Picked Wisely

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Why this is your pick

Unlimited 2% cashback on all purchases — no categories to manage, no rotating offers to activate, no annual fee. The $200 cash rewards bonus after $500 in purchases (first 3 months) has the best return on minimum spend of any card in this category.

Pros

  • Unlimited 2% on everything — no categories
  • No annual fee ever
  • $200 sign-up bonus after just $500 spend
  • Cell phone protection benefit included
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases

Cons

  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Wells Fargo's customer service gets mixed reviews
  • No travel transfer partners

Frequently asked questions

  • Is 2% cashback actually the best rate available?

    For flat-rate cards, yes. The Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash are the highest unlimited flat-rate cards with no annual fee. Category-specific cards can earn 3–6% in specific areas, but for most people's actual spending mix, a flat 2% card earns more total cash back than a complex category card.

  • What's the difference between the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash?

    Both earn 2% effectively, but differently. Active Cash earns 2% flat at time of purchase. Double Cash earns 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay — meaning you need to pay your bill to get the full 2%. Active Cash is also slightly easier to redeem. Both are excellent; choose based on which bank you prefer.

  • What credit score do I need for these cards?

    Both cards target good to excellent credit (670+). With an excellent score (740+), approval odds are very high. If your score is in the 620–670 range, consider our building credit pick first and upgrade in 12–18 months.

  • Is there a limit on the 2% cashback?

    No — both the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash offer unlimited 2% on all purchases with no cap and no category restrictions. A household spending $4,000/month earns $960/year in cash back, on top of any sign-up bonus.

  • Do cash back cards have foreign transaction fees?

    Most do. The Wells Fargo Active Cash charges a 3% foreign transaction fee. If you travel internationally, consider our travel rewards pick instead — the Chase Sapphire Preferred has no foreign transaction fees and earns in all currencies.