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Side-by-side

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes from Chase at $95/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 Chase Sapphire Preferred is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,300 more in estimated value) than the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card's. Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred first; revisit the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Sapphire PreferredWells Fargo Active Cash Card
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus75,000 points$200 cash rewards
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$5,000 in 3 mo-
IssuerChaseWells Fargo
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Travel)5x1x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 5x on travel booked via Chase
  • 3x on dining & streaming
  • $50 annual hotel credit
  • Transfer to 13 partners (Hyatt 1:1)
    Read the full review
    Chase Sapphire Preferred
    $95/yr · 75,000 points
    Read the full review
    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
    $0/yr · $200 cash rewards

    Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Preferred

    The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game. Note: the 10% anniversary points bonus sunsets October 1, 2026.

    Editorial take: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
    The Chase Sapphire Preferred has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,500, versus $200 cash rewards (~$200) on the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
    Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
    At $95/yr, the Chase Sapphire Preferred 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 Chase Sapphire Preferred and Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase 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 Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 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.