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A simple 2% flat-rate card with no annual fee and a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months. The welcome offer is now $100, smaller than in past years, and the 3% foreign transaction fee makes it a poor fit abroad.
- Annual fee
- $01
- Rewards
- Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases1
- Welcome offer
- $100 after $500 in purchases in the first 3 months1
- Intro APR
- 0% for 12 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers2
- Ongoing APR
- 18.74%, 24.74% or 28.74% variable2
- Balance transfer fee
- $5 or 3% for 120 days, then up to 5% ($5 minimum)2
- Foreign transaction fee
- 3%2
- Cell phone protection
- Up to $600 per claim, $25 deductible, 2 claims per 12 months1
Wells Fargo Active Cash rewards and welcome offer
The Active Cash earns unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee and no categories to track, so it pays the same rate at the grocery store, the gas pump and online. New cardholders get $100 in cash rewards after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months, a smaller welcome offer than the card carried in past years.
Active Cash APR and fees
Purchases and qualifying balance transfers get a 0% intro APR for 12 months. After that the variable APR is 18.74%, 24.74% or 28.74%, depending on your credit. Balance transfers cost $5 or 3% of the amount for the first 120 days, then up to 5% with a $5 minimum. Foreign transactions cost 3%, which rules the card out for travel abroad.
Key Takeaway: Wells Fargo Active Cash® (Expert Score: 4.3/5.0)
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® card secures an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0, excelling with a 95% rating in our Rewards Rate analysis. Its primary appeal is the unlimited 2% cash rewards on every purchase, offering a straightforward and highly valuable proposition for users who prioritize simplicity over complex bonus categories. This card is a top contender for a no-annual-fee, everyday spending card.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® card earns an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0 from BestGuide, positioning it as a leading choice for flat-rate cash back credit cards. This Wells Fargo Active Cash® review synthesizes findings from 18 professional credit card experts, evaluating the card on its rewards, fees, and consumer benefits. Its core strength lies in providing a simple, unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases, a rate that is above the 1.5% industry average for similar no-annual-fee cards.
Our analysis of Wells Fargo Active Cash® reviews indicates the card is particularly well-suited for consumers who want to avoid tracking spending categories. BestGuide’s evaluation process is transparent and data-driven. This card offers a competitive welcome bonus and essential protections, making it a strong all-around option.
For those weighing their options, it is beneficial to compare Wells Fargo Active Cash® with other top-rated credit card companies to ensure it aligns with your specific spending habits and financial goals. While its rewards structure is excellent for domestic spending, its primary drawback is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
How The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Works
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® card operates on a simple yet powerful rewards model. Cardholders earn a flat, unlimited 2% cash rewards on every dollar spent on purchases, with no need to enroll in or track rotating categories. This simplicity is a key feature, as rewards accumulate automatically without any extra effort from the user. For every $1,000 spent, you earn $20 in cash rewards.
New cardmembers can also earn a welcome bonus, typically a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending a specified amount (e.g., $500) within the first 3 months of account opening. This provides an immediate value of 40% back on that initial spending requirement. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online in under 10 minutes, with decisions often provided instantly for qualified applicants.
Redeeming your cash rewards is flexible. You can redeem rewards in $25 increments as a statement credit, a direct deposit into a Wells Fargo savings or checking account, or even as cash from a Wells Fargo ATM. This level of flexibility is higher than some competitors that may only offer statement credits. The required credit score for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® card is generally in the good-to-excellent range, typically 670 or higher.
Cell phone protection
The Active Cash includes cell phone protection of up to $600 per claim, with a $25 deductible and a cap of 2 claims per 12 months. Read the guide to benefits for the eligibility conditions before you rely on it.
Who the Active Cash fits
The card fits people who want one no-fee card that pays 2% on everything and who pay the balance in full, or who need 12 months of 0% to pay down a purchase or a transferred balance. It is a poor fit for travel abroad because of the 3% foreign transaction fee, and if most of your spending falls in one category, a card with a bonus rate there may pay more.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Wells Fargo Active Cash have an annual fee?
No. The annual fee is $0.
How much cash back does the Active Cash earn?
An unlimited 2% in cash rewards on purchases, with no categories to activate or track.
What is the Active Cash welcome bonus?
$100 in cash rewards after you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. The offer has been larger in past years.
Does the Active Cash have a 0% intro APR?
Yes. Purchases and qualifying balance transfers get 0% for 12 months, then a variable APR of 18.74%, 24.74% or 28.74%.
What is the Active Cash balance transfer fee?
$5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater, for transfers made in the first 120 days. After that the fee is up to 5% with a $5 minimum.
Does the Active Cash charge foreign transaction fees?
Yes, 3% on purchases made outside the United States, which makes it a weak choice for travel abroad.
Does the Active Cash include cell phone protection?
Yes. The card covers up to $600 per claim with a $25 deductible, up to 2 claims per 12 months. Read the guide to benefits for the eligibility conditions.
Is the Wells Fargo Active Cash worth it?
For a simple flat 2% with no annual fee and a 12-month 0% intro APR, yes. Skip it if you travel abroad often or want a large welcome bonus.
Sources (2)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- Wells Fargo, Active Cash card page (accessed Oct 12, 2026) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Wells Fargo, Active Cash important credit terms (accessed Oct 12, 2026) (accessed October 12, 2026)
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