Having a card in your wallet that earns unlimited cash-back on every purchase can take the thought out of which card to use for your next daily purchase. If that card has no annual fee, it can be an even better scenario.Today we’re focusing on 2 possible options for an everyday credit card, both of which offer flat-rate elevated earnings on every purchase you make.These options include the popular Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card. You’ll find that the cards differ beyond how rewards are earned, including available bonus spending categories, options you’ll have at redemption time, and the types of additional benefits provided.In today’s article, we’ll help you quickly sort through the differences until one card makes more sense for your situation than the other.Stay with us as we compare these 2 everyday no-annual-fee cards.Table of ContentsFreedom Unlimited Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card — OverviewThe Value of a Welcome Bonus OfferEarning PotentialRedemption OptionsTravel Protections and BenefitsShopping Protections and BenefitsFreedom Unlimited CardWells Fargo Active Cash CardAnnual Fees and Authorized UsersEverything Else You Need To KnowIntroductory 0% APR on Purchases and Balance TransfersQualificationForeign Transaction FeesFinal ThoughtsFreedom Unlimited Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card — OverviewWe’ll expand on all the details of the Freedom Unlimited card and Wells Fargo Active Cash card next.First, here’s a helpful overview of how the cards compare in all the key categories that add cardholder value.Feature or BenefitChase Freedom Unlimited®Wells Fargo Active Cash® CardWelcome OfferINTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 monthsEarning Potential5% cash-back on travel via the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal5% cash-back on Lyft rides through March 20253% cash-back on dining and drugstore purchases1.5% cash-back on all other purchases2% cash-back on all purchasesRedemption OptionsRedeem for travel via the Ultimate Rewards travel portalTransfer points to premium Chase cards* for additional redemption optionsCash-back, statement creditsGift cards, merchandise, shopping at select retailersChase Dining and ExperiencesCash, a statement creditCredit to a Wells Fargo credit card, checking account, mortgageAccess via Wells Fargo ATMGift cardsCheckout with PayPalTravel Protections and BenefitsSecondary auto rental collision damage waiverRoadside dispatchTravel and emergency assistance servicesTrip cancellation/trip interruption insuranceSecondary auto rental collision damage waiverRoadside dispatchTravel and emergency assistance servicesVisa ConciergeVisa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection benefitsShopping Protections and BenefitsPurchase protectionExtended warrantyChase OffersShop through ChaseDoorDash, Instacart+, and Gopuff benefitsAnnual Fees and Authorized Users$0 annual feeNo fee to add authorized users$0 annual feeNo fee to add authorized usersAdditional Benefits0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% – 28.49%0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APR* Premium Chase cards include those with an annual fee, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Ink Business Preferred® Credit CardThe Value of a Welcome Bonus OfferWhen you’re approved for either the Freedom Unlimited card or the Wells Fargo Active Cash card, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a welcome offer of additional cash-back during an initial specified period.Welcome bonus offers, vary but you can expect a common welcome offer on either card to be worth $200 to $300. Always check for the most current offer before applying for either card:Bottom Line: Both the Freedom Unlimited card and Wells Fargo Active Cash card come with a welcome offer that can be earned through spending on the card, starting immediately after card approval. Earning PotentialEarning rewards on everyday spending can add up quickly. Image Credit: Rawpixel.com via ShutterstockBoth the Freedom Unlimited card and Wells Fargo Active Cash card earn unlimited cash-back. While the Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns cash-back directly, the Freedom Unlimited card earns rewards first as points that can subsequently be redeemed for cash-back. This is a subtle, but important, difference that can affect the value you receive at redemption time.We’ll talk about redemption options next, but here’s how each of our featured cards earns rewards on every purchase:Earning CategoryFreedom Unlimited CardWells Fargo Active Cash CardTravel5% cash-back on travel purchases via the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal5% cash-back on Lyft rides through March 20252% cash-back on all other travel2% cash-back on all travel purchasesDining, Including Carry-out/Delivery and Drugstores3% cash-back2% cash-backAll Other Purchases1.5% cash-back2% cash-backThe mix of your spending will ultimately determine the amount of cash-back you’ll earn. For example, if your overall spending consists mostly of travel purchased via the Chase travel portal, on dining, and at drugstores, you could earn more with the Freedom Unlimited card.Another key consideration is that if the majority of your spending is in non-bonus categories — think warehouse stores, gas stations, tuition, home repairs, etc. — you could earn more with the Wells Fargo Active Cash card with its 2% flat-rate cash-back earnings.Bottom Line: The Freedom Unlimited card best rewards travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal, for dining, and at drugstores. The card earns a flat 1.5% cash-back rate on all other purchases while the Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash-back