Review of Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: Earn 2% in cash rewards at all locations

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is one of the top credit cards that offers a fixed percentage of cash rewards on all purchases, making it a great option for purchases that don't typically earn bonus rewards.

The Active Cash Card has no annual fee and provides an intro-APR for purchases and balance transfers. CNBC Select offers a breakdown of the card's rewards, benefits, and fees to assist you in making a decision.

Welcome bonus

Earning a $200 cash rewards bonus is possible with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card after spending $500 in purchases within the first three months.

Benefits and perks

This cash card offers a flat-rate cash-rewards program and an intro-APR on interest savings, making it ideal for those who want to avoid annual fees.

You will receive a 0% APR introductory rate on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from the time of account opening. After that, a variable APR of 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% applies. To be eligible for the intro APR, balance transfers must be completed within 120 days of account opening. There is a 3% intro balance transfer fee on the amount transferred ($5 minimum), which applies for the first 120 days from account opening. The standard balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum).

You can receive cell phone protection and reimbursement for up to $600 per claim and two claims per 12 months if your phone is damaged or stolen, and you use the card to pay your cell phone bill.

You can utilize Visa Signature perks, including the 24/7 complimentary Visa Signature Concierge and access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection. The concierge provides personal assistance for booking travel, dining, and entertainment. When booking through the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection, you'll receive premium perks such as a food and beverage credit, free daily breakfast, and room upgrades (when available).

How to earn and redeem cash rewards

Earning

The simple rewards program of the Active Cash Card offers 2% cash rewards on all eligible purchases without any bonus categories to track.

Consider your spending habits before signing up for a credit card. If you frequently spend on dining or travel, a card that offers bonus rewards for those categories may be more suitable. Alternatively, anyone who wants to avoid worrying about maximizing spending categories can benefit from a card that provides a high flat-rate return everywhere.

Redeeming

Regardless of how you redeem your cash rewards, their value remains the same. You can choose from a variety of redemption options.

Statement credit to offset purchases ($1 minimum)
Withdrawing cash from a Wells Fargo ATM using a Wells Fargo debit or ATM card in increments of $20.
A credit to an eligible Wells Fargo credit card, checking account or mortgage
PayPal purchases

Rates and fees

The Active Cash card has a standard variable APR of 19.49%, 24.49% or 29.49%. It also has a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it less ideal for travelers outside the country. Additionally, late payments may incur a fee of up to $40.

Card comparison

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card vs. Discover it® Cash Back

New Discover it Cash Back cardholders receive a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening (then the APR is a variable 18.74% to 27.74%). Additionally, there is a 3% intro balance transfer fee of up to 5% on future balance transfers (see rates and fees; terms apply). This card provides an extra three months to pay off your balance before interest accrues.

The Discover it Cash Back card's welcome bonus is more valuable if you earn over $200 in cash back in the first year. To maximize this card's rotating cash-back categories, you can earn $300 cash back in a year, making it easy to get more value from this card in the first year.

Learn more: Discover it® Cash Back

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card vs. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a top no-annual-fee travel credit card that earns transferable Wells Fargo Rewards points and features broad spending categories.

The Dining Rewards Card offers 3X points on dining, travel, transit, phone plans, popular streaming services, and gas, making it a better choice for those who frequently spend in these categories compared to the Active Cash Card's 2% back in cash rewards.

Having both the Active Cash Card and Autograph Card allows you to combine cash rewards and transfer points to travel partners, making it beneficial to have both cards.

Learn more: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Maximize your money with the right savings account

Is the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card right for you?

The Active Cash Card is an excellent option for those seeking a low-maintenance card that offers unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases. Its lack of an annual fee and the flexibility to earn cash back without having to adjust spending habits make it a top pick for those who want a hassle-free way to earn rewards.

Pairing the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card with this card enables you to combine rewards and transfer them to hotel and airline loyalty programs. Both cards do not have an annual fee, so you won't be increasing your expenses when you combine them.

Why trust CNBC Select?

Stay up to date with CNBC Select's comprehensive coverage of credit cards, banking, and money by following us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Cash Back, click here.