Chase Sapphire Reserve is Claire's recommendation for most people reading this comparison. Score: 8.2/10. Better than Preferred at $500+/month travel spend. Lounge access tips the math.
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 Reserve or Wells Fargo Active Cash?
Chase Sapphire Reserve (8.2/10) wins for most people. Better than Preferred at $500+/month travel spend. Lounge access tips the math. Wells Fargo Active Cash is the right choice if: 2% flat rate with a welcome bonus.
What is Claire's score for Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Claire rates Chase Sapphire Reserve 8.2/10. Verdict: Better than Preferred at $500+/month travel spend. Lounge access tips the math.
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 Reserve?
Frequent travelers who use airport lounges.
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 Reserve
Wells Fargo Active Cash
Claire's score
8.2/10
7.9/10
Price
$550.
—
Top strength
$300 travel credit nearly halves the effective fee
Flat 2% on everything, no categories
Biggest drawback
$550 annual fee requires high spend to justify
Slightly behind Citi Double Cash in long-term simplicity
The case for Chase Sapphire Reserve
$300 travel credit nearly halves the effective fee
3x on all travel and dining
Priority Pass lounge access
1.5cpp through Chase travel portal
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 Reserve takes this one on the numbers (8.2/10 vs 7.9/10). The better card if you spend $500+ per month on travel. The $550 fee math only works at high spend.
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.