Wells Fargo Active Cash or Citi Double Cash: Which is Better?
At a Glance
When it comes to credit cards that offer pure cash back, there are a multitude of different options to consider. However, two standout choices are the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash cards. Offering similar benefits, determining the answer to Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Citi Double Cash requires breaking down the main differences between the cards.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Citi Double Cash: Key Differences
In looking at the Citi Double Cash vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash, below are a few key differences to keep at the top of mind:
| Wells Fargo Active Cash | Citi Double Cash | |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus Amount | $200 cash reward after spending $500 within the first 3 months of the account opening | None |
| Rewards Earning Rate | 2% cash rewards on all purchases | 1% cash back earned on purchases and 1% earned on all payments made towards purchases |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Balance Transfers | Balance transfers made within 120 days of account opening qualify for the intro APR rate | 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months |
| APR | 0% for the first 15 months, then 19.99%, 24.99%, 29.99% variable APR based on creditworthiness | 18.99% to 28.99% variable APR based on creditworthiness |
Comparing Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash
From a high-level overview standpoint of the Citi Double Cash vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash cards, here are the most important comparisons to remember:
| Wells Fargo Active Cash | Citi Double Cash | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ||
| Intro APR Offer |  |
|
| Welcome Offer | |
|
| Cash Back Reward | |
|
| Travel Rewards | |
|
| Hotel Rewards | |
|
| Recommended Credit | Good to Excellent | Good to Excellent |
Why should you get the Wells Fargo Active Cash?
Those who are seeking a thought-free and easy cash-back card that doesn’t require breaking your expenses out into different categories should consider the Active Cash card by Wells Fargo. In comparing the Wells Fargo Active Cash card vs. Citi Double Cash card, the primary standout benefit of the former is the 0% intro APR that lasts for 15 months including balance transfers. This makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash also a great option for those looking to transfer a balance from another card, so long as it’s within 120 days of the account opening.
Why should you get the Citi Double Cash?
On the other side of the Active Cash vs. Double Cash debate, anyone who is seeking travel benefits should consider the Double Cash card. With rewards earned as ThankYou points, it’s possible to eventually get another Citi card that allows you to use your accrued points in their travel portal. Additionally, the fact that the extra 1% earned back on purchases is only applied when those purchases are paid off makes this a great card for someone looking to open their first account and build responsibility with credit.
FAQs
Yes, a person can get both the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash card, but be aware that they are both cashback cards that offer similar perks. In your efforts to divide up your spending between the two cards, you may end up earning less back than if you had just used one card. Neither the Wells Fargo Active Cash nor Citi Double Cash card earns traditional points, as they are “cash back” cards only. The ThankYou “points” offered by Citi cannot be redeemed for anything besides cash or gift cards. Given that the cards are issued by different providers, there is no way to switch your card from one to the other. The recommended credit scores for both card types are the same, with each company recommending a credit score of good to excellent for the best shot at approval. Currently, Wells Fargo Active Cash is offering a discounted minimum spend to receive their welcome bonus of $200, with only $500 (normally $1,000) needing to be spent in the first three months since account opening. Citi does not offer a welcome bonus with its Double Cash card. Generally, no, the IRS does not recognize points or cash back from credit cards as taxable income.
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