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Share on FlipboardWells Fargo Reflect® vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® – Longest Intro APR Period or Flat-Rate Cash Rewards?
Wells Fargo, a well-established financial institution, offers two enticing credit card options: the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. Both cards come with their own set of benefits and features, catering to different consumer preferences.
Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Card summary
Wells Fargo Reflect®
Wells Fargo Reflect®
Card summary
Expert Verdict
The Active Cash card has a relatively short 0% interest introductory period on all purchases and qualifying balance transfers, but it is equal to or better than the Reflect card in every other way. For fiscally-minded spenders that do not place a high value on having an extra six months of 0% interest, the Active Cash card is clearly superior.
CFA and CPA with over 20 years of experience
Comparing the Wells Fargo Reflect® and Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Earning rewards
Winner:
Wells Fargo Active Cash
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 with the Wells Fargo Active Cash card. The Wells Fargo Reflect card does not offer any rewards on purchases, making Active Cash a clear winner.
Rewards redemption
Winner:
Wells Fargo Active Cash
Wells Fargo allows you to redeem rewards through a variety of ways, including:
1. As a credit to a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account, or mortgage.
2. For flights, car rentals, and hotel stays.
3. A statement credit.
4. Gift cards.
5. Shop with rewards for merchandise and gifts from participating merchants and retailers.
To redeem points, visit wellsfargo.com/redeem, redeem rewards for purchases you already made, get cash back from a Wells Fargo ATM, or call Wells Fargo Rewards Customer Service.
Because the Reflect card doesn’t have rewards, there is nothing to redeem.
Sign-up bonus
Winner:
Wells Fargo Active Cash
Wells Fargo allows you to earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months. The Reflect card does not currently have a cash back or rewards sign-up bonus.
Introductory APR offer
Winner:
Wells Fargo Reflect
The Wells Fargo Reflect card is designed for those seeking a 0% intro APR credit card. It currently offers 0% intro APR for 21 months on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
While the Wells Fargo Active Cash credit card also has a 0% intro APR (15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers), the Reflect card is the better choice due to the longer time period.
Balance transfer features
Winner:
Wells Fargo Active Cash
For both cards, the balance transfer request must be made within 120 days of account opening to qualify for the 0% introductory APR. In addition to the 0% intro APR, the Wells Fargo Active Cash card also offers a 3% introductory fee. After that, for both cards, you’ll pay up to 5% for each transfer ($5 minimum).
The additional discounted fee makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash card the winner.
Fees
Winner:
Both Wells Fargo Active Cash and Reflect
| Annual fees | Neither the Wells Fargo Active Cash nor the Wells Fargo Reflect cards have an annual fee. |
| Foreign transaction fees | Both the Wells Fargo Active Cash and the Reflect cards charge foreign transaction fees (3%). |
Additional perks
Winner:
Wells Fargo Active Cash
Because both cards are offered by Wells Fargo, they offer many of the same perks such as:
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.
However, the Active Cash card also provides additional Visa cardholder benefits such as:
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.
Why should you get the Wells Fargo Active Cash card?
The Wells Fargo Active Cash card is a compelling choice for individuals seeking straightforward cashback rewards with no rotating categories or enrollment requirements. One key reason to consider this card is its generous cash back rewards program, which offers unlimited 2% cash back on purchases. This simple and competitive rewards structure makes it easy to earn cashback on everyday spending without the hassle of keeping track of changing bonus categories.
You should also consider the Active Cash card if you want an attractive welcome bonus (with a plan to meet the spending requirement), a 0% introductory APR offer for purchases and balance transfers, no annual fee, and other benefits such as cell phone protection, roadside dispatch, and Visa Signature privileges like concierge services and luxury hotel benefits.
Overall, the Wells Fargo Active Cash card is a solid option for individuals seeking a simple, flexible, and rewarding cashback credit card experience.
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. |
Thomas Brock's Expert Tip on Wells Fargo Active Cash
Why should you get the Wells Fargo Reflect card?
