Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Wells Fargo Active Cash
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Premium
Chase
Chase Sapphire Reserve
VISA
Wins 3 of 10
US
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Active Cash
VISA
Wins 3 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Wells Fargo Active Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $550 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 10% (travel) | · 2% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months | = $200 cashback after $500 in first 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 740 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | 4.7/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- 10x on hotels and rental cars booked via Chase Travel
- 5x on flights booked via Chase Travel
- 3x on all other dining + travel
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select + Chase Sapphire Lounge access
- 50% bonus when redeeming for travel via Chase portal
Wells Fargo Active Cash
- 2% unlimited cashback on every purchase
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 12 months
- Cell phone protection (up to $600/claim)
- Visa Signature concierge
FAQ
›Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Wells Fargo Active Cash: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on 3 criteria, Wells Fargo Active Cash on 3.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Chase Sapphire Reserve for its best categories, Wells Fargo Active Cash for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Chase Sapphire Reserve: 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months. Wells Fargo Active Cash: $200 cashback after $500 in first 3 months.