Wells Fargo Active Cash® vs. Cash Wise Visa®

While both cards come from the same issuer, Wells Fargo, and cater to the cash-back focused consumer, the truth is: not all 1.5% and 2% reward cards are created equal—and the real value lies beyond the surface. Since the Cash Wise Visa® Card was discontinued in 2021, it leaves behind a legacy that’s worth dissecting—especially as many consumers still hold the card or compare it with Wells Fargo’s current standout, the Active Cash® Card.


🔑 Key Takeaways: Quick Truths You Need to Know

Question💡 Fast Answer
Is the Cash Wise card still available?No. It was officially discontinued in June 2021.
Which card earns more?Active Cash. It gives a true unlimited 2% on all spending.
Does Active Cash offer better perks?Yes. Concierge service and a better welcome bonus.
Are there any drawbacks to Active Cash?Yes. It may have a higher ongoing APR.
Who is Active Cash best for?People who pay balances in full and want simple, high flat-rate rewards.

💳 What Makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card a Clear Upgrade Over the Discontinued Cash Wise?

Simple: consistent rewards, improved perks, and a better sign-up bonus.

The Active Cash® Card is not just a replacement—it’s an evolution of Wells Fargo’s cash-back strategy. Where Cash Wise offered 1.5% back with a temporary 1.8% mobile wallet boost, Active Cash does away with conditions and gives unlimited 2% on everything, no gimmicks.

🎯 FeatureCash Wise Visa®Active Cash®
Base Rewards Rate1.5% on all purchases2% flat on all purchases
Mobile Wallet Bonus1.8% for 12 monthsN/A – flat 2% on all
Welcome Bonus$150 after $500 spend$200 after $500 spend
Foreign Transaction Fee3%3%
Intro APR on Purchases0% for 15 months0% for 12 months
Ongoing APR14.49%–24.99%19.24%–29.24%
Concierge PerksNone mentioned24/7 Visa Signature Concierge
AvailabilityDiscontinuedActively available

🔥 Expert Tip: Active Cash removes the guesswork. There are no elevated tiers, no wallet-specific incentives—just 2% everywhere, all the time.


🧠 What Are the Hidden Downsides of Each Card—and Who Should Avoid Them?

While Active Cash beats Cash Wise on most fronts, neither card is perfect for every type of spender.

🧮 Ongoing APR Warning:
The Active Cash card has a higher variable APR ceiling—up to 29.24% or more. If you ever carry a balance, this could turn your cash-back gains into interest losses.

🌍 Foreign Travel Limitation:
Despite being a Visa Signature card, Active Cash still charges a 3% foreign transaction fee—just like Cash Wise did. For frequent international travelers, this is a dealbreaker.

Drawback💳 Who It Affects Most
High Ongoing APRBalance carriers or those with inconsistent payments
Foreign Transaction FeesInternational travelers, digital nomads
No Category BonusesShoppers who like 5% rotating categories
Redemption MinimumsThose who want full flexibility (min $20–$25)

💡 Pro Insight: If you rarely carry balances and mostly shop domestically, Active Cash’s drawbacks won’t impact you. But for balance revolvers or globetrotters, alternatives like the Capital One Quicksilver or Citi Double Cash (no foreign fees) may be better.


📱 What Do Both Cards Offer Beyond Cash Back?

Wells Fargo is quietly competitive with side perks—even if it’s not always highlighted in flashy marketing.

Both cards offer:

  • 💸 Cell Phone Protection: Up to $600 in coverage (with $25 deductible) when you pay your bill using the card.
  • 📈 Credit Monitoring: Access to your FICO® Score for free.
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Only the Active Cash card includes:

  • 🛎️ Visa Signature Concierge Service: A premium benefit offering event tickets, travel bookings, and restaurant reservations assistance.
🌟 Perk🧾 Cash Wise🆕 Active Cash
Cell Phone Protection
Free FICO Score Access
Visa Concierge
Contactless Payment Support
Statement Credit Redemptions
ATM Cash Redemptions✅ (w/ WF debit card)✅ (w/ WF debit card)

🎯 Real-World Value: Active Cash provides entry-level luxury with no annual fee—great for consumers who want a bit of upscale convenience with their everyday rewards.


💼 Which Card is Better for Specific Spending Habits?

