Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
At a Glance
Wells Fargo is one of the biggest names in the credit card world and they have a variety of competitive credit cards to offer. In particular, the Wells Fargo Autograph vs. Active Cash card decision leaves many people stumped. However, there are distinct differences when looking at the Active Cash vs. Autograph which make one better than the other for certain types of people. Learn everything you need to know about the Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Autograph to determine which should go in your wallet.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Comparing the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ and Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Understanding the nuances between different credit cards can be difficult for anybody, which is why we’ve compiled a Wells Fargo Active Cash Card vs. Autograph Card table that highlights the key differences. Use this as your guiding point when considering the active cash vs. autograph card for your daily expenses:
| Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Card type | Travel, cash rewards | Cash rewards |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Welcome offer | Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (that’s a $200 cash redemption value) | Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months |
| Rewards rate | Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans; plus earn 1X points on other purchases | Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases |
| Redemption methods | Travel, Gift cards, Credit for eligible purchases, Statement credits, Credits to a qualifying Wells Fargo checking account or mortgage, mailed checks, cash via a withdrawal from a Wells Fargo ATM, Payments with rewards at participating merchants (including PayPal), Charitable donations, Merchandise | Travel, Gift cards, Credit for eligible purchases, Statement credits, Credits to a qualifying Wells Fargo checking account or mortgage, mailed checks, cash via a withdrawal from a Wells Fargo ATM, Payments with rewards at participating merchants (including PayPal), Charitable donations, Merchandise |
| APR | 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases (then 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable) | 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases (then 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable), 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (then 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable) |
| Foreign transaction fees | None | 3% |
| Recommended Credit | Excellent, Good | Excellent, Good |
| Travel perks | Auto rental collision damage waiver, Travel, and emergency services assistance, Roadside Dispatch, 24/7 concierge service, Access a luxury hotel collection through the Visa Signature Hotel Collection | Auto rental collision damage waiver, Travel, and emergency services assistance, Roadside Dispatch, 24/7 concierge service, Access a luxury hotel collection through the Visa Signature Hotel Collection |
| Other benefits | Cell phone protection | Cell phone protection |
Pros and cons of Wells Fargo Autograph℠
Pros:
- Elevated rewards rate in bonus categories like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans.
- No annual fees and no foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for travelers.
- Provides cell phone protection.
Cons:
- Low base earning rate of only 1X points on other purchases.
- No intro APR offer on qualifying balance transfers.
Pros and cons of Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Pros:
- Simple rewards rate with 2% cash back on all purchases.
- No annual fee and offers intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
- Provides cell phone protection.
Cons:
- No bonus categories for higher rewards in specific spending areas.
- Charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Three important differences between Wells Fargo Autograph℠ and Active Cash®
Read on to know the three important differences between Wells Fargo Autograph℠ and Active Cash®: rewards structure, intro APR offers, and foreign transaction fees.
1. Earning rates
- Autograph offers 3X points in bonus categories and 1X points on other purchases.
- Active Cash provides a flat 2% cash back on all purchases.
2. Intro APR offers
- Autograph offers 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases.
- Active Cash offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
3. Foreign transaction fees
- Autograph has no foreign transaction fees.
- Active Cash charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Where both cards excel?
Both the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ and Active Cash® cards have their respective strengths that make them appealing choices for different types of cardholders.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ excels in offering elevated rewards rates in its bonus categories, which include restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. This makes it an attractive option for individuals who frequently spend time in these areas and want to maximize their rewards. The card’s 3X points in these categories can significantly boost the earning potential for everyday expenses.
On the other hand, Wells Fargo Active Cash® stands out for its simple rewards structure. Cardholders earn a flat 2% cash back on all purchases, making it a hassle-free option for those who prefer not to keep track of bonus categories or want a single card for all their spending needs. The card’s 2% cash-back rate is competitive and can provide consistent rewards on various purchases.
Both cards have no annual fee, which adds to their appeal, and they provide cell phone protection, a valuable perk that can cover eligible phones for up to $600, minus a $25 deductible when cardholders pay their monthly cell phone bill with the applicable card.
Additionally, both cards share some common benefits, including welcome bonuses, travel perks like auto rental collision damage waiver and travel and emergency services assistance, and various redemption options for rewards, such as statement credits, gift cards, and more.
Overall, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ and Active Cash® cards cater to different spending preferences and offer valuable benefits to their respective target audiences.
