Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Wells Fargo Active Cash: Which Is Better In 2025?

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a quick look at what makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® a standout choice.

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• It offers a straightforward, unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases without any complicated spending categories to track.
• There's no annual fee, which makes it a cost-effective option for any budget.
• With a $0 annual fee, you start earning net positive rewards from your very first purchase (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Its simple, flat-rate rewards structure means you don’t have to track spending categories.
• There are no caps on the amount of cash back you can earn, so your rewards potential is unlimited.
• It offers valuable cell phone protection when you pay your monthly phone bill with the card.

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Cons

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• Foreign transaction fees make it a less-than-ideal choice for spending abroad.
• Cash back redemption is limited to statement credits or deposits into an eligible Wells Fargo account.
• You’ll likely need a good to excellent credit score to qualify.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® vs Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Wells Fargo Active Cash®, depends entirely on your spending habits and what you value in a rewards card. Both are strong contenders in the cash back space, but they cater to different types of users.

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• Chase Freedom Unlimited® is built for cash back seekers who appreciate earning rewards on a wide range of everyday spending. It combines a flat earning rate on all purchases with higher reward rates in specific, common spending categories.
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® is best for individuals who value simplicity and want to earn a consistent, flat cash back rate on every single purchase. This card is ideal for users who prefer not to track different bonus categories to maximize their earnings.

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Redemption

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Rewards are earned as points that can be redeemed for cash back, travel, and gift cards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal. This system offers great flexibility for cardholders who want various options for their earnings.

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Wells Fargo Active Cash®: This card offers straightforward cash rewards redemptions, such as statement credits or direct deposits to a qualifying account. The process is designed for simplicity, avoiding the complexities of point transfers or travel portals.

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Travel Perks

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• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Travel can be booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal. While it lacks premium perks like lounge access, its strength lies within the broader Chase ecosystem. Points can be transferred to premium travel cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, for potentially higher redemption values. The card does charge a foreign transaction fee.
• Wells Fargo Active Cash®: This card’s travel features are more direct. Cardholders can book travel through the Wells Fargo Rewards portal, but it doesn't offer point transfers to airline or hotel partners. Similar to the Freedom Unlimited®, it does not include lounge access and has a foreign transaction fee. However, it does provide cell phone protection, a valuable benefit for travelers.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For a data-driven approach, a financial companion like Kudos can help you compare and evaluate credit cards using your own spending habits.

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• A Test Drive feature that simulates your potential earnings with a new card based on your actual transaction history, all before you apply.
• Personalized card recommendations tailored to your spending patterns.
• Detailed approval odds analysis based on your credit report.
• A welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better public offer if you find one within three months.
• An autofill tool that selects the best card in your wallet at checkout to maximize rewards on every purchase.

Who Should Choose the Chase Freedom Unlimited®?

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The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an excellent choice for everyday spenders who prefer a straightforward rewards structure over tracking complicated rotating categories. It's also a strategic pick for existing Chase customers, as it can be paired with premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® to transfer and maximize the value of Ultimate Rewards® points. Additionally, as detailed in this comprehensive guide, its lack of an annual fee and inclusion of valuable purchase protections make it appealing for those new to credit card rewards or anyone seeking solid benefits without extra cost.

Who Should Choose the Wells Fargo Active Cash®?

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The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is an excellent choice for small business owners who value a simple, no-fuss rewards structure over complex travel points systems. It's designed for those who want to earn a consistent, unlimited 2% cash back on every business purchase without the need to track spending categories or worry about reward caps. This straightforward business credit card is also a great fit for businesses looking to leverage a 0% intro APR period for large purchases or benefit from cell phone protection.

Alternatives to Consider

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If the Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs Wells Fargo Active Cash® comparison didn't yield a winner for your wallet, several other top-tier cash-back cards are worth considering.

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check Your Credit Score – You will generally need good to excellent credit for approval.
• Have a Spending Plan – Make sure you can meet any minimum spending requirements for a welcome offer without overspending.
• Know Your Strategy – Some cards offer the best value when paired with other cards from the same issuer.

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Application Strategy

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• Maximize Your Rewards – Some cards, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, offer greater value when paired with a premium travel card.
• Choose the Right Card for You – Consider if you prefer straightforward cash back like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card or a more complex points system.
• Time Your Application – Applying before a large planned purchase can help you meet a welcome offer's spending requirement naturally.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Wells Fargo Active Cash cards have an annual fee?

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No, neither the Chase Freedom Unlimited® nor the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card charges an annual fee, making them both cost-effective options for everyday spending.

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Can I use these cards for international travel?

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Both cards can be used for purchases abroad, but they typically charge foreign transaction fees, which can add to your costs while traveling internationally.

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What kind of rewards do these cards earn?

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The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a straightforward 2% cash rewards on purchases, while the Chase Freedom Unlimited® provides bonus cash back in specific categories and a base rate on all other purchases.

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