Hands Down the Top Card of 2023
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first three months.
Apply NowWells Fargo really disrupted the cash back credit card space when they released their Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. It is hard to compete with what this card has to offer and we have broken down all of the details below.
$200 Cash Rewards Bonus
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has an incredible sign-up bonus worth $200 in cash rewards that can be earned by spending at least $500 in purchases in the first three months after you are approved. This means you are getting another 40% back on the first $500 you spend.
Unlimited 2% Cash Rewards
You will also earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. Other cards that offer higher percentages only do so on certain categories (groceries or gas, for instance) and usually limit how much you can earn in those categories. With the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card you don’t have to worry about any caps, categories or activating your rewards since you’ll automatically earn 2% on all of your purchases. This 2% rate is tough to beat and makes this no annual fee card a stand out option for anyone with good to excellent credit that is looking for a low-maintenance cash rewards card that will allow you to accumulate cash rewards really quickly.
Generous Introductory APR
Those seeking a 0% intro APR will be happy to hear that the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card allows you to pay 0% interest for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. After the introductory rate the 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR will apply. There is an introductory balance transfer fee (3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5) but if you are paying interest on your other card(s) the fee is likely much lower than the interest charges you are accruing each month.
Additional Benefits
Another unique perk offered is cell phone protection. Simply use your Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card to pay your cellular telephone bill and you can get up to $600 of protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft. This will help give you peace of mind that your cell phone is protected while saving you money by not needing to pay out of pocket for the protection through another provider.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
If you are looking for a flat-rate cash rewards card that also offers a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers then this card is a great option. You will pay no annual fee, can earn an intro bonus and protect your cell phone from damage or theft. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
- $0 annual fee
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open
- Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world’s most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Other Rewards Card Options
We think the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is tough to beat but we have rounded up some other options from our partners that may appeal to you as well.
Generous Bonus & A Very Long Intro APR
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Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
If you prefer a $0 annual fee card that will help you earn points towards travel and dining purchases then this card is likely your top option. With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card you will earn a straightforward, unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. You can also earn a 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. These bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases. Unlike most travel cards this option also offers an incredibly generous intro APR. It offers 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR will apply.
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This is a great travel card for those who don’t want to pay an annual fee, are looking for a straightforward way to earn and redeem their rewards and want to save money with a really long intro APR. You’ll earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases and can easily earn 25,000 online bonus points (redeemable for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases) when you spend at least $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.99% – 27.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
- If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Unlimited 3X Rewards on Restaurants, Travel, Gas & More
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
This $0 annual fee credit card is a top-rated rewards card that offers unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. There are no caps to worry about and no rewards calendars to keep track of. Plus you will also earn 1X on all of your other purchases. New card members can also earn impressive 20,000-point welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months. This bonus has a $200 cash redemption value! In addition to the cash redemption option you can also redeem your rewards for travel, gift cards, and more. And while there is no intro APR offer for balance transfers it does offer a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, followed by a 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR.
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This rewards card from Wells Fargo offers a seriously impressive lineup of benefits, especially for a card without an annual fee. You will earn 20,000 bonus points (a $200 cash redemption value) when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. Your ongoing rewards can add up quickly as well since you earn 3X points at restaurants, gas stations and on travel, transit and streaming services. There are no category limits to worry about and you can earn 1X points on your other purchases. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases
- $0 annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter
- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world’s most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.
Quick and Simple Rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card stacks up very well against other top-tier cash back cards as it offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. As a welcome offer, new card members can earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first 3 months. This is a lower spending requirement than most cash back cards which means you can easily achieve this bonus with everyday purchases. You will also get 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership (through 11/14/24) and access to exclusive reservations and dining experiences through Capital One Dining. You will also benefit from a 0% intro on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.74% – 29.74% (Variable) APR will apply. There is a 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months but this fee is usually worth it if you’re currently carrying a balance on another card that charges interest. That’s an extensive list of benefits, especially for a card that does not charge an annual fee.
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This $0 annual fee cash back credit card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase making it an excellent, straightforward option for those looking for a flat rate credit card. You will also earn an elevated cash back rate on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. There is a generous online cash rewards bonus and a lengthy intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74%-29.74% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
Easy To Earn Bonus and No Annual Fee
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is an exciting travel card option for those looking for premium perks that do not come with an annual fee. To start, you earn an unlimited 1.25x miles per dollar on all purchases and if you book car rentals and hotels through Capital One Travel, those purchases will qualify for 5x miles per dollar spent. You also have the opportunity to earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. This equates to $200 in travel and this is a very low spend requirement compared to competitive cards, making it easy to achieve by using your card on everyday purchases. There is a very generous 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. After the introductory rate, the 19.74% – 29.74% (Variable) will apply.
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
If you are looking for a travel rewards card that offers big-time benefits without an annual fee then the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a top option to consider. To start, there is an easy to earn bonus opportunity and a generous intro APR. You will also earn an unlimited 1.25X on every purchase made and an elevated rate on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% – 29.74% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
As you can see, it is a great time to be in the market for a new credit card. Issuers are really stepping up their game and offering incredible perks to win your business. If you have good to excellent credit in the 670 – 850* range and have not recently applied for a new credit card then you should definitely apply for one of these stand out options today.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.