🧍 User Profile🏆 Best Choice📌 Reason
New Credit Card UsersActive CashSimple structure, easy bonus, solid perks
Mobile Wallet Power UsersCash Wise (while it lasted)Temporary 1.8% boost on Apple Pay/Google Pay
Budget-Conscious FamiliesActive CashHigh everyday rewards with no fee
International TravelersNeitherLook for a no-foreign-fee card like Capital One or Chase Sapphire Preferred
Balance CarriersCash Wise (historically)Lower potential APR post-intro period
Reward OptimizersActive Cash2% with fewer hoops than rotating category cards

📊 What Changed Between the Two Cards—and Why Does It Matter?

Wells Fargo’s pivot from Cash Wise to Active Cash marks a strategic shift toward simplicity, competitiveness, and modern relevance. The Cash Wise’s mobile wallet bonus was forward-thinking in 2016—but by 2021, consumers wanted flat, fast, and flexible.

🕰️ Then (Cash Wise)🚀 Now (Active Cash)
Focused on mobile wallet adoptionFlat 2% that rewards all spending equally
Modest welcome offerCompetitive and easy-to-earn bonus
Traditional cash-back mindsetModern, frictionless cash rewards
Lower APR ceilingHigher APR risk (for some)
Basic structure for beginnersCompetitive tool for rewards-maximizers

🧾 Final Table: Which Card Wins?

🧩 Category🥇 Winner📋 Why
Rewards RateActive Cash2% flat is higher and simpler
Intro BonusActive Cash$200 beats $150, same spend
APR (Long-Term)Cash WiseLower top-end APR range
PerksActive CashConcierge + cell protection
User-FriendlinessActive CashFewer rules, flat rate
AvailabilityActive CashThe only one still offered

FAQs


“If I already have the Cash Wise card, should I switch to Active Cash?”

Not necessarily, but it depends on how you use your card.

The Cash Wise card still functions normally for existing cardholders, and if you’re grandfathered into a lower APR or have a long credit history with the account, closing it might harm your credit age and score. However, if you’re focused on maximizing cash-back returns, switching or applying separately for the Active Cash could make more sense.

🔍 Factor💳 Keep Cash Wise🔁 Switch to Active Cash
Long credit history✅ Helps credit score❌ Closing may drop score
Rewards rate focus❌ Stuck at 1.5%✅ Upgrade to 2%
Already earned bonus✅ No requalification concerns❌ Active Cash has separate bonus rules
Mobile wallet user✅ Might still value the 1.8% (if still active)❌ Not available on Active Cash

🧠 Pro Insight: Consider product changing instead of closing. Call Wells Fargo and ask about conversion eligibility—they may allow a switch without a hard inquiry or losing account history.


“How does Active Cash compare to Citi Double Cash or Chase Freedom Unlimited?”

Excellent question—these three cards often appear on “top flat-rate rewards” lists, but they cater to slightly different spending philosophies.

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🥊 Card💰 Base Rewards💎 Best Feature⚠️ Drawback
Active Cash®2% on everythingSimple flat 2%, upfront bonus, cell phone protectionNo foreign travel perks
Citi Double Cash®1% when you buy + 1% when you payIdeal for disciplined payers who want 2% backNo intro bonus; redemptions tied to Citi ecosystem
Chase Freedom Unlimited®1.5% on everything, plus 3–5% on select categoriesGreat for maximizing everyday and bonus categoriesLower flat rate on non-category spend

💡 Strategic Tip: If you’re building a Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, Freedom Unlimited is unbeatable. But if you want true simplicity with solid upfront value, Active Cash has a clear edge.


“Does Active Cash® support contactless payments and digital wallets?”

Yes, fully supported.

The Active Cash card is enabled for contactless tap-to-pay, and it integrates seamlessly with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. While it doesn’t offer a bonus for using mobile wallets (as the Cash Wise card did during its first 12 months), it’s technologically modern and compatible across platforms.

📲 Payment MethodActive Cash Support
Tap-to-pay terminals✅ Yes
Apple Pay✅ Yes
Google Pay✅ Yes
Samsung Pay✅ Yes

🔐 Security Tip: Using digital wallets adds an extra layer of encryption, reducing fraud risk compared to physical swipes.