The Wells Fargo Reflect card is ideal for cardholders who are planning a significant purchase and want a longer interest-free period or who are considering transferring a balance from another card. Because of the extended 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, this can help save you money in interest savings, and you may be able to pay off your debt faster.
While this card doesn’t offer any rewards, it does not have an annual fee and does come with a few additional perks such as cell phone protection, roadside dispatch, and more, making it a cost-effective balance transfer credit card option.
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
Apply now with Wells Fargo
Pros and cons of Wells Fargo Reflect
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extended intro APR on purchases and balance transfers | Does not earn rewards |
| No annual fee | Does not offer Visa Signature benefits or concierge services |
| Provides cell phone protection, roadside dispatch, and more | 3% foreign transaction fees |
Thomas Brock’s Expert Tip on Wells Fargo Reflect
When to get both the Wells Fargo Active Cash card and Reflect card?
Getting both the Wells Fargo Active Cash card and the Reflect card can be a smart move if you're looking to maximize your rewards and savings potential while also enjoying the benefits of both cards. Here's when it might make sense to get both:
If you want to maximize cash back rewards
The Active Cash card offers 2% unlimited cashback on purchases, which can be great for everyday spending. You can then redeem your rewards as a statement credit, direct deposit into a Wells Fargo savings or checking account, as a paper check, as gift cards, for travel or merchandise, or more. The ability to earn rewards and the flexibility of redemption help balance the Active Cash with the Reflect card.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution
Neither card has an annual fee, making them cost-effective options for earning rewards and building savings habits without paying additional fees.
If you want to make a large purchase or pay off credit card debt
Both cards have a 0% intro APR offer, though the Reflect card is longer by several months. Using the Reflect card to transfer outstanding credit card debt and the Active Cash card to make larger purchases and earn cash back can be beneficial for your wallet.
When to get neither the Wells Fargo Active Cash card nor the Reflect card?
There are a few scenarios where it might not make sense to get either the Wells Fargo Active Cash card or the Reflect card:
Already have similar cards
If you already have other credit cards that offer similar or better rewards for your spending habits, it might not be necessary to get either of these cards. It's important to compare the benefits and rewards of each card to determine if they would add value to your wallet.
Not Interested in cash back or saving rewards
If you're not interested in earning cash back rewards on your purchases or rewards for saving, these cards may not be the best fit for you. There are other credit cards available that offer different types of rewards, such as travel rewards or points-based rewards, which may align better with your preferences.
Prefer cards with different benefits
If you prioritize other benefits in a credit card, such as travel perks or specific merchant rewards, you may find other cards more suitable for your needs. It's important to consider what features are most important to you when choosing a credit card.
Already have accounts with Wells Fargo
If you prefer not to have multiple accounts with the same bank, you may choose to explore credit card options from other issuers to diversify your financial relationships.
Bottom line
The Wells Fargo Active Cash card and Reflect card can be valuable additions to your wallet, offering cashback rewards and incentives for saving. If you're looking for a straightforward cashback card with no annual fee, the Active Cash card's unlimited 2% cashback on purchases is appealing. On the other hand, the Reflect card has one of the best 0% intro APR offers for purchases and balance transfers currently on the market to help you save on large purchases or debt consolidation. Consider your spending and saving goals to determine which card, or combination of both, best suits your needs.
- Earning rewards
- Rewards redemption
- Sign-up bonus
- Introductory APR offer
- Balance transfer features
- Fees
- Additional perks
WINNER
FAQs
You will likely need a credit score of at least 700 to increase your approval chances.
Similar to the Reflect, you’ll likely need a FICO score of at least 700. However, Wells Fargo will consider several factors when reviewing your application.
Related: Wells Fargo Credit Card Requirements
The minimum credit limit is $1,000, but there are user reports as high as $20,000.
The minimum credit limit is $1,000, but there are user reports as high as $14,000.
Still not sure which card to pick?
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In this article
June 26, 2023
14 min