Wells Fargo Active Cash Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card [Detailed Comparison]

When given a choice, most would generally select a rewards-earning credit card over one that does not earn rewards, especially when neither card charges an annual fee. After all, earning rewards on your purchases adds more value than not earning rewards.

Today’s card comparison aims to challenge that logic. There can be circumstances where a card that doesn’t earn rewards could be the better choice for your situation.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card and Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card illustrate this situation perfectly and represent an example of when you might choose the card that doesn’t earn rewards over the rewards-earning one.

Here’s how the cards differ and everything you need to know to determine which best fits your needs and preferences.

Overview

We will expand on all the features and benefits of the Wells Fargo Active Cash card and Wells Fargo Reflect card coming up next. Before we do, a brief overview can help illustrate how the cards compare.

Value of a Welcome Offer

Immediately after approval for the Wells Fargo Active Cash card, you can earn a welcome bonus offer. The welcome offer is typically worth up to hundreds of dollars and can be earned by meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified period after card approval.

The Wells Fargo Reflect card does not have a welcome offer.

Here are current card snapshots that contain welcome offers and additional information:

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

$200 cash rewards bonus

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter (rates & fees)

Cons

• No bonus categories for those who want to optimize certain purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• 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 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; 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.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature^® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars.

Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a long intro APR period without an annual fee.

Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a long intro APR period without an annual fee.

Welcome Offer

No offer available

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card is a great option for those looking for a long intro APR window on purchases and qualifying balance transfers without an annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24%
• $0 annual fee
• Cell phone protection

Cons

• Does not earn rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It’s an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each purchase transaction after conversion into U.S. dollars.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card comes with a welcome offer typically worth up to hundreds of dollars after you meet minimum spending requirements within the specified period after card approval. The Wells Fargo Reflect card does not have a welcome offer.

Earning Potential

Each credit card has different strengths. The Wells Fargo Active Cash card has a fixed earning structure that allows you to earn rewards on every purchase. This simple earning power makes it a card you can carry and use daily.

While the Wells Fargo Reflect card does not earn rewards, the card has other strengths we’ll discuss shortly.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card can be a good choice if you don’t want to be bothered with complicated earning structures. Every purchase earns unlimited cash rewards, the most liquid rewards currency.

No rewards can be earned by spending on the Wells Fargo Reflect card. You can earn cash rewards as a statement credit when using the card to shop with My Wells Fargo Deals.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns flat-rate unlimited 2% cash rewards on every purchase. The Wells Fargo Reflect card does not earn traditional rewards but does earn cash rewards as a statement credit when shopping with select merchants via My Wells Fargo Deals.

Redemption Options

Cash rewards add up quickly when you use your Wells Fargo Active Cash card daily. Once you’ve accumulated a stash of rewards, you can redeem them at a fixed rate of 1 cent each. You have several options at redemption time.

The Wells Fargo Reflect card does not earn rewards that can be redeemed.

Redemption rates for cash rewards earned on the Wells Fargo Active Cash card are generally valued at 1 cent.

However, if you have the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card or the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card, you can transfer cash rewards to either of those cards and then take advantage of airline and hotel transfer partners.

Wells Fargo airline and hotel partners allow you to purchase award flights and free hotel nights and receive greater potential value for your rewards.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns cash rewards that can be redeemed for cash, account credits, travel, gift cards, or checkout with PayPal. If you have a Wells Fargo Autograph card or the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card, you can transfer cash rewards and utilize airline and hotel partners. The Wells Fargo Reflect card does not earn redeemable rewards.

Travel Protections and Benefits

Whether you pack up the SUV for a road trip or rent a car for a weekend getaway, these travel protections will give you greater peace of mind.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card and Wells Fargo Reflect card have the following travel protections:

• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Reserve and pay for your rental with your card and decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW insurance to receive coverage for damage or theft. Coverage is secondary within the U.S. and primary outside the U.S. where coverage is available. Secondary coverage means filing a claim with any other applicable insurance before card coverage applies.
• Roadside Dispatch: To receive a roadside service, make 1 call and pay 1 prearranged price. Services include standard winching, limited towing, lockout and jump-start services, tire changing, and emergency fuel delivery. Services beyond those included will be charged to the card.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card — Additional Travel Protections and Benefits

Travel protections and benefits can provide needed assistance and make your trip more comfortable.

• Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection Benefits: Reserve and pay for your stay with your card to receive elite-style benefits, including an upgraded room (when available), complimentary breakfast for 2, Wi-Fi, late checkout on request (when available), a $25 food and beverage credit, a best-rate guarantee, and VIP guest status.
• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: Make 1 call 24/7 during your travels to receive assistance arranging emergency transportation, translation services, medical or legal referrals, emergency cash, and more. Cardholders are responsible for actual services received.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card and Wells Fargo Reflect card have auto rental collision damage waiver and roadside dispatch coverage. The Wells Fargo Active Cash card has the additional benefit of Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection benefits and travel and emergency assistance services.

Shopping Protections and Benefits

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card and Wells Fargo Reflect card offer protections and benefits for select purchases made with your card:

• Cell Phone Protection: Pay your monthly phone bill with your card to receive up to $600 per claim for repair or replacement for damage or theft. The limit is 2 claims, up to $1,200 every 12 months, and there is a $25 deductible per claim.
• Introductory 0% APR on Purchases: Pay back large or multiple purchases over time with no interest charges during the introductory 0% APR period.
  • Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter.
  • Wells Fargo Reflect Card: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24%.
• My Wells Fargo Deals: Access these merchant offers via your online card account, activate the offers you wish to use, and make the required purchase. You receive cash rewards in the form of a statement credit.

Additional Benefit for Balance Transfers

In addition to travel and shopping protections and benefits, the Wells Fargo Active Cash card and Wells Fargo Reflect card have introductory 0% APR periods for balance transfers.

If you have high-interest balances on your credit cards, you may be able to transfer these balances to either of our featured cards. During the 0% APR period, you can repay your balances without interest charges.

• Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers. After that, your variable APR will be 19.49%, 24.49% or 29.49%. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee.
• Wells Fargo Reflect Card: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.49%, 23.99% or 29.24%.

It’s important to note that there are fees associated with balance transfers.

• Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: Each transfer incurs a 3% or $5 transfer fee, whichever is greater, and up to 5% or $5, whichever is greater, after the first 120 days.
• Wells Fargo Reflect Card: A fee of 5% of the transfer amount or $5, whichever is greater, applies.

Bottom Line:

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card and Wells Fargo Reflect card have valuable cell phone protection. The introductory 0% APR period for purchases and balance transfers is for up to 12 months from card approval with the Wells Fargo Active Cash card. The Wells Fargo Reflect card has an introductory 0% APR period for purchases and balance transfers for up to 21 months. Fees apply.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

It’s important to understand any fees associated with a new credit card.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card has a $0 annual fee. The Wells Fargo Reflect card also has a $0 annual fee. Neither card charges an additional fee to add authorized users.

Foreign transaction fees can cost you money during your travels. The Wells Fargo Active Cash card (rates & fees) and the Wells Fargo Reflect card (rates & fees) charge foreign transaction fees of 3% of the total purchase. You’ll probably want to use these cards primarily for domestic purchases.

Final Thoughts

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card makes earning and redeeming rewards simple. The card has cell phone protection and a few additional usable benefits.

While the Wells Fargo Reflect card does not earn rewards, it also has cell phone protection, auto rental collision damage waiver, and roadside dispatch. The card’s real strength is the extended 21-month, 0% APR period for purchases and balance transfers. The card makes sense and is a decent choice if you can use this benefit.

It’s also possible to request an upgrade from the Wells Fargo Reflect card to a rewards-earning Wells Fargo card once you’ve utilized the 0% APR period to completion or have a proven track record of repayment with the card. Typically, it’s best to wait until after the first card anniversary.

Finally, if you need a 0% APR for purchases or balance transfers and can work with 12 months versus 21 months, the Wells Fargo Active Cash card would be a better choice.