Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Flat 2% cash back with no annual fee
Practical Recommendation
If you want a set-it-and-forget-it card, this is it. Active Cash gives a simple, unlimited 2% back on every purchase with no annual fee. No bonus categories to memorize, no hoops to jump through—just use the card and you'll earn the same rate on everything.
One caveat to know about: it charges a foreign transaction fee (about 3%), so don't use it abroad. If you want clean, guaranteed cash back for everyday spending, it's an excellent default card or backup. If you're chasing travel bells and whistles, pair it with a travel card (see Hybrid below).
Perks
- 2% Back on Everything – Simple, unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase with no categories to track or quarterly activations required.
- No Annual Fee – Easy to keep long-term and great as a "catch-all" card for general spending.
Protections
- Cell Phone Protection – Pay your monthly wireless bill with the card and you're covered for up to $600 per claim (max $1,200 per 12-month period) with a $25 deductible if your phone is stolen or damaged. Nice safety net for cracked screens and the occasional oops.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver (Secondary) – Decline the rental agency's collision coverage and this benefit can cover damage or theft to the car (you still need liability coverage). Good for weekend rentals; file through your own insurance first in the United States.
Hybrid (Optional): Convert Cash to Wells Fargo Points
Active Cash is an easy, guaranteed 2% back on everything. If you want extra value, pair it with Wells Fargo Autograph or Autograph Journey: move your rewards into that account, then transfer to airline and hotel partners for redemptions that can beat the usual one-cent-per-point math.
Check out our Level 2 Travel Learning section.