“Can I redeem my Active Cash® rewards at ATMs like I did with Cash Wise?”

Yes, but there’s a catch.

To use Wells Fargo ATMs for cash redemptions, you’ll need a linked Wells Fargo Debit or ATM card and rewards must meet a minimum threshold of $20. You can also redeem for statement credits or direct deposits online or via mobile app in $25 increments.

🏧 Redemption Method💸 Minimum Required🔄 Frequency
ATM Cash$20Any time, with linked debit/ATM card
Statement Credit$25No limit
Direct Deposit to WF Account$25Immediate
Paper Check$25Slower delivery

📌 Expert Note: ATM redemptions make Wells Fargo one of the few issuers offering physical access to cash-back rewards—a unique benefit that can be handy in emergencies.


“What happens to my Cash Wise rewards if I switch or close the account?”

Unredeemed rewards may be lost if not cashed out before closure.

If you close your Cash Wise account without transferring rewards, Wells Fargo’s terms allow forfeiture of any unused balance. However, if you convert the card (rather than cancel), rewards may carry over—but this isn’t guaranteed unless explicitly confirmed by the bank.

Action⚠️ Risk to Rewards✔️ Pro Tip
Close accountHigh—rewards may be lostRedeem fully before closure
Product changeMedium—depends on conversion termsConfirm with rep and get it in writing
Downgrade to other Wells cardDepends on policyAsk if rewards transfer or reset

🎯 Final Word: Always cash out your rewards before making any changes unless the bank guarantees full transfer of value.


“How does Active Cash compare for balance transfers in real life?”

It’s competitive—but with a shorter promo window than some balance transfer specialists.

Active Cash gives you 0% APR for 12 months on qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days of account opening, with an intro fee of 3%, rising up to 5% after the promo period. After that, interest accrues based on your variable APR tier.

🔁 Balance Transfer Term📆 Duration💳 Fees
Intro APR0% for 12 months3% if within 120 days
After 120 DaysN/AUp to 5% (min $5)
Ongoing APR19.24%–29.24%Based on creditworthiness

📌 Comparison Tip: If you’re carrying large balances, consider longer 0% BT cards like Citi Simplicity® (up to 21 months)—but they don’t offer cash-back rewards like Active Cash does.

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“Will the Active Cash card impact my credit score if I apply after having Cash Wise?”

Possibly—but not necessarily in a bad way.

Applying for a new credit line triggers a hard inquiry, which may cause a temporary drop of a few points. However, if approved, the added credit limit can improve your utilization ratio, which could increase your score over time.

📊 Credit Factor📉 Short-Term Effect📈 Long-Term Potential
Hard inquiry-3 to -8 pointsFades in 12 months
Increased credit limitMay improve utilizationCan boost score
New account ageLowers average ageStabilizes over time
More available creditHelps with credit mixPositive if used wisely

🧠 Expert Tip: If you’re planning a major loan (mortgage, car) in the next 3–6 months, consider waiting to apply.


“Does Wells Fargo Active Cash® offer any purchase protection or extended warranty benefits?”

Yes, but they’re somewhat limited compared to premium credit cards. As part of the Visa Signature® network, the Active Cash® Card includes purchase security and extended warranty protection, though these benefits are not prominently advertised.

  • Purchase Security: Eligible items purchased with the card are protected against damage or theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date, typically up to $500 per claim, and $50,000 per cardholder per year.
  • Extended Warranty: Adds one extra year to manufacturer warranties of three years or less, covering items bought entirely with the card.
🛡️ BenefitTime Frame💲 Coverage Limit🔎 Key Notes
Purchase Protection90 days from purchaseUp to $500/claimCovers theft, accidental damage
Extended Warranty+1 year on eligible warrantiesMirrors original warranty coverageManufacturer warranty must be 3 years or less

🔐 Pro Insight: Always save your receipts and register products when possible—claims require documentation and sometimes evidence of the item’s condition.


“Is it true that the Active Cash® Card has limitations on how rewards are used?”

Yes, but they’re minimal and largely standard among major issuers. You can redeem rewards for:

  • Statement credits
  • Direct deposits into eligible Wells Fargo accounts
  • Paper checks
  • ATM cash withdrawals (if you have a Wells Fargo debit card)

However, redemptions are constrained by minimum increments: $25 for most methods, $20 for ATM redemptions. There’s no option to transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners, unlike some premium or travel cards.

