Wells Fargo Active Cash Card vs. Capital One Quicksilver Card: Which One Is Right for You?
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Written by
Dawn Allcot
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Edited by
Emily Gadd
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card are cash rewards credit cards. Both cards are designed for consumers with good to excellent credit scores. Neither card carries an annual fee, which means your rewards go further. The Quicksilver Card is part of the Mastercard network, while the Active Cash Card is a Visa card.
Both cards offer straightforward cash back rewards for everyday spending an intro APR and a welcome bonus. Plus they’re both from two of the top 10 banks in the U.S. Both are worth considering, but one might better fit your needs.
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What Makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Worth Getting?
The Active Cash Card is a top-rated option for flat-rate cash back. It offers a straightforward rewards structure with unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases and carries no annual fee. Rewards don’t expire as long as your account is active. Here are some additional benefits to consider:
Welcome Bonus
Earn an extra $200 in cash rewards when you spend at least $500 in purchases within the first three months after approval. This spend requirement is on the low side, making it easier to reach this minimum and earn your bonus with everyday spending.
Intro APR
Not only can you earn a cash rewards bonus for your initial purchases, but you can also give your budget a boost with 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and on qualifying balance transfers, then a 18.99%, 24.99%, or 28.99% Variable APR.
Benefits
Most credit cards today offer zero liability fraud protection, travel assistance and some sort of credit monitoring. But the Active Cash Card has other benefits that stand out.
For instance:
- $600 protection for covered damage or theft of your cell phone if you pay your bill with your card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- Roadside dispatch services if you have car trouble.
- Emergency cash advance or a card replacement if your card is lost or stolen.
Visa Signature Benefits
Active Cash also provides special privileges as a Visa Signature card. Take advantage of exclusive Concierge service to:
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events
- Book travel
- Make dinner reservations
What Makes the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Worth Getting?
Like the Active Cash Card, the Quicksilver Card has no annual fee. It delivers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases with 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One travel.
Welcome Bonus
For a limited time, earn $300 in welcome bonuses. Enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Intro APR
The Quicksilver Card offers 0% intro on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 18.99% - 28.99% (Variable).
Benefits
This Mastercard comes with a solid stable of benefits, especially for travelers. The card:
- Has no foreign transaction fees
- Provides travel accident insurance
- Offers 24-hour travel assistance if your card is lost or stolen
The Quicksilver Card has a complimentary concierge service for assistance with dining, entertainment or travel. As a Capital One member, you can drop into a Capital One café for 50% off all beverages.
It is important to note that there a few different versions of the Quicksilver card that vary based on your credit score. The benefits we have outlined are for consumers with good to excellent credit.
Side By Side Comparison
Annual Fee
Purchase and Balance Transfer APR
Welcome Bonus
Ongoing Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Pros & Cons
- Low spend requirement for bonus offer
- Long intro APR period
- Cell phone protection option
PROS
- Has a foreign transaction fee so it’s not the best option for purchases outside of the U.S.
CONS
- Easy to earn bonus with low spend requirement
- No foreign transaction fee
PROS
- Elevated 5% cash back rate only applies to hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Other flat-rate cards offer a higher cash back rate
CONS
Learn More
How to Choose
Frequent travelers might prefer the Quicksilver Card for:
- Elevated rewards on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- More robust travel benefits
- A longer introductory APR period
Those more focused on everyday spending may prefer the Active Cash Card since it offers:
- Higher rewards rate for everyday purchases
- Cell phone coverage
- Roadside dispatch services
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a better credit card, Capital One or Wells Fargo?
As two of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., both Capital One and Wells Fargo offer a full range of rewards credit cards to fit the needs of virtually any shopper. Choosing the best credit card depends upon your needs, spending habits and your credit score.
For those who want unlimited 2% rewards on virtually every purchase, Active Cash Card is a good card to consider. If you’re looking for a cash-back rewards card that also offers travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees, Quicksilver Card is a solid choice.
Is the Capital One Quicksilver Card good or bad?
Capital One Quicksilver Card is a good all-around cash-back rewards card. It offers 1.5% cash back on most purchases and 5% when you book a hotel, vacation rentals or rental car through Capital One Travel.
Is Wells Fargo a good credit card to have?
Wells Fargo offers several top-ranked, award-winning credit cards for borrowers with good-to-excellent credit. Active Cash Card is a good, everyday credit card with no annual fee and an above average 2% cash rewards, with no spending categories to remember.
What is the highest credit limit for the Active Cash Card?
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card has a minimum credit limit of $1,000; the Visa Signature version of the card has a minimum credit limit of $5,000. The credit limit for the Active Cash Card may go as high as $20,000 or more depending on the borrower’s credit score, annual income and other factors, including credit limits on other Wells Fargo credit cards.
