The Math Doesn't Lie. This 2% Card Beats Most Rewards Cards Over Time

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Most credit card users earn far less than they should.

In fact, the average cash back rate across credit cards is just 1.17%, according to WalletHub's 2025 Credit Landscape Report. That means someone spending $10,000 a year is only getting $117 in rewards.

Now compare that to a card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (rates and fees), which offers unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases. That same $10,000 in spending earns you $200 -- nearly double the average of everyone else.

The numbers speak for themselves, and the gap only widens as you scale up your spending.

Where a 2% cash rewards card shines: "everything else"

Many popular rewards cards offer higher rates in specific categories -- like 5% on travel or 3% on dining. But they fall flat usually with just 1% back on general spending.

Here's how the math might play out for someone spending $3,000/month ($36,000/year) across mixed categories:

Category Annual Spend Rewards (1%-5%)
Travel $4,000 5% = $200
Dining $3,000 3% = $90
Gas $2,000 2% = $40
Everything else $24,000 1% = $240
Total $36,000 $570
Data source: Author's calculations.

Earning $570 in cash rewards is nothing to sneeze at.

But, if instead we switch this to using a flat-rate 2% cash rewards card across all $36,000 in spending, it would earn $720 total in a year.

High reward category cards can be great. But only if you perfectly optimize your spending across those niche spending areas.

Most people don't, of course. And that's where a flat-rate cash back card becomes the clear winner. You don't need to activate offers, track bonus calendars, or do mental math at checkout.

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Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
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Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular APR

18.99%, 23.99%, or 28.99% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

2% cash rewards

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

$200 cash rewards

  • This card’s unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases is the highest we’ve seen for a flat-rate rewards card with no annual fee. It also has an incredibly easy-to-earn $200 welcome bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. The intro APR is decent too -- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (18.99%, 23.99%, or 28.99% Variable APR applies after). We simply haven’t come across this combination of top perks in one card before.

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    • Unlimited 2% cash rewards
    • Long 0% intro APR offer
    • Generous cash rewards welcome bonus
    • No annual fee
    • Cellphone protections
    • No bonus categories
    • Foreign transaction fees
    • Balance transfer fee
    • Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
    • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
    • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.99%, 23.99%, or 28.99% 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
    • $0 annual fee.
    • 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.

No annual fee means more money in your pocket

Another thing to consider is that most top-tier rewards cards charge annual fees. This can be $95 per year, or way higher for luxury cards.

So even if you do manage to earn $570 in rewards, your net benefit might only be $475 after fees.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has a $0 annual fee, which means every dollar you earn in cash rewards is pure upside.

There's no break-even point to worry about, especially for folks with low spending.

A welcome offer that's easy to earn

This is just icing on the cake. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has a welcome offer for new applicants…

Earn $200 cash rewards after spending $500 in the first 3 months.

That's a really easy spending requirement, which most people can hit by buying regular stuff.

Combined with the 2% cash rewards rate, and the first year value with this card is pretty amazing.

Boost your rewards with a two-card combo

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card works great as a standalone rewards card. But if you already have a favorite rewards card, it can act as a great companion to fill in the gaps.

Here's how a simple two-card strategy works:

  • Use your primary card in its high-earning categories (like a travel card for booking travel)
  • Use the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card for everything else to lock in 2% cash rewards

It requires a little more effort than just using a single card everywhere, but gives you the best of both worlds.

And since Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card charges no annual fee, there's no downside to keeping it in your wallet -- even if it's your "backup" swipe.

Want to dig deeper? Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card here to explore all the perks.

Our Research Expert