💵 Redemption Option🧾 Minimum Amount🏦 Additional Requirement
Statement Credit$25None
Direct Deposit$25Must have Wells Fargo account
Check by Mail$25Must request by phone or online
ATM Withdrawal$20Requires linked debit/ATM card

💡 Best Practice: Use rewards regularly to avoid accumulation without purpose—especially since there’s no boost for saving them (unlike travel points).


“Can I carry both Active Cash® and Cash Wise cards? Do they overlap or conflict?”

Yes, you can carry both—but they don’t combine rewards pools. If you still have the Cash Wise Visa®, you’ll continue earning 1.5% (or 1.8% on mobile wallets, if still active). The Active Cash earns 2% flat. There’s no internal system to merge rewards or automatically transfer between cards.

📇 Card Combo💰 Earn Rate🔁 Rewards Pool Shared?
Active Cash® + Cash Wise2% + 1.5% or 1.8%❌ No
Two Active Cash cardsUnlikely allowedN/A
Active Cash + other WF cards (e.g., Autograph)Variable❌ Rewards tracked per account

🧠 Strategy Tip: If you’re aiming for streamlined earnings, the Cash Wise may be worth converting to Active Cash to consolidate benefits. But if you’re optimizing for credit age and score, it may be smarter to leave it open and inactive.


“What’s the approval likelihood for the Active Cash® Card if my credit score is around 670?”

Approval is possible, but not guaranteed. Wells Fargo typically markets the Active Cash® Card to those with Good to Excellent credit (670–850 FICO). If you’re at the lower end (around 670), approval may hinge on other factors like income, debt-to-income ratio, and your existing relationship with Wells Fargo.

📈 Credit Score RangeApproval Likelihood📌 Advice
750+ (Excellent)Very highLikely best APR and limit
700–749 (Good)HighStrong approval odds
670–699 (Fair-Good)ModerateDependent on other financial indicators
<670LowConsider secured or starter cards first

🛠️ Expert Tip: Check Wells Fargo’s prequalification tool—it performs a soft pull, allowing you to estimate your approval odds without hurting your credit score.


“Does Wells Fargo ever upgrade Cash Wise cardholders to Active Cash automatically?”

Not by default. Wells Fargo does not initiate automatic product conversions en masse. However, some eligible cardholders have reported receiving upgrade invitations via mail, email, or app notifications.

  • You can proactively request a product change by calling customer service. This often avoids a hard credit inquiry.
  • If approved, the card number may change, but the account history is retained, helping your credit score maintain its age factor.
🔁 Upgrade Method📞 How to Access🧾 Effect on Credit Report
Customer RequestCall Wells FargoTypically no hard pull
Mailed InvitationCheck email/mailMay include upgrade bonus
App NotificationMonitor Wells Fargo appTerms vary by user

🎯 Best Move: Ask if the rewards earned on Cash Wise will carry over before confirming the switch—policies may vary depending on account status.


“Is the Active Cash® Card accepted internationally?”

Yes, but with caveats. As a Visa card, Active Cash® has global acceptance at millions of merchants. However, every foreign transaction is subject to a 3% fee—which adds up quickly for frequent travelers.

🌍 International Usage🌐 Yes/No💸 Fees Incurred
Retail purchases abroad✅ Yes3% foreign transaction fee
Online purchases in foreign currency✅ Yes3% conversion fee
ATM withdrawals overseas✅ Yes3% + ATM-specific fees

✈️ Travel Tip: If you’re planning a trip, consider pairing Active Cash® with a no-foreign-transaction-fee card like Capital One Quicksilver or Chase Sapphire Preferred for travel expenses.


“How does the Active Cash® Card’s balance transfer feature compare to other cards known for debt consolidation?”

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a solid introductory balance transfer window, but it’s not engineered as a top-tier debt consolidation tool. It includes a 0% APR for 12 months on qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days, with a 3% intro fee (up to 5% thereafter). While decent, there are other cards specifically optimized for longer 0% periods.

