Planning a getaway and want a simple, flat-rate card to earn on every booking?
Wells Fargo Active Cash® delivers unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee.
Below you’ll find the key travel takeaways, fees and interest rates, redemption options, and how it compares for trips abroad.
Snapshot: Why Travelers Consider Wells Fargo Active Cash
Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases and $200 welcome bonus after $500 in purchases in the first 3 months (offer may vary by channel).
Visa Signature benefits that matter on trips include Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Travel & Emergency Assistance
Also, Roadside Dispatch, and worldwide emergency card replacement/cash disbursement.
Cell phone protection up to $600 per claim when you pay your monthly bill with the card—handy while traveling.
The catch for international trips
The card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency
So Active Cash is less ideal for spending abroad than a no-FX-fee travel card.
Earning & Redemption for Travel
You’ll earn 2% cash rewards on every dollar—whether it’s airfare, hotel nights, museum passes, train tickets, or dining.
There are no rotating categories or caps to track. Because rewards are cash-based, you avoid the complexity of airline/hotel transfer charts.
On the other hand, points enthusiasts might prefer a program with high-value transfer partners for premium-cabin flights.
Active Cash prioritizes simplicity over outsized redemptions.
Redemption
Your cash rewards are flexible and can be turned into statement credits to offset any travel purchase after the fact, as little as $1.
You can also get direct credits to a Wells Fargo credit card or checking account, or gift cards, if you prefer.
Pay with Rewards at millions of online retailers through PayPal (useful when booking activities or travel gear online).
How to Apply for Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Use the product page and follow the “Apply Now” flow. This authorizes a credit check.
Enter personal details (name, address, email, mobile), SSN/ITIN, and income, along with housing and employment status.
(Optional) Add a balance transfer within the application if you want the intro terms on a transfer; you can also request one after approval but within 120 days.
You’ll receive an on-screen decision or a “pending” message if Wells Fargo needs more time or documentation.
Rates, Fees & Key Numbers (current terms)
The following figures reflect the issuer’s current disclosures and may change.
- Purchase APR: 0% intro for 12 months from account opening; then 18.99%, 24.99%, or 28.99% variable, based on credit and the U.S. Prime Rate.
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro for 12 months; then 18.99%, 24.99%, or 28.99% variable. Balance transfers must be made within 120 days of account opening to qualify for the intro rate/fee.
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable. Interest starts on the transaction date.
- Balance Transfer Fee: Introductory $5 or 3% of each transfer (whichever is greater) for 120 days; up to 5% thereafter (minimum $5).
- Cash Advance Fee: $10 or 5% of each advance, whichever is greater.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars.
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.
- Grace Period: At least 25 days after the close of each billing period (no interest on purchases if you pay in full by due date).
- Annual Fee: $0.
The card commonly features a $200 cash rewards bonus after $500 in purchases within the first three months (offers can vary by channel and over time).
Strengths for Travel—and Where it Falls Short
What it does well
- Simple, dependable earn rate. If you favor cash back over points math, 2% on everything ensures you’re always getting value—especially on mixed trip expenses (boutique hotels, local trains, small tours) that don’t fall neatly into bonus categories.
- Useful safety net of Visa Signature benefits. The combination of secondary rental car coverage, emergency assistance, and cell phone protection covers common travel headaches without an annual fee.
- Flexible redemption. “Redeem for Purchases” lets you wipe out travel charges after they post, and PayPal Pay with Rewards works at millions of merchants.
Where it’s less competitive
- Overseas purchases. The 3% foreign transaction fee adds up quickly on international itineraries—making Active Cash better for domestic trips or for earning on bookings made in U.S. dollars (airlines, U.S. hotel sites). Consider a no-FX-fee card for on-the-ground spending abroad.
- Secondary rental coverage. It typically pays after other insurance (e.g., your personal auto policy). Some premium travel cards offer primary coverage, which can be more convenient. Review the Guide to Benefits to understand eligibility and exclusions.
Redemption Ideas For a Trip
Use Active Cash to prepay hotels or flights in USD to earn 2% and avoid FX fees. Later, apply a statement credit via “Redeem for Purchases” to offset those charges.
Earn 2% on rideshares, gas, parking, and dining; if you crack your screen, that cell phone protection can help if you’ve been paying your bill with the card.
When available, book through Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection for potential perks at participating hotels.
Bank Contact Details
General credit card customer service: 1-800-642-4720 (24-hour service for lost/stolen card and other support).
Application status (Visa credit cards): 1-800-967-9521, 24/7.
Rewards redemption support: 1-877-517-1358.
Corporate offices mailing address: Wells Fargo 420 Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94104
Bottom Line
If you want simple 2% cash rewards with no annual fee and a set of practical travel protections, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® is easy to recommend.
The no-nonsense earning structure and “Redeem for Purchases” tool make it painless to erase travel costs after they post.
Just remember the 3% foreign transaction fee; for heavy international spending, pair it with a no-FX-fee card.
Disclaimer: Information about rates, fees, features, and benefits is subject to change at any time. For the latest terms and offer details (including the welcome bonus and APRs), review Wells Fargo’s official pages or call customer service. This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice.
