Home / Compare / Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Wells Fargo Active Cash

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Wells Fargo Active Cash

Claire's comparison · last verified June 2026
Claire's quick verdict

Chase Sapphire Preferred (8.7/10) wins for most people. Wells Fargo Active Cash wins for a specific profile.

Winner
Chase Sapphire Preferred
8.7/10
Fee: $95
3x dining, 2x travel
Full review →
Runner-up
Wells Fargo Active Cash
7.9/10
Fee: $0
2% flat
Full review →
Who should choose Chase Sapphire Preferred

Entry-level premium travel card for $300+/month dining. Best first rewards card. 3x dining + $95 fee = correct math for most people.

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Who should choose Wells Fargo Active Cash

2% flat rate with a welcome bonus. Closest Citi Double Cash competitor. $200 bonus + cell phone protection.

Apply now →

Head to head, by the numbers

Chase Sapphire Preferred Wells Fargo Active Cash
Claire's score8.7/107.9/10
Price
Top strength3x points on diningFlat 2% on everything, no categories
Biggest drawback$95 annual feeSlightly 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 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.

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