Chase Sapphire Preferred is Claire's recommendation for most people reading this comparison. Score: 8.7/10. Best first rewards card. 3x dining + $95 fee = correct math for most people.
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: Chase Sapphire Preferred or Wells Fargo Active Cash?
Chase Sapphire Preferred (8.7/10) wins for most people. Best first rewards card. 3x dining + $95 fee = correct math for most people. Wells Fargo Active Cash is the right choice if: 2% flat rate with a welcome bonus.
What is Claire's score for Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Claire rates Chase Sapphire Preferred 8.7/10. Verdict: Best first rewards card. 3x dining + $95 fee = correct math for most people.
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 Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Entry-level premium travel card for $300+/month dining.
Who should choose Wells Fargo Active Cash?
2% flat rate with a welcome bonus.
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Head to head, by the numbers
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Wells Fargo Active Cash
Claire's score
8.7/10
7.9/10
Price
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—
Top strength
3x points on dining
Flat 2% on everything, no categories
Biggest drawback
$95 annual fee
Slightly behind Citi Double Cash in long-term simplicity
The case for Chase Sapphire Preferred
3x points on dining
2x on all travel
1x on everything else
60,000 point welcome bonus (worth $750+)
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
Chase Sapphire Preferred takes this one on the numbers (8.7/10 vs 7.9/10). The best entry-level premium travel card. The math works for anyone spending over $300/month on dining.
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.