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

Both the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card and the Citi Double Cash Card offer compelling cash back rewards without an annual fee, making them top contenders for anyone seeking straightforward value from their credit card. The Wells Fargo Active Cash edges ahead with its welcome bonus and 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.

However, the Citi Double Cash Card's longer 0% intro APR on balance transfers and acceptance of fair credit make it a strong option for those looking to manage existing debt. While neither card is co-branded, their universal rewards structure means you benefit from using them for all types of purchases.

You might prefer the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card if you're looking for a card that rewards all your purchases with a consistent 2% cash rewards rate. Its introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers can help with new purchases or existing debt. The added perks like cell phone protection offer additional value for your everyday needs.

You might prefer the Citi Double Cash Card if simplicity in earning and redeeming cash back is your priority. With 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay), it's straightforward to maximize your rewards. If you're focused on managing debt, the longer 18-month intro APR on balance transfers could be beneficial.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and additional features will illuminate the strengths of each card. This section helps you find card benefits that match your financial habits, such as whether you'll benefit more from a longer balance transfer period with Citi Double Cash or a welcome bonus with Wells Fargo Active Cash. For example, if you're planning a large purchase, the introductory APR offer on purchases from Wells Fargo Active Cash could be advantageous.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash and the Citi Double Cash both offer a solid 2% cash back on all purchases. However, the Citi Double Cash pulls ahead with its temporary travel category, offering 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal until December 31, 2024.

While both cards excel with their simple, flat-rate rewards, this additional travel category makes the Citi Double Cash particularly appealing for those who travel and can take advantage of this offer before it expires.

Although the Wells Fargo Active Cash doesn't have a standout bonus category like the Citi Double Cash's limited-time travel offer, it does offer consistent 2% cash rewards on purchases across the board. It's a straightforward choice for anyone seeking simplicity without the need to keep track of bonus categories or expiration dates.

Following is a table of bonus categories to help you compare the rewards programs of both cards.

Citi Double Cash and Wells Fargo Active Cash offer flexible cash back redemption options. With the Citi Double Cash, you can redeem your cash back as a direct deposit, statement credit or check, and points can also be used for other rewards, though the value may vary. Importantly, these rewards do not expire as long as your account is active. Similarly, the Wells Fargo Active Cash allows for redemption via check, statement credit or direct deposit, among other options. However, it does not offer the ability to transfer points to travel partners. Like its counterpart, rewards remain valid as long as the account is open.

MoneyGeek examines and rates credit cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Citi Double Cash based on their performance in various use cases. For these cards, the cash back score is the primary metric, reflecting their highest use case score.

The scoring emphasizes the effective reward rate, accounting for half of the score and the return on investment for offers, which is another significant factor. Other considerations include annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction, among others.