Which credit card should you choose?
Choosing between the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ and Active Cash® cards depends on your spending habits, preferences, and financial needs.
When you should choose Wells Fargo Autograph℠?
Consider the Autograph card if your everyday expenses align with its bonus categories, and you frequently spend money on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. The 3X points in these categories can help you maximize your reward potential. Moreover, if you travel frequently, the card’s lack of foreign transaction fees makes it a suitable travel companion. Additionally, the Autograph card provides an introductory 0% APR for 12 months on purchases, which could be advantageous if you plan on making significant purchases and need some time to pay them off without incurring interest.
You should choose Wells Fargo Autograph℠ if:
- Your everyday expenses align with its bonus categories.
- You travel frequently and want to avoid foreign transaction fees.
- You want a travel card that also offers an intro APR on purchases.
- You want cell phone protection for eligible phones.
When you should choose Wells Fargo Active Cash®?
Go for the Active Cash card if you prefer a straightforward rewards structure without the hassle of tracking categories. The card’s flat 2% cash back on all purchases allows you to earn consistent rewards on various spending, making it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer a no-fuss approach to earning rewards. Moreover, if you do not travel often and do not worry about foreign transaction fees, the Active Cash card can serve as a reliable and versatile option for everyday spending. Additionally, the card’s 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers can be beneficial if you plan on making large purchases or need to transfer existing balances.
You should choose Wells Fargo Active Cash® if:
- You prefer a simple cash rewards card for everyday spending.
- You do not travel frequently and are not concerned about foreign transaction fees.
- You want a card with intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers.
- You want cell phone protection for eligible phones.
Factors to consider before choosing
Before choosing between the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ and Active Cash® cards, there are several essential factors to consider:
1. Spending habits: Assess your typical spending patterns and determine which card’s rewards structure aligns better with your expenses. If you frequently spend money on restaurants, travel, gas stations, and other bonus categories, the Autograph’s 3X points might be more rewarding. Alternatively, if you prefer a simple rewards rate with 2% cash back on all purchases, the Active Cash card may be the better choice.
2. Travel frequency: Consider how often you travel internationally. If you frequently travel abroad, Autograph’s lack of foreign transaction fees can save you money on foreign purchases. However, if you don’t travel internationally often, this benefit may not be as crucial, and the Active Cash card could still be a viable option.
3. Intro APR offers: If you plan on making significant purchases or need to transfer balances, the Active Cash card’s 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers may be advantageous. Evaluate whether you can benefit from this introductory period.
4. Foreign transaction fees: If you frequently travel outside the U.S., the Autograph’s lack of foreign transaction fees can be a significant advantage. Consider how often you travel internationally and whether these fees will impact your overall expenses.
5. Cell phone protection: Both cards offer cell phone protection but consider whether this benefit is essential to you and whether you can maximize its value by using it to cover your eligible phones.
6. Credit score: Check if you meet the credit score requirements for each card. Both cards typically require a good to excellent credit score (above 700).
7. Redemption options: Evaluate the various redemption options offered by both cards and choose the one that aligns with your preferences for using your rewards.
8. Annual fee: Both cards have no annual fee, but it’s always worth considering the absence of any extra costs associated with ownership.
FAQs
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card can be worth it for individuals who frequently spend in its bonus categories, such as restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. With a generous 3X points earning rate in these areas, cardholders can accumulate rewards quickly. Additionally, the card’s lack of foreign transaction fees makes it an attractive option for frequent travelers. However, for those whose spending does not align with the bonus categories, the card’s low base earning rate of 1X points on other purchases may limit its overall value.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card typically requires a good to excellent credit score, usually above 700, for approval. While credit scores are not the sole determinant of eligibility, having a credit score in this range improves the likelihood of being approved for the card. Other factors, such as income, existing debts, and credit history, also play a role in the approval process. As with any credit card application, it’s essential to maintain a good credit score and a healthy financial profile to increase the chances of obtaining approval.
Related: Wells Fargo Credit Card Requirements
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, like the Active Cash card, generally requires a good to excellent credit score for approval. A credit score above 700 is typically preferred by Wells Fargo to qualify for this rewards card. However, it’s important to note that credit score requirements can vary depending on the bank’s policies and your overall financial situation. Apart from credit scores, factors such as income, credit history, and existing debts are also considered during the application process. Maintaining a healthy credit profile will enhance your chances of securing approval for the Autograph card.
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