on every purchase, regardless of category. The best card for earnings will depend on your actual spending mix.Redemption OptionsWhether cash-back or travel, your choices at redemption time can help fund a family vacation. Image Credit: irinamurza via UnsplashEarning rewards is an important element of a card’s value equation. The value you receive at redemption time will ultimately determine the overall value you’ll receive.The Freedom Unlimited card earns flexible points that can be redeemed for cash-back but can also be redeemed for travel. And, for greater potential value, the points can be transferred to premium Chase credit cards.Conversely, the Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns cash-back directly that is worth face value — 1 cent in cash-back is worth 1 cent — with no real option for elevated redemption value.Here are your options at redemption time with both cards.Redemption OptionFreedom Unlimited CardWells Fargo Active Cash CardTravelRedeem cash-back as a statement credit for travel purchased with the cardRedeem cash-back for travel via the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portalTransfer cash-back to premium Chase cards to redeem for travel via the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal for up to 50% more in valueTransfer cash-back to premium Chase cards to then transfer to airline and hotel partners for greater potential valueRedeem cash-back as a statement credit for travel purchased with the cardAdditional Redemption OptionsCash, a statement credit, transfer to bank account, check, gift cards, shopping with select online retailers, charitable donationsStatement credit; cash via Wells Fargo ATM; credit to Wells Fargo checking account, credit card, or mortgage; gift cards; checkout with PayPalThe Freedom Unlimited card offers the additional redemption options of using rewards to purchase travel via the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal. Additionally, you can transfer those points to premium Chase credit cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Once the points are transferred, they can be redeemed for up to 50% more value for travel via the Ultimate Rewards travel portal or transferred to airline and hotel partners for greater potential value.We estimate the value of Ultimate Rewards points at approximately 2 cents each while the cash-back earned on the Wells Fargo Active Cash card has a flat rate face value of just 1 cent with no potential upside.If redeeming rewards for travel is important to you, the Freedom Unlimited card could have the edge at redemption time. Additionally, with a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, you’ll be able to maximize redemption values even more.Bottom Line: The Freedom Unlimited card has the edge at redemption time over the Wells Fargo Active Cash card with the ability to purchase travel via the Ultimate Rewards travel portal, transfer to premium Chase cards for up to 50% more in value when redeemed for travel, and the additional option of then transferring to airline and hotel partners for even greater potential value. Travel Protections and BenefitsEnjoy peace of mind during a road trip with roadside dispatch. Image Credit: Free-Photos via PixabayBoth the Freedom Unlimited card and Wells Fargo Active Cash Card can be issued as Visa Signature cards, resulting in similar travel insurance protections and benefits. Since the card issuer ultimately determines which benefits are offered on any specific card, there are differences.Here are the protections and benefits you’ll find on both cards.Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver — Reserve and pay for your car rental with your card, decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive secondary coverage for damage and theft in the U.S. and primary coverage when renting internationally. Secondary coverage means that you must first file a claim with any other insurance that applies before card coverage kicks in. Terms and limitations apply.Roadside Dispatch — Make just 1 toll-free call if you’re stranded roadside and receive services such as limited towing, standard winching, tire changing of an inflated spare, emergency fuel, jumpstart, or lockout services. Pay just 1 pre-negotiated fee for a service call. Any services above those included will be charged to the card.Travel and Emergency Assistance Services — Receive assistance 24/7 for arranging emergency transportation, legal/medical referrals, ticket replacement, translation services, and more. Cardholders are responsible for actual services received.And here are a few more perks if your card’s network falls under Visa Signature:Visa Signature Concierge — Access your concierge 24/7 for help with restaurant reservations, event tickets, shopping assistance, and more. Cardholders are responsible for actual goods, services, and bookings received.Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection Benefits — Book your stay via the Luxury Hotel Collection website with your card and receive benefits such as VIP treatment, an upgraded room on arrival (when available), complimentary daily breakfast for 2, late checkout when available, complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, best rate guarantee, and a $25 food/beverage credit.The Freedom Unlimited card comes with the following additional travel insurance protection:Freedom Unlimited CardTrip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance — You could receive up to $1,500 per covered person and up to $6,000 per trip if your trip has to be canceled or is disrupted for a covered reason.To learn more about the travel insurance coverage that comes with the Freedom Unlimited card, we’ve gone into all the details in this article on the