Wells Fargo Active Cash or Citi Double Cash: Which Cash-Back Card is Better?
Regarding credit cards that offer pure cash back, there are several options to consider. However, the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash cards are two standout choices. Both cards offer similar benefits, so it can be challenging to determine which is better for you.

Wells Fargo Active Cash®

Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Card summary

Citi® Double Cash

Citi® Double Cash
Card summary
Expert Verdict
The Wells Fargo Active Cash card offers an easier way to earn cash back, but the Citi Double Cash provides a slightly better 0% APR offer for balance transfers. Also, if you want to make the sign-up bonus without problems, the Wells Fargo Active Cash card is more doable, especially for those with limited means. If you’re going abroad, use a different card - both charge a foreign transaction fee.

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Comparing the Wells Fargo Active Cash® and Citi® Double Cash
When comparing the Citi Double Cash vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash cards, here are the most important factors to consider:
Earning rewards
When it comes to earning rewards, you can earn up to 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases with no categories to track or quarterly activations to worry about. This applies to both the Wells Fargo Active Cash card and the Citi Double Cash card. However, with Citi, you only earn 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill. If you cannot pay off your card entirely, you won’t reach the full 2%. This makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash card the winner in this category, as it has no restrictions on earning. That said, if you plan to pay off your card in full every month, you’ll earn the same 2% cash back rewards with both cards.
Rewards redemption
Wells Fargo allows you to redeem rewards in a variety of ways, including:
1. As a credit to a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account, or mortgage
2. For travel, including flights, car rentals, and hotel stays
3. As a statement credit
4. Gift cards
5. To shop for merchandise and gifts from participating merchants and retailers
For the Citi Double Cash, cash back is earned as ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed in the following ways:
1. As a statement credit
2. Direct deposit or check
3. Gift cards
4. Shop with Points at Amazon.com
5. For travel, including flights, car rentals, and hotel stays
You can also transfer ThankYou points to one of Citi’s airline or hotel partners, which includes more than a dozen airlines and three hotel chains: Accor, Wyndham, and Choice privileges. This is a benefit that Wells Fargo does not offer.
Sign-up bonus
Wells Fargo allows you to earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months, compared to Citi Double Cash, which offers $200 back if you spend $1,500 in the first six months. While the bonus is the same, Wells Fargo allows you to earn it faster and has a relatively low spending limit to reach.
Introductory APR offer
The Wells Fargo Active Cash credit card has 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Alternatively, the Citi Double Cash has a more extended intro APR period (18 months) but only on balance transfers, making Wells Fargo the better option for cardholders looking for a more flexible intro APR offer.
Balance transfer features
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, you will pay up to 5% for each transfer ($5 minimum).
With the Citi Double Cash card, however, you’ll have 0% APR for 18 months with a 3% balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) when completed within the first four months of account opening. After that, the cost will be 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum). The longer 0% intro APR rate makes the Citi Double Cash card a winner for cardholders who need to transfer a balance from another credit card.
Fees
Annual fees | Neither the Wells Fargo Active Cash nor the Citi Double Cash cards have an annual fee, making both cards a good option for cardholders who want to avoid a yearly fee. |
Foreign transaction fees | Both the Wells Fargo Active Cash and the Citi Double Cash card charge a foreign transaction fees of 3%. This means, that any purchases made abroad will incur a 3% additional charge. |
Additional perks
Regarding additional credit card perks, the Wells Fargo Active Cash offers cardholders more value. Perks include:
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.
The Citi Double Cash offers more limited additional perks, including:
For a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on select Citi travel bookings.
Access to Citi Entertainment, which provides access to tickets and experiences.
Lost wallet services (including replacement card within 24 hours and emergency cash).
Why should you get the Wells Fargo Active Cash card?
Those who are seeking a cash-back card with unlimited cash-back earning potential, ease of redemption, no annual fee, and additional perks, should consider the Active Cash card by Wells Fargo. In comparing the Wells Fargo Active Cash card vs. the Citi Double Cash card, the standout benefits of the former include additional perks, such as cell-phone protection, and the 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
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.
Pros and cons of Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Pros | Cons |
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Why should you get the Citi Double Cash
On the other side of the Active Cash vs. Double Cash debate, anyone seeking more flexible redemption options, particularly when it comes to travel, should consider the Citi Double Cash card. With rewards earned as ThankYou points, you can redeem rewards through the Citi Travel portal, transfer rewards to Citi’s airline and hotel partners, and combine ThankYou points from other Citi cards to enhance their value.
Additionally, the extra 1% earned back on purchases is only applied when those purchases are paid off, making this a great card for someone looking to open their first account and build credit responsibly.
Pros | Cons |
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When to get both the Wells Fargo Active Cash card and Citi Double Cash?
Getting both the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash cards can be beneficial if you want to maximize your cash-back rewards and take advantage of each card's unique features. Here are some scenarios where having both cards could make sense:
Combining sign-up bonuses
Both cards offer sign-up bonuses from time to time. By getting both cards and ensuring you meet the spending requirements, you can earn both bonuses, boosting your cash-back rewards.
Redemption flexibility
The Citi Double Cash card allows you to convert cash back to ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, and more. If you value this flexibility, having the Citi Double Cash card and the Wells Fargo Active Cash card can be beneficial.
No annual fees
Neither card has an annual fee, so having both cards won't cost you anything extra as long as you manage them responsibly.
When should you get neither Wells Fargo Active Cash nor Citi Double Cash?
You might consider avoiding both the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash cards if:
Reward preferences
If you prefer to earn a higher rewards rate on specific spending categories, such as travel or dining, you may want to consider a card that offers a greater percentage back on purchases in those areas. Additionally, if you’d rather earn points or miles that can be redeemed for travel, there are other cards offering better reward earning potential.
Interest rates
If you tend to carry a balance on your credit card, neither of these cards may be the best choice. The focus of these cards is on cash-back rewards, and they may not have the lowest interest rates available.
Credit history
If your credit score is not high enough to qualify for these cards, it's advisable to explore other options that may be more suitable for your current credit profile.
Luxury perks
If you are looking for a card with other perks, such as airport lounge access, hotel rewards, or luxury travel benefits, you might want to consider alternative credit cards that better align with your preferences and needs.
Bottom line
Choosing between the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash cards depends on your priorities. Both cards offer a straightforward cash-back structure with a relatively easy-to-earn sign-up bonus. The Wells Fargo Active Cash card offers an intro APR on balance transfers and purchases, while Citi Double Cash only offers an intro APR on balance transfers, which can be a determining factor. Neither has an annual fee and both have foreign transaction fees, as well as a variety of ways to redeem your rewards. However, the Wells Fargo Active Cash comes with more additional perks compared to Citi Double Cash.
- Earning rewards
- Rewards redemption
- Sign-up bonus
- Introductory APR offer
- Balance transfer features
- Fees
- Additional perks
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.
Still not sure which card to pick?
Check out other popular cash back cards.
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