Wells Fargo Active Cash® vs. Citi Double Cash®: Which card is better?

When it comes to flat-rate cash back credit cards, few options are as popular as the Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card and the Citi Double Cash(R) Card. Both cards earn 2% cash back on purchases and neither charges an annual fee, making them an excellent choice for anyone who wants straightforward rewards without extra hoops to jump through. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.

If you’re trying to decide between these two top cash back cards, here’s a closer look at how their rewards, benefits and features compare.

Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card vs. Citi Double Cash(R) Card: At a glance

Welcome bonus winner: Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card

Both of these cards offer a welcome bonus for new cardholders, but the requirements for earning them differ.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card offers a signup_reward cash rewards bonus after spending just signup_bonus_spend_amount on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Meanwhile, the Citi Double Cash(R) Card offers signup_reward cash back after spending signup_bonus_spend_amount on purchases within the first six months.

While both bonuses are worth the same amount, the Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card comes out ahead because it requires far less spending to earn the reward. Spending signup_bonus_spend_amount in three months is a realistic goal for most households, whereas spending signup_bonus_spend_amount may take more planning for consumers with lower monthly expenses.

Rewards structures compared

At first glance, the Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card and Citi Double Cash(R) Card appear to offer the same rewards rate. After all, both cards let cardholders earn 2% cash back on purchases with no bonus categories to track and no rotating rewards to activate.

However, the way each card delivers those rewards is slightly different.

How Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card rewards work

The Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card keeps things simple. Cardholders earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on eligible purchases, and rewards are credited based on spending activity.

There are no extra steps required to earn the full rewards rate. Every eligible purchase earns the same 2% cash back, whether you’re buying groceries, filling up your gas tank or paying for a family vacation.

This straightforward earning structure is one of the card’s biggest selling points. You know exactly what you’ll earn every time you swipe your card.

 ➤  LEARN MORE:Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card review

How Citi Double Cash® rewards work

The Citi Double Cash(R) Card also earns up to 2% cash back on purchases, but the rewards are split into two parts. Cardholders earn 1% cash back when they make a purchase and another 1% cash back when they pay for that purchase.

In practice, consumers who pay their credit card bills will still earn the full 2% cash back rate. However, the earning structure is slightly more complicated than what you’ll find with the Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card.

Rewards are also earned as Citi ThankYou points, which adds another layer of flexibility. Depending on your goals, you can redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and other options. If you have other eligible Citi cards, you may also be able to combine rewards for enhanced redemption opportunities, including transfers to travel partners.

 ➤  LEARN MORE:Citi Double Cash^® Card review

Intro APR and balance transfer comparison

While rewards are often the main reason people consider cash back credit cards, introductory APR offers can provide significant value as well. Both the Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card and Citi Double Cash(R) Card offer promotional financing, but they do so in different ways.

Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card intro APR offer

The Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card comes with a 0% introductory APR offer that applies to both new purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months (followed by a reg_apr,reg_apr_type). After the promotional period ends, the regular variable APR applies.

This dual-purpose intro offer makes the card appealing for consumers who want flexibility. Whether you’re planning a large purchase, financing an upcoming expense or transferring existing credit card debt, the Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card gives you an opportunity to avoid interest charges during the introductory period.

The fact that the offer applies to both purchases and balance transfers gives Wells Fargo an advantage for consumers who aren’t sure how they’ll use their new card.

Citi Double Cash(R) Card balance transfer offer

The Citi Double Cash(R) Card also includes a 0% introductory APR offer, but it applies to balance transfers only for 18 months (followed by reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR). New purchases do not qualify for the promotional rate, so you’ll want to avoid carrying a balance on new spending if your goal is to save money.

The intro APR offer makes Citi Double Cash® a strong option for consumers who are focused on paying down existing credit card debt instead of earning rewards. By transferring balances from higher-interest cards and making consistent payments during the introductory period, cardholders can potentially save a substantial amount on interest.

Which card is better for paying off debt?

If your primary goal is transferring existing credit card balances and paying them down over time, the Citi Double Cash(R) Card is an excellent option. Its introductory APR offer is designed specifically for balance transfers, allowing you to focus on reducing your debt without interest charges during the promotional period. You’ll also earn rewards on new purchases, although those purchases don’t qualify for the introductory APR offer.

However, the Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card is the better choice for consumers who want more flexibility. Since its introductory APR offer applies to both purchases and balance transfers, you can consolidate existing debt while also financing new purchases if needed. That can be especially helpful if you’re facing a major expense and want to avoid interest while you pay it off.

Redemption options and flexibility

While both cards earn rewards that can ultimately be redeemed for cash back, the redemption experience is more flexible than many consumers realize. In fact, both cards can become much more valuable when paired with other rewards cards in their respective ecosystems.

Wells Fargo rewards redemption options

Cardholders with the Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card can use their rewards for statement credits, direct deposits into eligible bank accounts, gift cards and PayPal purchases.

For consumers who simply want cash back, these redemption options are easy to use and require very little effort. You can redeem rewards as a statement credit to offset purchases or deposit rewards directly into an eligible account.

The Wells Fargo rewards ecosystem becomes even more interesting when you pair the card with the Wells Fargo Autograph(R) Card or the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey(SM) Card. With an eligible companion card, you can use rewards for travel bookings or transfer points to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs. This gives frequent travelers an opportunity to potentially get more value from their rewards than they would through simple cash back redemptions.

