Bottom Line
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a card in a category of it’s own. Since there aren’t many 2% cash back on all purchase cards out there, it’s a big deal when one enters the scene.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card entered the scene back in 2021, with no annual fee, $200 sign up bonus when you spend $500 in the first 3 months, and a no-interest promotion on new purchases and balance transfers. All of which make this cards value nearly impossible to find in any other card on the market.
While there may be many other credit cards that have better cash back on different categories, this card is meant for those who prefer one card. This one trick pony covers all categories at 2% and simplifies your spending so you don’t have to overthink a purchase. Any other card will pair well with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, since it can be used as a daily driver card, with no worry on upkeep of the card.
At a glance
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | |
Annual Fee | – $0 |
Sign up bonus | – $200 sign up bonus when you spend $500 in the first 3 months of card opening |
Ongoing rewards | – 2% cash back on all purchases in any category |
Foreign transaction fee | – 3% |
APR | – 0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months from account opening and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers – APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR |
Value of points redeemed | – 1 cent per dollar spent |
Balance transfer fee | -3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5 |
Additional benefits | – No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open. – Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge. – Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible |
Pros
- High rewards rates
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period
Cons
- No bonus categories
Detailed Overview:
All in all, this card represents a unique value proposition that is challenging, if not impossible, to encounter among other cards in the same category. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is particularly suitable for individuals who appreciate the convenience of using a single card for all their shopping needs.
Admittedly, some alternative cards provide more attractive rewards rates for specific popular spending categories such as grocery stores and restaurants. Consequently, if you prefer sticking to a single card, you might forego the opportunity to maximize your earnings.
However, for those open to managing multiple cards simultaneously, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card complements a diverse range of others effectively.
Benefits and Perks
2% cashback + signup Bonus
Many flat-rate cards in the market offer a standard 1.5% cash back, making it essential for a card to distinguish itself from the crowd. While there is a growing selection of cards that earn 2% cash back, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card sets itself apart significantly through its noteworthy sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases within the first 3 months. Considering the impact of a sign-up bonus, a 1.5% card often outperforms a 2% card, especially since many other 2% cards lack a sign-up bonus altogether. In this aspect, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card emerges as a frontrunner in the competition.
$0 Annual fee
While premium rewards cards often come with annual fees as a prerequisite, these fees can diminish the overall yearly value of such cards. The absence of a $0 annual fee makes this card effortlessly sustainable for an extended period.
Extras that come with the card
- Cell phone insurance: is a rising trend among credit cards, particularly considering the prevalence of carrying fragile, high-value devices. If you use the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card to pay your monthly phone bill, it provides coverage of up to $600 (twice per year) for incidents like damage or theft. It’s important to note that this coverage is secondary to any existing insurance policies you may have, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
- Visa Perks: Additionally, being a Visa card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers access to Visa Concierge, a service that aids in organizing travel or dining arrangements, securing event tickets, and more. Cardholders also enjoy privileges through the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection, allowing them to book stays at select hotels with perks like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, food and beverage credits, and additional benefits.
Multiple redemption options
As this card is mainly catered to Wells Fargo® bank members, they have a few options in place so non members can also use this card.
- A statement credit.
- A withdrawal from Wells Fargo ATMs in $20 increments using a Wells Fargo ATM or debit card.
- A direct deposit into a Wells Fargo checking or savings account.
- A mailed paper check.
While this isn’t necessarily the most efficient redemption option for non members, it shouldn’t be a make or break for this card.
Is it the right card for you?
Overall, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card stands out as a premier option among flat-rate credit cards. Its generous, yet uncomplicated rewards rate makes it suitable for both solo use and integration into a current multi-card setup. Especially with it’s featuring perks uncommon among other 2%-back cards. In summary, it’s a hard card to pass up on.