Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express
vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Both the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card are strong contenders in the cash back category, offering no annual fee and enticing introductory APR offers. However, the Wells Fargo Active Cash edges ahead with its straightforward unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.

By contrast, the Blue Cash Everyday offers a higher cash back rate in specific categories like supermarkets and gas stations. It’s a valuable option if you spend heavily in its bonus categories and can benefit from its introductory APR period and welcome offer.

You might prefer the Blue Cash Everyday if you frequently spend on groceries, gas and online shopping within the U.S. The card's tiered cash back system rewards these specific categories, and the welcome offer, along with additional perks like subscription service credits, can add significant value if these align with your spending habits.

You might prefer the Wells Fargo Active if you value simplicity and flexibility in earning rewards. The card's unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases make it easy to earn cash back without tracking categories. The lower spending threshold for the welcome bonus, along with benefits like phone protection, make it a compelling choice for a straightforward rewards card.

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. Use this section to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the Blue Cash Everyday and Wells Fargo Active Cash cards, considering factors like cash back rates in specific categories versus a flat rate on all purchases, and the potential impact of balance transfer fees on your wallet.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash stands out for simplicity and value, offering an unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases. This flat rate is particularly appealing for those who prefer a straightforward rewards program without the need to track spending categories.

On the other hand, the Blue Cash Everyday offers a tiered rewards system, with 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year), U.S. online retail purchases and U.S. gas stations, then 1%.

While the Blue Cash Everyday Card can outperform in these categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card may be more rewarding for non-category spending. The choice comes down to whether you value higher rewards in specific categories or a consistent reward rate across all purchases.

The following table provides a visual comparison of the bonus categories for each card.

The Blue Cash Everyday allows redemption as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout, with no minimum amount required. On the other hand, the Wells Fargo Active Cash provides a broader range of redemption choices, including cash, merchandise, and travel, starting at $20 increments. Neither card imposes an expiration date on rewards as long as the account remains open, ensuring that the rewards you earn are yours to use whenever you decide.

MoneyGeek assesses credit cards like Blue Cash Everyday and Wells Fargo Active Cash based on their performance in various use cases. This approach ensures that the score reflects the card's performance in the scenario where it provides the most value.

For cash back cards, the primary factors we consider are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements — along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction — contribute to a card's overall score.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express, please click here.