Citi Custom Cash® Card
vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Both the Citi Custom Cash Card and the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offer cash back rewards and no annual fees, making them strong contenders if you are looking to get the most out of your credit card. However, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card edges ahead with its straightforward unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases, which may appeal to those who prefer simplicity and consistent rewards.

The Citi Custom Cash Card's 5% cash back in your top spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent) can be beneficial for those with focused spending in specific categories. While both cards have their merits, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card's simplicity and consistent reward rate make it good for general use.

You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if you're confident in your ability to maximize the 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent. This card adapts to your spending habits, making it a smart choice if your expenses are concentrated in specific areas each month.

You might prefer the Wells Fargo Active Cash if you value simplicity and consistency in your rewards program. With an unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases and a lower spending threshold to earn the welcome bonus, this card offers straightforward value without the need to track spending categories.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features helps you find which card aligns with your financial habits. For instance, if you spend heavily in one category, Citi Custom Cash's 5% cash back could be lucrative, whereas consistent spenders across all categories may prefer Wells Fargo Active Cash's 2% reward on all purchases.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash offers an uncomplicated 2% cash back on all purchases. It's a solid choice for those who value simplicity and a good return on everyday spending without having to track bonus categories.

The Citi Custom Cash can be more rewarding for strategic spenders. It offers 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, which is a standout feature for maximizing returns in high-spend areas. However, once you hit that cap, the rewards rate drops to 1%.

For the Citi Custom Cash, the eligible top spend categories include:

• Restaurants
• Gas stations
• Grocery stores
• Select travel
• Select transit
• Select streaming services
• Drugstores
• Home improvement stores
• Fitness clubs
• Live entertainment

These categories cater to a variety of spending habits, allowing you to earn more where it counts. Keep in mind, the 5% reward is limited to the first $500 spent in the combined eligible categories each billing cycle.

Next, you'll find a table detailing the bonus categories for each card.

With the Citi Custom Cash, you have the flexibility to redeem points for a variety of options, including statement credits and direct deposits, without worrying about expiration or minimums, except for a $5 minimum for check redemptions. The Wells Fargo Active Cash allows for redemptions in $20 increments across several categories, including cash rewards for travel; your rewards stay intact as long as your account is active.

We have reviewed over 200 credit cards like Citi Custom Cash and Wells Fargo Active Cash based on their performance in various use cases. For this comparison, the cards are scored on their cash back capabilities.

The most important factors determining their cash back score are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These factors, along with others such as annual fees and issuer satisfaction, contribute to a comprehensive score.