Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited both entice with their cash back rewards, absence of annual fees and introductory APR offers. The Wells Fargo Active Cash card edges out slightly due to its straightforward unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.

However, the Chase Freedom Unlimited has higher cash back rates in specific categories like travel and dining. Both cards are solid contenders, but for simplicity and consistent rewards across all spending, Wells Fargo Active Cash takes the lead.

You might prefer the Wells Fargo Active Cash if you value straightforward rewards without having to track spending categories. With a flat 2% cash back on all purchases and a competitive balance transfer offer, it's a strong choice for those seeking simplicity and consistent value from their credit card.

You might prefer the Freedom Unlimited if you spend frequently on dining, drugstore purchases and travel. The tiered rewards system maximizes cash back in these categories, and the introductory offer adds additional value. This card is ideal for maximizing rewards on category-specific spending while still earning on other purchases.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and additional features side by side clarifies which card matches your financial habits. For instance, if frequent dining and travel define your spending, Freedom Unlimited's tiered rewards might appeal more than Wells Fargo Active Cash's flat rate on all purchases.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card provides a straightforward 2% cash rewards on all purchases, making it a strong contender for consistent and uncomplicated earnings. The Freedom Unlimited excels in specific categories, offering 3% on dining and drugstore purchases and an impressive 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel℠.

While the Freedom Unlimited's diverse rewards structure can be more lucrative for targeted spending, the Wells Fargo Active Cash's flat rate is effortlessly rewarding for all purchases. For those who dine out frequently or spend a significant amount on travel through Chase, the Freedom Unlimited may offer more value. However, the Wells Fargo Active Cash's simplicity and higher overall cash back rate on everyday purchases.

Please refer to the table below to compare the bonus categories offered by each card.

Freedom Unlimited allows for redemption at any amount, applicable towards statement credits, direct deposits, Amazon purchases, gift cards or travel, with no expiration as long as the account remains open. Similarly, Wells Fargo Active Cash provides various redemption methods, including checks, statement credits, and direct deposits, as well as merchandise, gift cards and travel, with rewards accessible via Wells Fargo ATMs in $20 increments and no expiration with an active account.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash and the Freedom Unlimited based on their performance in various use cases. For this comparison, we focus on the cash back category, where each card's highest score lies. The evaluation includes factors such as the cash back rate and the value of introductory offers.

Four main factors influence the cash back score: the annual fee, the introductory purchase offer, the issuer's satisfaction rating and penalties. The most significant of these are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. For a deeper understanding of our process, you can review our ranking methodology.