Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 0% intro for 12 months, then 18.74%–28.74% variable
• Rewards: 2% cash rewards on all purchases
• Bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after $500 spend in first 3 months
• Best For: Simple cash back, balance transfers, everyday spending
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a straightforward cash back credit card offering unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases with no category tracking required. With a 0% intro APR for 12 months, cell phone protection, and no annual fee, it's an excellent option for those who want simple, consistent rewards.

This card stands out in the crowded cash back market by combining generous flat-rate rewards with an extended intro APR period, making it ideal for both everyday spending and financing larger purchases or consolidating debt. The $200 welcome bonus with a modest $500 spend requirement makes it accessible and immediately rewarding.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening, then 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% variable APR
• Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days, then 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% variable APR
• Cash Advance APR: 28.74% variable APR
• Penalty APR: None

Note: Balance transfers must be made within 120 days from account opening to qualify for the 0% intro rate. After the intro period, APR can reach up to 28.74% depending on creditworthiness.

Benefits Overview

Travel Benefits

• Auto rental collision damage waiver (when you decline rental company's insurance and charge rental to your card)
• Travel and emergency assistance services (emergency cash disbursement and card replacement while traveling)
• Visa Signature 24/7 concierge service for booking assistance and reservations
• Emergency travel services available worldwide

Everyday Benefits

• Cellular telephone protection (up to $600 per claim with $25 deductible)
• Zero Liability Protection against unauthorized transactions
• Roadside Dispatch (24/7 emergency roadside assistance including towing, tire changes, and lockout services)
• My Wells Fargo Deals (personalized merchant offers)
• Credit Close-Up (complimentary FICO Score monitoring)
• Contactless payments via tap-to-pay technology

Lifestyle Benefits

• Visa Signature perks including shopping, dining, and entertainment benefits
• 24/7 customer service with fraud monitoring
• Digital wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
• Easy account management through Wells Fargo mobile app

Rewards & Cash Back

• 2% cash rewards on all purchases with no category limits or activation required
• Unlimited earning with no caps on cash rewards
• Flexible redemption starting at just $1 for statement credits
• Redemption options: Statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, merchandise, travel bookings
• Rewards never expire as long as your account is open
• No rotating categories or tracking needed

Note: Rewards do not earn on cash advances, balance transfers, fees, interest charges, or certain excluded transactions.

Welcome Bonus

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

This is one of the most accessible welcome bonuses in the cash back category, requiring only $500 in spending over 3 months. At just $167/month in spending, most cardholders will easily hit this threshold through normal everyday purchases.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction amount converted to U.S. dollars
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater (for transfers made within 120 days)
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Simple rewards seekers who want consistent cash back without category tracking
• Balance transfer users looking to consolidate high-interest debt with 12 months interest-free
• Large purchase financers who need 0% APR for a year to spread out payments
• Everyday spenders who want set-it-and-forget-it rewards on all purchases
• Wells Fargo customers already in the ecosystem who want straightforward rewards
• Those wanting cell phone protection without paying an annual fee

Not Good For

• International travelers (3% foreign transaction fee eats into rewards)
• Category maximizers who prefer rotating or elevated category bonuses
• Points enthusiasts looking for transfer partners or travel redemption flexibility
• Premium benefit seekers wanting lounge access or high-end travel perks
• Those needing long-term 0% APR (21-month options exist elsewhere)

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• Competitive 2% cash back on all purchases with no limits or caps
• Generous $200 welcome bonus with low $500 spend requirement
• Extended 0% intro APR for 12 months on both purchases and balance transfers
• Cell phone protection up to $600 per claim (rare for no-annual-fee cards)
• No annual fee makes it cost-effective for long-term use
• Visa Signature benefits including 24/7 concierge service
• Flexible redemption starting at just $1
• Rewards never expire as long as account remains open
• Auto rental collision damage waiver included

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee limits value for international spending
• Variable APR can be high (up to 28.74%) after intro period
• Balance transfer fee of 5% applies (standard but still a cost)
• Lower rewards rate than category-specific cards in bonus areas
• No elevated earning categories for higher rewards opportunities
• Balance transfers must be made within 120 days for intro rate
• Requires Good to Excellent credit (670+) for approval
• Not ideal for those who carry balances long-term after intro period

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

If you spend $20,000 per year on typical expenses:

First Year Total Value: $600
Ongoing Annual Value: $400

Compare this to a 1.5% card on the same spending:

• 1.5% card: $300/year
• Active Cash: $400/year
• Extra value: $100/year

Over 5 years, that's an extra $500 in your pocket just from the higher earn rate, plus the $200 welcome bonus.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If…

• You want simple, consistent 2% cash back on everything without tracking categories
• You need 0% APR for 12 months to finance a purchase or consolidate debt
• You're looking for an easy-to-earn $200 welcome bonus
• You want cell phone protection without paying an annual fee
• You value straightforward redemption options starting at just $1
• You primarily spend domestically (within the U.S.)
• You have good to excellent credit (670+) and want a reliable cash back card

You Should Skip It If…

• You frequently travel internationally (the 3% foreign fee will negate your 2% rewards)
• You want to maximize category spending with 3–5% bonus rates
• You're looking for travel points with transfer partners
• You need a longer 0% APR period (18–21 months available elsewhere)
• You prefer cards that offer premium perks like lounge access or travel credits
• You have fair or building credit (this card requires good credit for approval)

Apply Now

Apply for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.