If you're seeking a card with no annual fee and valuable introductory offers, you may be considering the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. Both cards offer appealing rewards and similar introductory APR periods, but the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card may be the better choice for flat-rate cash rewards, while the Capital One VentureOne is tailored for those who travel and book through Capital One Travel.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
vs. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
While both the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offer $0 annual fees and introductory APRs, the former is better for cash rewards, and the latter for travel perks and customer satisfaction.
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
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.
Benjamar Gabawa
Content Editor
Benjamar Gabawa is a MoneyGeek content editor with 10 years of experience editing personal finance, fiction and nonfiction book manuscripts. He is also a published travel writer. Benjamar has a Certificate of Eligibility from the Civil Service Commission after passing its Professional Level Career Service Examination (CSE - PPT) in 2014.
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
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.
Benjamar Gabawa
Content Editor
Benjamar Gabawa is a MoneyGeek content editor with 10 years of experience editing personal finance, fiction and nonfiction book manuscripts. He is also a published travel writer. Benjamar has a Certificate of Eligibility from the Civil Service Commission after passing its Professional Level Career Service Examination (CSE - PPT) in 2014.
Updated: April 12, 2024
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- Regular APR20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable19.99% - 29.99% variable0% APR Offer0% for 12 months on purchases0% for 15 months on purchasesBalance Transfer Offer0% for 12 months on balance transfers0% for 15 months on balance transfersAnnual Fee$0$0Rewards SummaryEarn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchasesEarn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchasesEarn 1.25 miles on every purchase5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every dayRecommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)670-850 (Good to Excellent)Not sure?
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card edges out with its unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, making it a strong choice for straightforward cash back. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, however, is ideal for travelers with its five miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and no foreign transaction fees. Choose the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card for cash rewards or the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card for travel benefits.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card vs. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Which Is Better for You?
You might prefer the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card if: You value straightforward cash rewards on every purchase. This card offers an impressive unlimited 2% cash reward on purchases, which could be especially beneficial if you prefer cash back over travel points. With an expected reward value of $602, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card stands out for its simplicity and generous cash back rate. Plus, with no annual fee and a 0% APR introductory offer on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, it's a cost-effective choice for those looking to maximize cash rewards.
You might prefer the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card if: Travel is a significant part of your lifestyle. This card caters to travelers with five miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. The welcome bonus of 20,000 miles can kickstart your travel savings. With no annual fee and the same 0% APR offer for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers as the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, it's an attractive option for those who prefer to earn travel rewards instead of cash back.
MoneyGeek's Take on the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card earns a MoneyGeek balance transfer card rating of 3.8 out of 5, reflecting its solid performance in this category. With an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, this card is a straightforward choice for those who prefer a no-fuss rewards program. The card also entices new users with a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months.
For those planning to make a large purchase or transfer a balance, the card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, which can provide significant savings on interest. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is well-suited for individuals looking for a simple yet effective cash back card with a generous introductory offer.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a straightforward and valuable choice for anyone seeking hassle-free rewards. With no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus, it offers consistent cash rewards on all purchases. The initial zero-interest period is an excellent advantage for purchases and balance transfers. While it might lack specialized bonus categories, the card makes up for this with perks like exclusive hotel benefits and cell phone protection. It's a solid, all-around performer in the credit card landscape.
- PROS
- No annual fee
- Welcome bonus
- Unlimited cash rewards on all purchases
- 0% intro APR offer
- Rewards don't expire with an active account
CONS- Potentially high APR
- No bonus reward categories
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months.
- Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.
- Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% applies.
- Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and a fee of 3%. After that, a balance transfer fee of up to 5% (minimum $5) applies.
- No annual fee
- No categories to track and cash rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open.
- Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
- Earn up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
MoneyGeek's Take on the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is rated at 3.5 out of 5 for balance transfers by MoneyGeek. With a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, this card is designed for those who appreciate simplicity and value in their credit card choices.
The card offers unlimited earning potential, making it a solid option for everyday spending and travel. The welcome offer adds an extra incentive for new cardholders, while the 0% introductory APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers provides a window of opportunity for interest-free spending and debt management. This card is suitable for individuals with a good to excellent credit score, ranging between 670 and 850, who are looking for a straightforward rewards program without the burden of additional fees.
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Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers exceptional value and flexibility for both frequent travelers and everyday spenders. It allows you to earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel and 1.25X miles on all other purchases. The card also provides a generous welcome bonus of 20,000 miles when you spend $500 within the first three months. The enticing welcome bonus and the absence of annual and foreign transaction fees add further value to this card. While there are some considerations, such as a balance transfer fee and potentially higher ongoing APR, this card's overall quality and functionality make it a desirable option for consumers seeking flexibility and rewards.
- PROS
- Unlimited earning potential
- Welcome offer with low spend requirement
- Decent intro APR offer on balance transfers and purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
- Somewhat short intro APR offer period
- High ongoing APR
- No impressive travel protections
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases.
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked using Capital One Travel.
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles (equivalent to $200 if redeemed for travel) after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
- Miles don't expire as long as the account remains active.
- You can use your miles to reimburse travel purchases or book a trip on Capital One Travel. You can also transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
- Enjoy a 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. Afterward, the APR is 19.99%–29.99% variable. There's a balance transfer fee of 3% on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months.
Details Comparison: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card vs. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Our breakdown will help compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features. Use this section to align each card's offerings with your spending habits and financial goals.
Regular APR
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers a slightly better regular APR range, starting at 19.99%, compared to the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card's starting APR of 20.24%.
Annual Fee
Both cards have a $0 annual fee. This makes them equally appealing for those looking to avoid yearly charges.
Introductory 0% APRs
Both cards offer a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. This makes neither card superior in terms of introductory APR offers.
Rewards
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is better for rewards due to its unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. In contrast, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers five miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
Welcome Offers
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months, while the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card provides 20,000 miles after a $500 spend in the same period. For cash reward enthusiasts with a higher spending capability, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card may be more appealing. Conversely, for those favoring travel rewards and a lower spending requirement, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers a compelling option.
Recommended Credit Score
Both the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card require a credit score range between 670 and 850 (good to excellent). This means neither card has an advantage over the other based on the recommended credit score criteria.
Penalties and Fees
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is better for penalties and fees due to its no foreign transaction fees and lower cash advance fees after the initial period. Both cards charge a late fee of up to $40. However, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has a higher cash advance fee and charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, unlike the Capital One VentureOne.
Issuer Satisfaction
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has a higher issuer satisfaction rating at 4.2 compared to the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card's rating of 4.0.
Other Features & Perks
For international travelers, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is better due to its no foreign transaction fees. Conversely, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is superior for those prioritizing device protection, thanks to its cell phone protection feature.
FAQ: Wells Fargo Active Cash® vs. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases, while the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card provides travel rewards with five miles per dollar on select bookings.
Both cards offer a 0% intro APR for 15 months, with variable APRs thereafter.
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a better option for international use compared to the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which charges 3%.
Both cards recommend a credit score range between 670 and 850, which falls into the good to excellent category.
Yes, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a $200 cash back bonus, and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers 20,000 bonus miles.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
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.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.