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Side-by-side

American Express Business Gold vs Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Business Gold comes from American Express at $375/yr; the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card from Wells Fargo at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the American Express Business Gold is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,600 more in estimated value) than the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card's. Get the American Express Business Gold first; revisit the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Business GoldWells Fargo Active Cash Card
Annual fee$375$0
Sign-up bonus100,000 Membership Rewards points$200 cash rewards
Bonus value (est.)$1,800$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$15,000 in 3 mo-
IssuerAmerican ExpressWells Fargo
Card categorybusinesscashback
Best earning category (Top_two_categories)4x1x
Transfer partnersamex-mrNone
Headline benefits
  • 4x top categories
  • $240 business credit
  • 100k MR bonus
  • Flexible categories
    Read the full review
    American Express Business Gold
    $375/yr · 100,000 Membership Rewards points
    Read the full review
    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
    $0/yr · $200 cash rewards

    Editorial take: American Express Business Gold

    The 4x on your top two categories each month is uniquely flexible, if your business spend varies, this auto-adapts. The credits need active use to offset the fee.

    Editorial take: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Business Gold or Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
    The American Express Business Gold has the bigger bonus, 100,000 Membership Rewards points, worth roughly $1,800, versus $200 cash rewards (~$200) on the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
    Is the American Express Business Gold's $375 annual fee worth it compared to the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
    At $375/yr, the American Express Business Gold is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the American Express Business Gold and Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Wells Fargo) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the American Express Business Gold or the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Business Gold: $15,000 spend in 3 months. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: no published min spend. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.