For me, when it comes to credit cards, simpler is better.

Some people love turning their luxury travel cards into glorified coupon books — but not me. I just want straightforward rewards on the things I buy.

If you’re like me, there’s one card you definitely need to look into: the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (rates and fees). Here’s why we think it’s the best flat-rate cash rewards card out there now.

2% cash rewards on purchases — no ifs, ands, or buts

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is my default payment method on Apple Pay. It’s also the first card I reach for when I’m buying something in-person.

That’s because it earns a straightforward 2% cash rewards on purchases — no ifs, ands, or buts. No bonus categories to remember or earning caps to worry about. Just one of the best flat rates you can find.

There are a few notable cards with similar earning rates. The Citi Double Cash® Card, for example, also earns 2% cash back.

There are some key differences, though. The Citi Double Cash® Card technically earns 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases, which means you won’t earn rewards quite as quickly. Other flat-rate 2% cards come with annual fees.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, meanwhile, is as simple as it gets — $0 annual fee, plus 2% cash rewards on purchases, regardless of when you pay off your balance. You’ll also unlock an easy-to-earn welcome bonus — $200 cash rewards when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Pair with another cash back card to really start earning

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a mainstay in my wallet, but it’s not the only cash back card I rely on.

I also use (and love) the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees), which earns:

  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
  • 3% cash back on drugstores, restaurants, takeout, and eligible food delivery
  • 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Why the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you ask? Because I spend a lot — too much, really — at restaurants. It’s easily one of my biggest spending categories.

With this card, though, I get 3% back every time I eat out. Then, I use my Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card for pretty much the rest of my purchases — gas, groceries, online shopping, and more.

With this simple two-card system, I earn 2%-3% cash rewards on purchases I buy for no annual fee.

Plus, right now, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is offering a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Another solid combo: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card + Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Want a different Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card sidekick? Consider the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card. You’ll earn:

  • 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice (3% back after that);
  • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases
  • Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases

With this card, you can get 6% cash back in your first year in one of the following categories:

  • Dining
  • Travel
  • Online shopping, streaming, cable, internet, and phone plans
  • Gas and EV charging stations
  • Drugstores and pharmacies
  • Home improvement and furnishings

Keep in mind that there is a spending cap: The 6% and 2% rates apply to up to $2,500 in purchases each quarter in combined choice category, grocery stores, and wholesale clubs. After that, you’ll earn 1%.

No worries once you hit the cap, though — just switch to the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card to get 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Want to see what else you can pair with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card? See our full list of the best cash back cards available now.

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