Citi Simplicity® Card
vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Updated: September 30, 2024

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The Citi Simplicity® Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card both offer enticing introductory APRs and no annual fees, which likely sparked your interest in comparing them. If you're seeking the best balance transfer option, the Citi Simplicity Card wins with its lengthy 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers.

But if you’re prioritizing cash back on every purchase, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card leads with its unlimited 2% cash rewards. While the Citi Simplicity Card may not offer rewards, its appeal lies in the potential for significant interest savings on balance transfers.

Credit Card logo for Citi Simplicity® Card
Citi Simplicity® Card
Credit Card logo for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ of 5
On Issuer's Site
On Issuer's Site

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Citi Simplicity if you're seeking to consolidate and pay off debt without the burden of fees. Its standout feature is the lengthy 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, which can provide substantial breathing room for managing your finances. Additionally, the absence of late fees and penalty APRs offers a forgiving environment for occasional slip-ups.

You might prefer the Wells Fargo Active Cash if earning rewards on every purchase is a priority for you. With its unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases and a $200 welcome bonus after meeting the initial spending requirement, this card is a powerhouse for everyday spending. Plus, the added perks like phone protection make it a well-rounded choice for practical benefits.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating card features like APRs, fees, credit requirements and rewards side by side clarifies which card aligns with your financial habits. For instance, if you're planning a large purchase, the Citi Simplicity's longer balance transfer APR might appeal to you, while the Wells Fargo Active Cash's cash rewards could be more beneficial for everyday spending.

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    Regular APR: Citi Simplicity

    The Citi Simplicity offers a potentially lower starting APR, ranging from 19.24% to 29.99% variable, compared with the Wells Fargo Active Cash's APRs of 20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% variable.

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    Annual Fee: Tie

    Both the Citi Simplicity and the Wells Fargo Active Cash have a $0 annual fee.

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    Introductory 0% APRs: Tie

    Both the Citi Simplicity and the Wells Fargo Active Cash offer attractive introductory 0% APRs, but for different needs. Citi Simplicity extends a 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers, ideal if you’re looking to manage existing debt. The Wells Fargo Active Cash provides a 0% APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, offering a balanced option for new purchases and debt management.

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    Rewards: Wells Fargo Active Cash

    The Wells Fargo Active Cash is better for rewards, offering unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. These rewards do not expire as long as the account remains open, and cardholders have multiple redemption options. The Citi Simplicity does not provide any rewards.

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    Welcome Offers: Wells Fargo Active Cash

    The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card provides a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first three months, a benefit the Citi Simplicity® Card does not offer.

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    Recommended Credit Score: Tie

    Both the Citi Simplicity and the Wells Fargo Active Cash cater to individuals with credit scores ranging from 670 to 850, indicating a requirement for good to excellent credit.

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    Penalties and Fees: Citi Simplicity

    The Citi Simplicity is better for penalties and fees, charging no late fees and offering a higher rating for penalties. Both cards have the same cash advance and foreign transaction fees.

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    Issuer Satisfaction: Citi Simplicity® Card

    The Simplicity edges out with Citi's issuer satisfaction rating of 4.1 compared with Wells Fargo's 4.0.

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    Other Features & Perks: Tie

    Both cards offer unique perks. The Citi Simplicity provides the Citi Quick Lock feature, enhancing security. The Wells Fargo Active Cash offers a Visa Signature Concierge service and up to $600 in cell phone protection. Choosing depends on personal value placed on security features versus protective benefits and convenience services.

Methodology

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Citi Simplicity and Wells Fargo Active Cash using a scoring system tailored to use cases such as balance transfers and cash back rewards. For the Citi Simplicity, the highest score is in the balance transfer category, emphasizing introductory purchase APR and regular APR.

Conversely, the Wells Fargo Active Cash scores highest for cash back, with a strong focus on the effective reward rate and introductory purchase APR. These scores reflect a balance of factors, including issuer satisfaction and penalties. For a deeper understanding of our scoring process, you can review our ranking methodology.

FAQ: Citi Simplicity vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

What are the main differences in rewards between the Citi Simplicity and Wells Fargo Active Cash?
Which card offers a longer introductory APR period for balance transfers?
Are there any welcome bonuses associated with either the Citi Simplicity or Wells Fargo Active Cash?
Do either of the cards charge an annual fee?
How do the APRs compare after the introductory periods end?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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