Updated: April 22, 2024
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If you're seeking a Wells Fargo credit card with a $0 annual fee and an introductory APR offer, you may be considering the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is the better choice for earning rewards, providing unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
In contrast, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is superior for those looking to minimize interest expenses with its longer 0% APR introductory period on purchases and balance transfers.
You might prefer the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card if: If you're someone who uses their credit card frequently across various spending categories and values straightforward cash rewards. With this card, you earn an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, which can add up quickly if you're a heavy spender. Additionally, the card offers a welcome bonus of $200 cash rewards after you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first three months.
You might prefer the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card if: If you're planning a significant purchase or you're looking to consolidate and pay down existing debt. The card's standout feature is its 0% intro APR for 21 months on both purchases and balance transfers, which is one of the longest introductory periods available. Like the Active Cash® Card, there is no annual fee, but it's important to note that the Reflect® Card does not offer any rewards or cash back.
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card earns a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in MoneyGeek's balance transfer card rating, reflecting its exceptional value for those looking to manage existing debt. With a 21-month 0% introductory APR on both balance transfers and purchases, this card is tailored for individuals planning significant expenditures or seeking to consolidate and pay down balances without accruing interest.
The card is best suited for consumers with a good to excellent credit score, ranging from 670 to 850, and it stands out for its lack of an annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for savvy financial management. While it doesn't offer rewards or cash back, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is a strategic choice for those prioritizing long-term savings over immediate incentives.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, issued by Wells Fargo Bank, earns a MoneyGeek balance transfer score of 3.7 out of 5. This card is a solid choice for individuals seeking straightforward cash rewards without the complication of annual fees. The card offers a welcome bonus and unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, making it a compelling option for everyday spending. With an expected reward value of $601.84, cardholders can enjoy a simple yet effective reward rate of 0.02%.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is best suited for those with a recommended credit score ranging from 670 to 850, which falls into the good to excellent category. While the card does have a potentially high APR, the absence of an annual fee and the opportunity to earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after meeting the initial spending requirement can offset this concern for many users.
Our breakdown will help you compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards and introductory offers, among other features. This section is designed to guide you through each card's specifics, such as the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card's lengthy 0% APR period and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card's cash rewards program.
For instance, if you're planning a large purchase or need to transfer a balance, the Reflect® Card's longer APR offer might be appealing. Conversely, if you're looking for consistent rewards on your spending, the Active Cash® Card could be the better choice. Use this comparison to align a card's benefits with your financial strategy.
Regular APR
When comparing the regular APR, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers a lower starting APR of 18.24% compared to the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card's starting APR of 20.24%. Both cards reach up to 29.99% variable at the high end. This makes the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card a better option for those prioritizing a lower regular APR.
Annual Fee
Both the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card have no annual fee.
Introductory 0% APRs
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers a longer introductory 0% APR period on both purchases and balance transfers, lasting 21 months, compared to the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card's 15 months.
Rewards
For rewards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is the clear winner, offering unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. In contrast, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card does not provide cash back, miles or points rewards.
Welcome Offers
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is better for welcome offers, offering a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months. The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card does not have a current welcome offer.
Recommended Credit Score
Both the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card require a recommended credit score of 670 to 850 (good to excellent). This means that for potential applicants with credit scores in this range, either card could be a viable option based on credit score criteria alone.
Penalties and Fees
Neither card is better in terms of penalties and fees as both the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card charge a late fee of up to $40, have a cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance (whichever is greater) and impose a foreign transaction fee of 3%.
Issuer Satisfaction
Both the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card are issued by Wells Fargo Bank, so you can expect a similar issuer experience from either card.
Other Features & Perks
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months, appealing to those looking for immediate rewards. In contrast, the Wells Fargo Reflect Card provides a lengthy 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Both cards cater to different needs, making the choice dependent on the user's financial goals.
The Active Cash® Card offers unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, while the Reflect® Card does not offer rewards. Learn more about cash back rewards.
The Reflect® Card offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months, while the Active Cash® Card offers it for 15 months. Discover best zero interest credit cards.
Yes, the Reflect® Card has a 5% balance transfer fee, while the Active Cash® Card charges 3%. Understand what is a balance transfer fee.
Both cards charge a 3% foreign transaction fee, so neither is ideal for avoiding these fees. More on Wells Fargo cards.
Both cards recommend a credit score of 670-850, which falls in the good to excellent range. See best rewards credit cards.
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.
