The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a noteworthy flat-rate cash rewards credit card, featuring an impressive 2 percent cash rewards structure, an easy-to-earn welcome bonus and an introductory APR period on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

Keep reading for a more in-depth look at the card’s details and list of benefits.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card benefits

  • Rewards: Unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on purchases
  • Welcome offer: $200 bonus cash rewards after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Intro APR: 0 percent intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
  • Variable APR: 19.99 percent, 24.99 percent, or 29.99 percent variable

Welcome offer

As a welcome bonus, new cardholders can earn $200 in bonus cash rewards after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. This is an attractive offer—but not the best one we’ve seen. Other no-annual-fee cash back cards offer the same $200 cash bonus for a $500 spending requirement (within the same three-month timeframe), such as the Chase Freedom Flex℠.

However, if you already plan to spend $1,000 within the first three months regardless, there’s really nothing to complain about with this offer. Plus, there are additional benefits that make the Wells Fargo Active Cash worth it.

Cash rewards

This card’s unlimited 2 percent cash rewards rate is one of the highest among flat-rate credit cards. In general, a flat-rate rewards structure is an ideal choice for those who don’t plan on shopping heavily within specific categories or simply prefer the simplicity of earning the same rewards rate on purchases.

In terms of redemption, you can trade in your rewards for:

  • Statement credits
  • Direct deposits into a Wells Fargo account
  • Travel via Wells Fargo Rewards
  • Gift cards
  • Cash at Wells Fargo ATMs

Intro APR offers

As a new Active Cash cardholder, you’ll receive a 0 percent introductory APR for the first 15 months on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers from account opening (followed by a variable APR of 19.99 percent, 24.99 percent, or 29.99 percent variable).

This intro APR offer is pretty standard compared to other balance transfer offers on the market. If you’re mainly interested in the Active Cash due to this perk, though, be certain that you can afford to pay off your debt within the 15-month window. If not, there are other balance transfer credit cards that offer up to 21 months sans interest (though they likely won’t offer the same tier of ongoing rewards).

Also, note that the Wells Fargo Active Cash charges an introductory 3 percent balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) for the first 120 days from account opening. After those first 120 days, that fee jumps to 5 percent ($5 minimum).

Cellphone protection

The Active Cash card acts as insurance for your cellphone against damage or theft. You’ll receive up to $600 per claim for every month you pay your cellphone bill with your credit card (subject to a $25 deductible, up to two claims per year). This insurance will cover the cost of your original phone. If you’re planning to pay for your cellphone insurance separately, this benefit could be an easy way to save money.

When compared to World Elite Mastercard cellphone protection (offered by similar cash back cards, like the Citi® Double Cash Card), Wells Fargo offers a slightly better deal. You’ll get a $1,200 annual limit (two $600 claims) with the Active Cash and a $1,000 annual limit through Mastercard.

Visa Signature perks

As a Visa credit card, Active Cash cardholders get access to Visa Signature benefits, such as extended warranty protection, trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance and Visa Signature concierge services.

Visa Signature benefits also encapsulate Visa Traditional benefits, including auto rental collision damage waiver coverage, roadside dispatch and zero liability coverage for unauthorized purchases.

Maximizing the Wells Fargo Active Cash

Hit the welcome bonus spending requirement

Maximizing the Wells Fargo Active Cash starts with knowing how to earn the welcome bonus (and, thankfully, it’s a straightforward process). Simply make sure to spend upwards $333 each month for three months with your Active Cash card, and you’ll automatically earn your $1,000 cash bonus.

Be strategic with your spending

In terms of ongoing rewards, if you own one or more rewards credit cards with specified bonus categories, use the Active Cash to cover everything else. For example, if you also own the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, use that to cover dining, streaming service subscriptions, travel and online grocery purchases. Then, consider using the Active Cash for everything else—in-store grocery shopping, gas purchases, department store shopping, etc.—in order to earn 2 percent cash rewards on “non-category” spending.

Plan ahead to properly dwindle your debt

If you plan to take advantage of the Active Cash card’s balance transfer offer, you’ll want to make sure you transfer your balance within the first 120 days of opening your account. There’s an introductory 3 percent balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) for the first 120 days from account opening, after which the fee increases to 5 percent ($5 minimum). Plus, the sooner you transfer your balance, the longer you’ll have to pay off debt, interest-free.

Don’t forget to pay your cellphone bill with your Active Cash card

If you want to take advantage of Wells Fargo’s cellphone protection policy, you’ll need to make sure you begin paying your monthly phone bill with the Active Cash, as the policy is only in place for those who pay their phone bill with this card.

The bottom line

If you’re looking for a credit card that offers a high cash rewards rate on purchases—with no rotating bonus categories to activate and track—the Wells Fargo Active Cash may be your perfect fit.

This card is also a solid choice if you’re planning to make a balance transfer (or pay off a large, upcoming purchase). The welcome bonus, Visa Signature perks and cellphone protection certainly sweeten the pot.