are saying about this card
The Active Cash Card offers a straightforward and rewarding cash-back structure, making it a practical choice for everyday expenses. As someone who values simplicity and transparency in financial products, I appreciate the unlimited 2% cash back on purchases. Whether it's groceries, gas, or other essentials, the consistent cash-back rate adds up over time, contributing to savings or providing flexibility in spending. Moreover, the card's additional perks, such as cell phone protection and various security features, enhance the overall value proposition. These features align with my preferences for a credit card that not only offers financial benefits but also prioritizes security and convenience in day-to-day transactions. Overall, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card proves to be a reliable companion for managing expenses efficiently while earning meaningful cash-back rewards.
Founder, Global Residence Index
I have found the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card helpful in my situation. The ease of the reward structure associated with the card fits perfectly into my demanding lifestyle. It offers a simple yet valuable proposition: an automatic 2% cash back on all purchases without restrictions to different categories or reward caps. This has greatly simplified the management of my expenditures because I have to pay for many office supplies and travel costs at work. Secondly, the straightforward approach to rewards redemption that the Active Cash Card offers also makes it more attractive. The simplicity of redeeming cash rewards through a statement credit to one's Wells Fargo account makes my life easier as I rely on every minute. In addition, the welcome APR for purchases and promotional offers provided flexibility and an opportunity to save, especially when larger debts are being managed or during times of excessive caseloads. Overall, the simplicity and efficiency of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, with its value, is a viable decision in my professional world, where time management along with financial efficacy is required.
DebtCC Spokesperson, Debt Consolidation Care
Found a prefect pair
Pair your Wells Fargo Active Cash® with Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to earn $639 annually in cash back
To get the most value, you can pair this card with a travel rewards credit card like the Delta American Express Gold Card, so you earn points to use on airfare. Use this card to get money back on day-to-day purchases and collect points on your travel rewards card to save up for travel.
Methodology
Credello’s credit card reviews aim to provide readers with clear and unbiased information to help them choose the right credit card that aligns with their financial goals and needs. Our methodology emphasizes transparency, disclosure of any potential biases, and regular updates to ensure the information remains relevant and accurate for readers.The methodology used to review the best Wells Fargo Credit Cards relied on a number of factors, with the most prominent of those being:
- Assess the interest rates charged on outstanding balances.
- Evaluate the cost of owning the credit card, including any annual fees.
- Examine rewards programs, cashback offers, travel perks, and other cardholder benefits.
- Analyze introductory APR, balance transfer offers, and sign-up bonuses.
- Consider the card’s credit limit and its suitability for different financial needs.
- Review late fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges.
- Determine the credit score needed to qualify for the card.
- Research the quality and accessibility of customer support.
- Assess security measures such as fraud protection and chip technology.
The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.
FAQs
Yes, the Wells Fargo Active Cash card charges a 3% fee for each foreign transaction amount.
Yes, this card provides an auto rental collision damage waiver, which covers reimburses you if a covered accident or theft occurs to the rental car.
Yes, like most credit cards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card can contribute to building credit when used responsibly. Here’s how:
1. Payment History: Your payment history is a crucial factor in your credit score. Making payments on time each month will have a positive impact on your credit history. Conversely, late payments can have a negative effect.
2. Credit Utilization: The card’s credit limit and your balance affect your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total available credit.
3. Credit Mix: Having a mix of different types of credit, including credit cards, can contribute positively to your credit score.
4. Length of Credit History: The longer you have a credit card account open, the more it positively affects your credit score.
5. New Credit: Opening a new credit card account can initially have a small negative impact on your credit score due to the inquiry and the new account. However, this impact is usually temporary, and as you use the card responsibly, it can contribute positively to your credit profile over time.
It’s essential to use the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card responsibly by paying your bills on time, keeping your credit utilization low, and managing your overall credit responsibly.
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At a Glance 
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