Amex Blue Cash Preferred is Claire's recommendation for most people reading this comparison. Score: 8.3/10. Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month.
Wells Fargo Active Cash (7.9/10) is the right choice for a specific situation: 2% flat rate with a welcome bonus. If that describes you, the full review has the complete math.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Amex Blue Cash Preferred or Wells Fargo Active Cash?
Amex Blue Cash Preferred (8.3/10) wins for most people. Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month. Wells Fargo Active Cash is the right choice if: 2% flat rate with a welcome bonus.
What is Claire's score for Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Claire rates Amex Blue Cash Preferred 8.3/10. Verdict: Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month.
What is Claire's score for Wells Fargo Active Cash?
Claire rates Wells Fargo Active Cash 7.9/10. Verdict: Closest Citi Double Cash competitor. $200 bonus + cell phone protection.
Who should choose Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Families spending $250+/month at US supermarkets.
Who should choose Wells Fargo Active Cash?
2% flat rate with a welcome bonus.
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Head to head, by the numbers
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Wells Fargo Active Cash
Claire's score
8.3/10
7.9/10
Price
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Top strength
6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
Flat 2% on everything, no categories
Biggest drawback
$95 annual fee from year two
Slightly behind Citi Double Cash in long-term simplicity
The case for Amex Blue Cash Preferred
6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
6% on select streaming services
3% at US gas stations
$0 first-year annual fee
The case for Wells Fargo Active Cash
Flat 2% on everything, no categories
$200 welcome bonus after $500 spend
Cell phone protection up to $600
No annual fee
Bottom line
Amex Blue Cash Preferred takes this one on the numbers (8.3/10 vs 7.9/10). Best grocery card for families. 6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year is the highest earn rate in the category.
That said, Wells Fargo Active Cash isn't a loser — it's a different answer. The closest 2% competitor to Citi Double Cash, with a $200 welcome bonus and a cell phone protection benefit that actually matters.