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The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (Rates & Fees) is a standout choice for those seeking a straightforward yet rewarding credit card for their wallet. With its simple flat-rate rewards structure, this no-annual-fee card offers unlimited 2% cash rewards on all eligible purchases, so you won’t have to bother yourself with tracking complicated spending categories.
But that's just the tip of the benefits iceberg—I know this to be true because I’ve carried this card since its debut in 2021, and it’s become my number one card for everyday spending. Let’s explore my favorite benefits of this cash-back credit card, from its introductory offer to its complimentary cellular telephone protection, and why they're not just useful but essential for today's smart cardholders.
Generous Welcome Offer
As a new cardholder, you can score a generous offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
The cash rewards bonus is an attractive incentive for new cardholders, offering a quick way to boost your rewards balance early on. I hit the spending requirement easily with my regular spending at grocery stores and gas stations.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$0
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Welcome Bonus
$200Cash Bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
If you’re a fan of earning cash rewards for your everyday spending, you need a credit card that rewards you for purchases outside of popular bonus categories like travel, grocery stores and gas stations. With the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (Rates and Fees), you earn 2% back for every dollar spent without the fuss of tracking specific bonus categories.
Overview
While many rewards credit cards tempt you with bonus rewards for specific purchases, these cards invariably offer a mere 1% rewards rate on the vast majority of charges that don’t qualify for a bonus. And with many of these cards, the amount of purchases that are eligible for your bonus is capped, restricting the overall potential value.
But with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, you simply receive a high level of cash rewards on purchases. There’s no need to register for anything, and there are no limits on the amount of cash rewards you can earn.
Read the reviewPros
- Earn an unlimited 2% cash back on every single purchase
- No annual fee
- Automatic cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card
Cons
- Points don't transfer to travel partners unlike other card currencies
- No bonus earning categories
Unlimited 2% Cash Rewards on All Purchases
While a 2% cash-back rate has become the standard for cash-back cards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card particularly shines for its simplicity and effectiveness. This straightforward rewards system means that every transaction, big or small, earns you 2% cash rewards on purchases. (Some exceptions for rewards earnings include purchases related to ATM transactions, wire transfers, lottery tickets, bets and wagers, and annual fees, though this is pretty standard across the industry.)
Although I use my Chase Sapphire Preferred® card for travel and dining, this Wells Fargo card is my go-to for the myriad of random life and household expenses—from school registration fees and soccer uniforms to those fun Slurpee runs at 7-Eleven, this card covers it all.
I even earned 2% cash rewards when I remodeled my living room, using it to purchase my furniture, paint and decor.
0% Intro APR Offer for 15 Months
With 0% intro APR for 15 months on new purchases and balance transfers, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is an excellent choice for managing larger expenses. It also provides financial flexibility during times of heavy spending.
This intro rate—which increases to 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% (Variable) APR after the offer ends based on your creditworthiness—allowed me to carry a balance on my card for several months after shelling out a considerable amount on a sectional sofa as part of my living room remodel. Normally, I pay off my statement balances each month, but using this offer, I was able to replenish my savings for a few months without worrying about paying added interest.
However, there are some important terms to note regarding balance transfers: A balance transfer request must be made within 120 days from account opening to qualify for the introductory APR and are subject to eligibility. Balance transfers made within the first 120 days will incur a 3% or $5 fee, whichever is greater. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5.
Recommended Balance Transfer Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Intro APR | APR | Rewards Rate | Learn More |
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0% for 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases
New cardholders receive 21 months of 0% introductory APR from the date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater. |
18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) | N/A |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
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0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers
New cardholders enjoy 0% introductory APR on all balance transfers for the first 18 months of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers do not earn cash-back rewards and are charged an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first four months of account opening. After that, the fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5). |
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) |
2%Cashback
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24. |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
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0% intro APR for 21 months
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5. |
18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% (Variable) | N/A |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
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0% intro APR for 15 months
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5. |
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% (Variable) |
2%Cashback
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
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Flexible Redemption Options
The ways in which the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card allows you to redeem your cash rewards is a valuable benefit in itself:
- Statement credit: You can redeem your rewards as a statement credit, with a minimum redemption of just $1.
- Cash rewards: Opt for a paper check or deposit into a qualifying account, with a minimum redemption of $25.
- ATM withdrawals: Redeem cash at an ATM using your Wells Fargo ATM or debit card, in $20 increments.
- Credit to Wells Fargo accounts: Apply your rewards as a credit to an eligible Wells Fargo mortgage, loan or credit product.
- Gift cards: Exchange your rewards for gift cards.
This range of basic redemption options adds versatility to how you can use your rewards for your specific needs and financial goals, making it one of the best rewards credit cards.
For example, I often redeem my rewards as a statement credit, effectively lowering my card balance with minimal effort. But I opt for gift cards during holiday seasons, which make convenient and thoughtful gifts. Finally, using rewards directly at ATMs is particularly handy when I need quick cash.
Cellular Telephone Protection
The card's cellular telephone protection offers up to $600 in coverage for eligible theft or damage (per claim), with a $25 deductible. To qualify for this protection, you must pay your monthly cellphone bill with your Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.
Coverage applies to all phones listed on the bill and reimburses you for repairs and replacements for eligible damage or theft. Review the Guide to Benefits for more information.
Related Article
Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Citi Double Cash: Which 2% Back Card Should You Get?
Zero Liability Protection and Security Features
The card's zero liability protection ensures that you're not held responsible for unauthorized transactions, provided you report them promptly, which is a big relief in today’s world of frequent digital transactions and increasing fraud. Additionally, features like voice verification and 2-step verification enhance account security.
The card's emergency services, including quick card replacement and cash disbursement, add another layer of convenience and security, ensuring peace of mind.
Ample Convenience Features
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card also offers a collection of benefits that enhance the user experience and security:
- My Wells Fargo Deals: This feature provides rewards on qualifying purchases with participating merchants. It's a great way to earn extra rewards for everyday shopping.
- Wells Fargo mobile app: The convenience of this app can't be overstated. It allows me to pay bills and check account activities seamlessly, whether I'm at home or on the go.
- Contactless payments: The card supports quick contactless payments, allowing me to tap the card wherever I see the contactless symbol.
- Credit Close-Up℠ Service: This service has been invaluable in helping me understand and track my FICO® Score. It offers monthly updates and personalized credit insights, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy credit score.
- Visa perks for cardholders: With my Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, I can access additional Visa perks. This includes the Visa Signature® Concierge service, which assists with travel or dining arrangements and event tickets, and the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection, offering benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast, and food and beverage credits at selected hotels.
Each feature adds value to the card, making it not just a tool for spending and earning rewards but also a resource for managing financial health and enjoying lifestyle benefits.
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Who Is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Best For?
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a simple yet rewarding credit card. Its flat-rate rewards structure and no-fuss cash rewards welcome offer make it ideal for those who don’t want to deal with complicated rewards structures and categories. The card's strong introductory APR offer, versatile cash redemption options, cellular telephone protection and comprehensive security features add layers of value that cater to diverse needs.
Whether you're a parent managing family expenses or a homeowner frequently shopping at hardware stores, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card can be a valuable addition to your virtual wallet.
Ryan Tronier
Ryan Tronier is a personal finance expert and writer. His work has been published on NBC, ABC, USATODAY, The Mortgage Reports, Yahoo Finance, MSN, and more. Ryan is the former managing editor of the finance website Sapling, as well as the former personal finance editor at Slickdeals. Find him online at ryantronier.com.
