The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card and the Wells Fargo Autograph offer decent rewards and other benefits but in different ways.
Let's explore the differences and compare the most important factors.
General Comparison: Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Autograph
The key difference between these two cards is their rewards programs. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a straightforward approach, giving you flat-rate cash back on every purchase. In contrast, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has a more detailed rewards structure, offering higher points on categories like gas, restaurants, travel, transit, phone plans, and streaming services.
Both cards offer a 0% intro APR and have no annual fees.
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Credit Card Rewards Battle: A Side-by-Side Analysis
While the Active Cash card gives you cash back, the Autograph card earns points that you can redeem for a range of rewards.
Overall, the value of rewards is fairly similar for the average consumer. However, it's important to consider the specific categories of the Autograph card. By looking at where you spend most, you'll be able to determine which card fits your spending habits and offers the best rewards for your lifestyle.
|
| |
|---|---|---|
Spend Per Category | Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | Wells Fargo Active Cash Card |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 15,000 points | $300 |
$5,000 – Restaurants
| 15,000 points | $100 |
$4,000 – Airline | 12,000 points | $80 |
$3,000 – Hotels | 9,000 points | $60 |
$4,000 – Gas | 12,000 points | $80 |
Estimated Annual Value | 63,000 (About $630) | $620 |
Extra Benefits: Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Autograph
Both cards offer additional benefits including:
- Cellular Telephone Protection: Receive up to $600 in cell phone protection when paying your monthly cell phone bill with your Wells Fargo card, subject to a $25 deductible.
- My Wells Fargo Deals: Access personalized deals and earn cashback as an account credit when using your Wells Fargo credit card for shopping, dining, or experiences.
- Zero Liability Protection: Protection against unauthorized transactions when promptly reported.
- Credit Close-Up℠: Provides tools and insights to understand, track, raise, or maintain your FICO® Score.
Benefits You'll Get Only With The Autograph Card
The Autograph card targeted frequent travelers, and therefore you'll be able to get more travel insurance and protections:
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Coverage for theft, damage, loss-of-use charges, administrative fees, and towing charges when renting a vehicle.
- Travel and Emergency Services Assistance: Access to emergency assistance and referral services while traveling.
- Emergency Cash Disbursement and Card Replacement: Visa credit cardholders can obtain emergency cash advances or card replacements within one to three business days (fees and interest may apply).
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When You Might Prefer The Wells Fargo Active Cash?
You might prefer the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card over the Autograph℠ Card if:
- You Prefer Cash Back Rewards: For individuals who prioritize consistent and reliable cashback returns, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card's flat-rate structure provides stability.
- Diverse Spending Habits: The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card might be a better choice if your spending spans various categories. Unlike cards with specific bonus categories, this card offers a consistent cashback rate across all purchases, making it versatile and suitable for individuals with diverse spending habits.
When You Might Prefer The Wells Fargo Autograph Card?
You might prefer the Autograph℠ Card over the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card if:
- Your Spending Aligns Closely With The Autograph Card's Preferred Categories: The Autograph Card may be more attractive if you tend to spend heavily in specific categories. With its preferred categories, you can optimize rewards by aligning them with your most frequent and significant expenses, potentially earning higher cashback rates in those areas.
- Travel Insurane And Protections: if you are looking for a broader travel insurance and protections, you can get it with the Autograph card.
Compare The Alternatives
Whether you're seeking travel rewards, a straightforward cashback system, or specific perks tailored to your lifestyle, these alternatives have something for everyone.
|
|
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | |
Annual Fee | $95
| $95 | $95 ($0 intro for the first year)
|
Rewards |
2X – 5X
5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases and select streaming services. 2x on other travel purchases. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
|
2X – 5X
2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
|
1-6%
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit
and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
|
75,000 miles
|
$250
$250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | $0 | 2.70%
|
Purchase APR | 20.99% – 27.99% variable APR
| 19.99% – 29.74% (Variable)
| 18.49% – 29.49% Variable |
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The Autograph is great for travelers who want to stay on budget, while Amex Gold provides premium travel benefits and redemption options.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers better travel perks and protections, but unlike the Autograph card – you'll need to pay an annual fee.
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