🔁 Card0% APR Duration (BT)💰 Balance Transfer Fee⚠️ Best For
Active Cash®12 months (within 120 days)3% intro, then up to 5%Short-term consolidation with ongoing rewards
Citi Simplicity®21 months3% or $5, whichever is greaterLong-term debt payoff, no rewards
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum18 billing cycles3%High balances with time to pay down
Chase Slate Edge®18 months$5 or 3% (first 60 days)Low fees for modest balances

🔎 Expert Clarity: If your goal is rewards + short-term financing, Active Cash® is a hybrid tool. But if you need a runway for larger balances, a dedicated BT card is a smarter fit.


“Is the Active Cash® Card good for building credit over time?”

Absolutely—if used responsibly. The card reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian), and offers a consistent rewards structure without risky rotating categories that might encourage overspending.

🧱 Credit-Building ElementIncluded?📝 Benefit
On-time payment historyMost impactful FICO factor (35%)
Utilization management2% flat back incentivizes balanced spending
Credit mix contributionAdds revolving credit type
Age of account preservation✅ (if kept long-term)Helps average credit age
Soft-pull prequal toolRisk-free eligibility check

📈 Pro Move: Pay in full each month, stay below 30% utilization, and set autopay to safeguard your score long term.


“Does the Active Cash® Card have emergency travel or trip cancellation insurance?”

No, travel protections are minimal. Despite being part of the Visa Signature® network, the Active Cash® Card does not include premium travel insurance, such as trip delay reimbursement, rental car collision damage waivers, or baggage loss protection.

✈️ Travel BenefitIncluded?🧾 Alternatives with Coverage
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance❌ NoChase Sapphire Preferred®
Rental car coverage❌ NoCapital One Venture Rewards®
Lost luggage reimbursement❌ NoAmerican Express Gold Card®
Emergency travel assistance✅ Yes (limited through Visa Signature)Secondary benefit, not insurance

🧳 Best Practice: If travel perks are essential, use the Active Cash® for domestic or everyday purchases, and pair it with a travel-focused credit card when booking trips.


“Can small business owners benefit from using Active Cash® for company expenses?”

They can—but it depends on structure and scale. While the Active Cash® Card is technically a consumer card, many sole proprietors and freelancers leverage personal cards for business purchases, especially if they’re under Schedule C taxation. The 2% flat rate on all spend is appealing for predictable monthly overhead, like software, marketing, or supplies.

🧾 Expense Type💳 Rewards with Active Cash®💼 Tax Consideration
Software subscriptions (e.g., QuickBooks)✅ 2%Fully deductible if business-related
Online advertising (Meta, Google Ads)✅ 2%Deductible
Inventory supplies✅ 2%Deductible
Business travel✅ 2% (but with foreign fee)Deductible (with proper documentation)

⚠️ Legal Note: Use separate accounting systems—don’t co-mingle personal and business funds. Consider upgrading to a true business rewards card (like Ink Business Unlimited®) once revenue grows.


“What happens to my rewards if my Active Cash® Card is closed by Wells Fargo?”

If Wells Fargo closes your account—whether due to inactivity, missed payments, or internal review—you may forfeit unused rewards. According to the terms, cash rewards expire if your account is closed for any reason, unless they’re redeemed before that point.

Closure Scenario🧮 Rewards Impact🔐 Prevention Tip
Voluntary closureForfeit unless redeemed priorRedeem everything first
Inactivity-based closureForfeit likelyUse card every few months for small purchases
Missed paymentsForfeit + credit impactSet up autopay to prevent delinquency

💼 Expert Suggestion: Use your card at least once per billing cycle or quarter, even if just for a utility bill—dormant accounts are at higher risk of closure during issuer portfolio reviews.


“Are the Active Cash® Card’s benefits the same if I’m added as an authorized user?”

Not quite. While authorized users can make purchases and earn rewards, they do not receive individual bonus offers, and some benefits—like cell phone protection—only apply when the primary cardholder pays the bill using their card.

👥 Cardholder Role🛍️ Earns Rewards?📞 Cell Phone Protection?🔎 Affects Credit?
Primary✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ On all bureaus
Authorized User✅ Yes❌ Not covered (unless they pay and are listed)⚠️ Sometimes, depending on issuer policy

🧠 Expert Note: Adding authorized users may help them build credit (especially young adults), but clarify who gets which protections and who’s legally responsible for repayment.

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