Citi Double Cash^® rewards redemption options

Citi Double Cash® customers can redeem points for cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit or check by mail. For example, 10,000 ThankYou® Points can be redeemed for $100 in cash back through any of those options.

Rewards can also be redeemed for gift cards, travel purchases, Shop with Points at Amazon and other redemption opportunities. Keep in mind that redemption values can vary depending on how points are used.

One advantage of the Citi Double Cash(R) Card is that there are no minimum redemption requirements for statement credits or direct deposits, making it easy to access your rewards whenever you want.

The card becomes even more valuable when paired with an eligible Citi travel rewards card such as the Citi Strata Premier(R) Card. By combining rewards accounts, cardholders can unlock the ability to transfer points to Citi’s airline and hotel partners, potentially increasing the value of their rewards for travel.

Which card offers better redemption flexibility?

For consumers who want simple cash back, both cards offer plenty of flexibility. Each lets you redeem rewards for statement credits, bank deposits and other common redemption options.

However, the Citi Double Cash(R) Card has a slight edge when it comes to overall flexibility. Since rewards are earned as Citi ThankYou® Points, they can be combined with rewards from eligible Citi travel cards and transferred to airline and hotel partners. Citi’s transfer partner network is also much more established than Wells Fargo’s, which may appeal to frequent travelers looking to maximize value.

That said, the Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card has closed the gap considerably in recent years. Consumers who pair it with the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card or Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card can also access travel redemptions and transfer partners.

For cash back enthusiasts, the difference may not matter much. But for travelers who enjoy earning flexible points that can be transferred to loyalty programs, the Citi Double Cash® Card comes out slightly ahead.

Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card vs. Citi Double Cash(R) Card for different types of users

When it comes to comparing the Citi Double Cash vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash, the best card depends on your spending habits and goals.

Best cash back card for everyday spending

The Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card is slightly better for everyday spending because it keeps rewards simple and immediate. You earn a flat 2% cash back on every purchase without needing to track how rewards are split or when they post.

Best for balance transfers

The Citi Double Cash(R) Card is a strong choice for balance transfers thanks to its dedicated 0% intro APR offer for transferred debt (for 18 months, before regular reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR applies). It works well if your main goal is paying down existing debt while avoiding interest charges.

Best for travel rewards

The Citi Double Cash(R) Card has the edge for travel rewards users when paired with an eligible Citi travel card. It allows you to transfer ThankYou® Points to airline and hotel partners, which can increase the value of your rewards for travel. Plus, it also earns 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal.

Best for simplicity

The Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card wins for simplicity because every purchase earns a straightforward 2% cash back. There is no split earning structure or extra step required to receive your full rewards rate.

Best for credit card beginners

The Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card is often the better pick for beginners since it is easy to understand and use right away. The flat-rate rewards structure makes it simple to know exactly what you are earning on every purchase without any learning curve.

Who should get the Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card?

The Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card is a great fit if you want a straightforward, low-maintenance cash back card with strong everyday value. Consider signing up if you:

• Want easy flat-rate cash back with no categories to track
• Prefer wide Visa acceptance for everyday and travel spending
• Want added perks like cellphone protection when you pay your bill with the card
• Need an intro APR offer on both purchases and balance transfers for extra flexibility

Who should get the Citi Double Cash(R) Card?

The Citi Double Cash(R) Card works best for people who want flexibility within a larger rewards ecosystem or who are focused on paying down debt. Consider getting this card if you:

• Already use other Citi ThankYou® Points credit cards and want to combine rewards
• Need a longer balance transfer intro APR period to manage existing debt
• Prefer Mastercard products over Visa

Final verdict: Which card is better?

The Wells Fargo Active Cash (R) Card is the better choice for most casual cash back users. It is simple, easy to manage and delivers a true flat 2% cash back on every purchase with no extra steps. Add in the intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers plus helpful perks like cellphone protection and it becomes a very well-rounded everyday card.

The Citi Double Cash(R) Card is the better pick for users who are already invested in the Citi ThankYou® Rewards ecosystem or want more travel flexibility. While it requires a slightly more involved earning structure, it opens the door to point transfers and enhanced travel redemptions when paired with eligible Citi cards.

For most people who just want reliable, no-fuss cash back, Wells Fargo has the edge. But for those who value flexibility and long-term rewards strategy, Citi can be the more powerful option over time.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wells Fargo Active Cash better than Citi Double Cash?

For most casual users, yes, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is slightly better because it is simpler and easier to use while still earning 2% cash back on everything.

Which card is better for balance transfers?

The Citi Double Cash® Card is better for balance transfers because it offers a longer introductory APR period (18 months, before regular reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR applies), giving you more time to pay down debt without interest.

Does Citi Double Cash really earn 2% cash back?

Yes, the Citi Double Cash® Card effectively earns 2% cash back when you pay for your purchases, split as 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay.

Is Wells Fargo Active Cash good for Costco?

Yes, it is a solid option for Costco since it earns a flat 2% cash back on warehouse purchases with no category restrictions. Meanwhile, the Citi Double Cash® Card won’t work for credit card payments at Costco warehouses since they only accept Visa (though it can be used on Costco.com).

Which card is better for travel rewards?

Citi Double Cash® is better for travel rewards if paired with an eligible Citi travel card because it allows point transfers to a broad range of airline and hotel partners.

Can you have both cards?

Yes, you can have both cards since they are from different issuers and many people use them together to maximize both simplicity and flexibility.