Chase
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Credit cards
$550/yrAnnual fee
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Credit cards
$0/yrAnnual fee
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Tied overall. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card charges less a year.
- The 4 rankable overall specs split 2 to 2.
- Saves $550 a year in fees.
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
The trade-off to know
Check first: the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card has foreign transaction fee. the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card has no airport lounge access.
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Wells Fargo Active Cash Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual feeFees & Rates | $550 | $0 |
| Regular APRFees & Rates | 21.49% – 28.49% Variable APR | 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR |
| Foreign transaction feeFees & Rates | None (0%) | 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars |
| Rewards rateRewards & Perks | 10X hotels/cars & 5X flights via Chase Travel, 3X general travel & dining, 1X other | Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases |
| Sign-up bonusRewards & Perks | 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after $4,000 spend in first 3 months | $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months |
Showing 5 of 10 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Reasons to choose it
- $300 automatic annual travel statement credit offsets base annual fee
- Complimentary Priority Pass Select lounge access and Sapphire Lounge entry
- 50% bonus point value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel (1.5¢ each)
Worth considering
- $550 annual fee plus $75 per authorized user
- Requires Excellent credit (720+) to qualify
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Reasons to choose it
- Unlimited 2% flat cash rewards on all purchases with no categories to track
- Up to $600 cellular telephone protection against damage or theft (subject to $25 deductible)
- 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months
Worth considering
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Lacks bonus multiplier categories for high spenders in dining or travel
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
What three years could cost
Chase Sapphire Reserve
3-Year Estimated Total$1,650
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
3-Year Estimated Total$0
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
Chase: What to watch for
- Hidden Cost
Priority Pass lounge crowding and long waitlists during peak hours.
Wells Fargo: What to watch for
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which card has the lower annual fee, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card charges $550 a year less.
What is the biggest catch with the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
Chase Sapphire Reserve has this deal-breaker: annual fee. You pay before a single reward is earned.
Which is better for travel, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card?
For travel, buy the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Leads 2 of 3 rankable travel specs; Wells Fargo Active Cash Card takes 1. Foreign transaction fee: None vs 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 10 specs tracked here, 6 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.