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Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Review: How I Earn 2% on Everything Without the Hassle

Review Updated
Ryan Wilcox
Author: Ryan Wilcox
Ryan Wilcox
Ryan Wilcox

Ryan is a full-time personal finance writer at Motley Fool Money. He’s been covering topics like credit cards and savings since 2022, when he began his writing career at The Points Guy. He later joined Motley Fool Money, where he continues helping people who are new to the world of personal finance. Outside of work, you’ll find Ryan watching movies, listening to music, or obsessively updating his Letterboxd account.

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Nathan Alderman
Fact Checked: Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Fact checker

Nathan Alderman has been a full-time Motley Fool employee since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As Motley Fool Money's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.

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Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation.

If you're looking for a credit card that offers straightforward rewards without the hassle of rotating categories or spending limits, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees) might be just what you need. With unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases and a solid welcome bonus, it's designed for cardholders who appreciate simplicity and value.

This card's been my go-to since I landed it a few months ago, and I love not having to worry about complicated earning rates or rotating bonus categories. Below I'll share a few of my favorite things about the card and what you should know before applying.

Ratings Methodology
Award Icon 2025 Award Winner

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Great for: One-card wallet

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

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, 12 months from account opening

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

Regular APR

19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% 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 and a decent intro APR offer. We simply haven’t come across this combination of top perks in one card before.

    • 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. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% 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.

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

Our highest-rated credit cards have:

  • ​​High value through rewards or 0% intro APR offers
  • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
  • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
  • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

Our highest-rated credit cards have:

  • ​​High value through rewards or 0% intro APR offers
  • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
  • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
  • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

What I like about the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases

One of the card's biggest selling points is that it earns 2% cash rewards on all purchases, no matter what you're buying. Whether it's groceries, gas, online shopping, or recurring bills, you'll earn the same flat rate -- hands down, one of my favorite elements of the card.

If you spend $3,000 on the card per month, for example, you're getting $60 back -- no categories to activate and no guessing where your spending fits. This earning rate alone makes it one of the best flat-rate cash back cards on the market today.

$200 welcome bonus with a low spend requirement

New cardholders will get a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending just $500 in the first 3 months. It's so easy to hit that I did it halfway through my first month. It's a high-value bonus with one of the lowest spending thresholds out there, which makes it especially attractive for everyday spenders or first-time credit card users.

0% intro APR offer

You'll also get a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers (made within 120 days). (The go-to 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR applies at the end of the intro period.) This makes the card a great option if you need to finance a big purchase or want to pay down higher-interest debt.

$0 annual fee

The value you get from the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card doesn't get eaten away by fees. There's a $0 annual fee, so every dollar you earn in rewards is money you keep. For me, this makes the card a long-term keeper, even if I get to a point where I'm not using it every day.

Cellphone protection

When you pay your monthly phone bill with the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, you'll automatically get up to $600 in cellphone protection (subject to a $25 deductible). This can cover damage or theft, which is a nice bonus for a no annual fee card.

Simple redemption options

Your cash rewards don't expire, and Wells Fargo gives you multiple ways to redeem them: statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or even toward travel. That flexibility adds to the card's overall ease of use. I prefer to redeem my rewards as a direct deposit so I can see my hard earned cash go right back into my account.

Visa Signature perks

As a Visa Signature card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card also includes perks like auto rental collision damage waiver, 24/7 concierge service, roadside dispatch, and access to special dining and entertainment offers.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Circle with letter I in it. INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. 1% - 5% Cashback Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash rewards on everyday spending 		$200 cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. 2% cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Intro: 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, 12 months from account opening

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

Regular: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5-3 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Downsides you should consider

No bonus categories for elevated rewards

The flat 2% cash rewards rate is great for simplicity, but if you spend a lot in categories like groceries, gas, or travel, there are other cards that might offer more rewards in those areas. For example, some credit cards offer up to 5% back in rotating or tiered categories, though they do require more effort to track.

Foreign transaction fee

The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it's not the best choice for use abroad.

If you frequently travel internationally, a Wells Fargo credit card with no foreign fees would be a better fit. The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (see rates and fees) might be worth looking into.

Limited travel and purchase protections

While the card does include Visa Signature benefits, it doesn't have more premium travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, or extended warranty coverage. That may not be a deal-breaker, but it's something to consider if you're comparing it to higher-end rewards cards.

Requires good to excellent credit

To qualify for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, you'll likely need a good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or higher). If your credit is still a work in progress, you may want to look at a starter or secured card first.

How to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Applying is quick and easy. In fact, you can apply right here on this page.

You'll need to provide your name, address, income, Social Security number, and a few other details. Many applicants receive an instant decision.

Final thoughts

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is one of the best flat-rate cash back cards out there. It's simple, rewarding, and has a $0 annual fee. My favorite part is that I don't have to track categories or jump through hoops to earn rewards -- just swipe and earn 2% cash rewards every time. Add in the welcome bonus, 0% intro APR offer, and helpful perks like cellphone protection, and you've got a well-rounded card that fits into just about anyone's wallet.

Ready to start earning 2% cash rewards upon approval for all purchases? Apply now for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. (See rates and fees.)

FAQs

  • No -- it offers a flat 2% cash rewards on all purchases, which means you won't need to track rotating categories.

  • This card does not have an annual fee, although it does charge a foreign transaction fee, so it may not be the best choice for international travel.

  • Yes, Wells Fargo allows you to redeem cash rewards for various options, including direct deposits, gift cards, and travel.

  • Yes, this card also includes cellphone protection, auto rental collision damage waiver, and access to Visa Signature benefits.