Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

When considering the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card or the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, you'll find they both offer enticing cash back rewards, no annual fees and valuable introductory APR periods. But the Wells Fargo Active Cash edges ahead with its higher cash back rate of 2% on all purchases.

The Quicksilver provides a solid 1.5% back. If you value a slightly lower rewards rate in exchange for benefits like a lower required spend for the welcome bonus, the Quicksilver card is a worthy contender. Both cards demand good to excellent credit, so they're equally accessible.

You might prefer the Quicksilver if you frequently book hotels and rental cars because it offers 5% cash back on these travel expenses through Capital One Travel. Additionally, its 1.5% cash back on all other purchases makes it a solid choice for consistent rewards across all spending categories.

You might prefer the Wells Fargo Active Cash if you value simplicity and a higher rewards rate on your everyday spending. With an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases and added benefits like cell phone protection, this card is well-suited if you want straightforward, maximized cash back on every purchase.

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. Use this section to discern subtle differences, like Quicksilver's lower rewards rate but added travel perks, versus Wells Fargo Active Cash's higher rewards rate and cell phone protection.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash edges out the Quicksilver with its 2% cash rewards on all purchases, making it a compelling choice if you prefer simplicity and higher earning potential across the board. While the Quicksilver offers a respectable 1.5% cash back on general purchases, it doesn't match the Active Cash's rate.

But the Quicksilver does stand out with its 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, which could be a deciding factor for frequent travelers. Neither card complicates things with rotating categories or spending caps, ensuring a hassle-free rewards experience.

The table of bonus categories helps you visually compare the rewards programs of both cards.

The Quicksilver offers a straightforward redemption process with no minimums and the option for automatic cash back. Rewards remain available as long as the account is active. On the other hand, the Wells Fargo Active Cash card also ensures rewards don't expire with an open account, but redemptions start at $20 increments.

Both cards provide similar cash-equivalent redemption options, such as statement credits and gift cards, catering to those who value simplicity and flexibility in accessing their rewards.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like Quicksilver 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 a detailed understanding of our process, you can review our ranking methodology.