The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Credit Card is one of the best cash back credit cards in the United States. With its flat 2% unlimited cash back, no annual fee, and solid welcome bonus, it’s great for people who want simple, rewarding spending. Unlike other cards that require category tracking or quarterly activations, this card gives back every time you swipe—no strings attached.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Wells Fargo cash back credit card: features, benefits, drawbacks, who it’s best for, and how it compares to other top credit cards.
What Is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Credit Card?
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is a Visa Signature credit card that gives users 2% unlimited cash rewards on every purchase they make. It launched to compete with flat-rate cards like the Citi® Double Cash Card and Capital One Quicksilver®, and it quickly became a favorite for its simplicity.
This card is ideal if you don’t want to worry about categories or limits. Whether you’re buying groceries, paying bills, or shopping online, you’ll earn the same 2% back.
Key Features of the Wells Fargo Cash Back Credit Card
Let’s break down the main features that make this card stand out:
1. Unlimited 2% Cash Rewards
- Every time you buy something with the card, you earn 2% back in cash rewards.
- There are no category restrictions (like gas, dining, or groceries).
- There are no earning caps, so you can spend freely and keep earning.
2. $200 Welcome Bonus
- If you spend $500 in the first 3 months, you’ll get a $200 cash reward bonus.
- That’s a 40% return on your first $500—a strong incentive for new users.
3. 0% Intro APR for 12 Months
- You get 0% interest on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for the first 12 months.
- After that, the APR will be 19.24% to 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- This is helpful if you want to finance a big purchase or pay off other cards.
4. No Annual Fee
- The card comes with no annual fee, so you don’t have to worry about covering a cost just to keep it.
- This makes it ideal for budget-conscious users who want simple rewards.
Extra Perks and Benefits
Beyond rewards and bonuses, Wells Fargo offers valuable extras that add protection and convenience.
1. Cell Phone Protection
- If you pay your monthly phone bill with this card, you get up to $600 of protection against damage or theft.
- There’s a $25 deductible, but it’s one of the best free phone insurance perks on the market.
2. Visa Signature® Benefits
- As a Visa Signature cardholder, you get:
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- 24/7 travel and emergency assistance
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Concierge service
- Hotel perks and upgrades
These travel and shopping benefits make it great for frequent travelers or anyone looking for peace of mind.
3. Flexible Redemption Options
You can use your cash rewards in multiple ways:
| Redemption Option | Details |
| Statement Credit | Use your rewards to lower your card balance |
| Bank Deposit | Transfer cash to a Wells Fargo checking/savings |
| ATM Redemption | Withdraw in $20 increments at Wells Fargo ATMs |
| Gift Cards/PayPal | Use rewards for gifts or online purchases |
This makes it easy to use your cash rewards however you like.
Things to Watch Out For
No card is perfect. While the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is excellent, there are some things to consider:
1. Foreign Transaction Fee
- Charges 3% on purchases made outside the U.S.
- Not the best card for international travel.
2. Balance Transfer Fee
- You’ll pay 3% of the amount transferred if you do it within 120 days of account opening.
- After that, the fee jumps to 5% (minimum $5).
- If your goal is debt consolidation, do the transfer early to save money.
3. High Regular APR
- After the intro period, the variable APR ranges from 19.24% to 29.24%.
- If you carry a balance, this interest can add up quickly.
Eligibility and Credit Requirements
To qualify for this credit card, you’ll need:
- A credit score of around 700 or higher (good to excellent credit).
- A clean credit report, with no recent late payments or bankruptcies.
- Proof of income stability to cover your credit line.
If you don’t meet these, Wells Fargo might offer you a different product—or deny your application.
How It Compares to Other Cash Back Cards?
Let’s see how the Wells Fargo card stacks up against two other popular options:
| Feature | Wells Fargo Active Cash® | Citi® Double Cash | Capital One Quicksilver® |
| Cash Back Rate | 2% on all purchases | 1% when you buy + 1% when you pay | 1.5% flat rate |
| Welcome Bonus | $200 after $500 spend | $200 after $1,500 spend | $200 after $500 spend |
| Intro APR | 0% for 12 months | 0% for 18 months on BT | 0% for 15 months |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | 3% | None |
Verdict:
- Best for Simple Rewards: Wells Fargo Active Cash®
- Best for Balance Transfers: Citi® Double Cash
- Best for Travel: Capital One Quicksilver® (no foreign transaction fee)
Who Should Get the Wells Fargo Cash Back Credit Card?
This card is perfect for:
- People who want a simple 2% cash back card with no rotating categories
- Users who spend regularly across all categories and want flat-rate earnings
- Someone looking for a new card with a cash bonus and intro APR
- Budget-conscious folks who want a no-fee, high-reward card
It’s also a good option if you’re already a Wells Fargo customer and want to keep everything in one place.
Customer Reviews and Awards
This card has received positive reviews and awards from multiple financial platforms:
- NerdWallet: Best for Simple Cash Back
- Bankrate: Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Card (2024)
- WSJ Buy Side: Best Overall Cash Back Card
- Real Simple Smart Money Awards: Best Overall Credit Card (2024)
Most cardholders praise the easy rewards, strong welcome bonus, and no-fuss benefits.
Application Process
Applying is fast and easy:
- Visit the Wells Fargo website.
- Fill in your personal info (SSN, address, income, employment).
- Get a decision in 60 seconds or less.
If approved, your card will arrive in 7–10 business days.
Conclusion
Yes, the Wells Fargo Active Cash back Credit Card is definitely worth it—especially if you want a card that earns rewards on everything without effort.
Pros:
- 2% cash back on every purchase
- Easy-to-earn $200 bonus
- No annual fee
- Intro APR for 12 months
- Built-in cell phone protection
Cons:
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- High regular APR if you carry a balance
- Requires good-to-excellent credit
If you’re looking for a no-hassle, high-value cash back card and plan to use it mostly in the U.S., this card is a top-tier choice.