topic.Bottom Line: Since both the Freedom Unlimited card and Wells Fargo Active Cash card can be issued as Visa Signature cards, the cards come with similar travel insurance protections and benefits. You’ll find common protections and benefits such as car rental insurance, and roadside dispatch. In addition, the Freedom Unlimited card comes with trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance. Shopping Protections and BenefitsShopping protections can provide added coverage for eligible items purchased with your card. Benefits can save you money or provide added convenience.Each of our featured cards comes with these shopping protections and benefits specific to each card.Freedom Unlimited CardPurchase Protection — Eligible items purchased with your card can receive coverage for damage or theft, up to 120 days from the date of purchase, up to $500 per claim, and up to $50,000 per account.Extended Warranty — Purchase an eligible item with your card and receive 1 additional warranty year for items with manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less.Chase Offers — Login to your online Freedom Unlimited card account and select from retail and service provider offers that earn statement credits for purchases.Shop through Chase — Earn more rewards via the Chase shopping portal. Access the portal via your Chase online account and select from dozens of offers.DoorDash DashPass — Enroll by December 31, 2024, and receive a 3-month complimentary membership plus 9 months at a 50% discount. Benefits include free delivery, lower service fees, and discount offers.Instacart+ — Instacart+ delivery can add convenience to your life. You’ll want to activate this offer before July 31, 2024, and receive a 3-month membership plus $10 in credit each quarter.Gopuff Benefits — Receive a $10 monthly Gopuff credit through December 31, 2023.Wells Fargo Active Cash CardCell Phone Protection — Pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card and receive up to $600 if your phone is damaged or stolen. There is a maximum of 2 paid claims each 12-month period, and there is a $25 deductible for each claim.Bottom Line: The card with the better shopping protections and benefits for you will depend on if you value cell phone protection (Wells Fargo Active Cash card) or the shopping protections/benefits on the Freedom Unlimited card. The card comes with shopping protections and benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and Chase Offers, plus DoorDash and Instacart+ perks. Annual Fees and Authorized UsersThe Freedom Unlimited card has a $0 annual fee, and so does the Wells Fargo Active Cash card with a $0 annual fee.No-annual-fee cards allow you to keep them indefinitely, which may positively affect your credit score by increasing the average age of your credit.There is also no fee for adding authorized users to either card.Everything Else You Need To KnowIntroductory 0% APR on Purchases and Balance TransfersYou’ll enjoy an interest-free repayment period on new purchases and when you transfer your high-interest credit card balances to either card, up to 15 months from card approval. Here are the details:Freedom Unlimited card: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% – 28.49%Wells Fargo Active Cash card: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APRBalance transfers may be made within the first 60 days after card approval on the Freedom Unlimited card and 120 days on the Wells Fargo Active Cash card:Freedom Unlimited card: Each transfer will incur a 3% or $5 transfer fee, whichever is greater, and 5% or $5, whichever is greater, after the first 60 days.Wells Fargo Active Cash card: Each transfer will incur a 3% or $5 transfer fee, whichever is greater, and up to 5% or $5, whichever is greater, after the first 120 days.On the Wells Fargo Active Cash card, a balance transfer request must be made within 120 days to qualify for the promotional APR.QualificationIt’s recommended to carry a good to excellent credit score to qualify for either the Freedom Unlimited card or the Wells Fargo Active Cash card. A good credit score is generally considered 670 to 749, a very good score of 750+, and an excellent score is generally considered 800 and above.You should also consider any bank issuer rules such as Chase’s 5/24 rule and additional bank requirements before applying for any credit card.Foreign Transaction FeesForeign transaction fees can cost you money during your travels. Both the Freedom Unlimited card and Wells Fargo Active Cash card charge foreign transaction fees of 3% of the total purchase. You’ll want to use these cards primarily for domestic purchases.Final ThoughtsThe Freedom Unlimited card surfaces as the better card for most consumers over the Wells Fargo Active Cash card. This is based mostly on its flexible rewards earning and travel redemption options.The Wells Fargo Active Cash card, with cell phone protection, may have an appeal if you do not have another card that offers this coverage. And, if your spending is focused on categories that are non-bonus earning and travel redemptions are not important to you, a case could be made for the card. The card does earn a respectable 2% cash-back on every purchase.If you have, or plan to have, a Chase premium card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the Freedom Unlimited card should be a strong consideration.You might also want to check out the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex℠ for comparison. Here’s our article comparing Freedom Flex card and the Freedom Unlimited card.The information regarding the Chase Freedom Unlimited® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.The information regarding the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.