Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
US Bank Altitude Reserve vs Wells Fargo Active Cash
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Premium
US Bank
US Bank Altitude 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 | US Bank Altitude Reserve | Wells Fargo Active Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $400 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 2% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1.5% | 2% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel) | = $200 cashback after $500 in first 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
US Bank Altitude Reserve
- 5x on prepaid hotels and car rentals via US Bank Travel
- 3x on travel + mobile-wallet purchases
- 1.5x redemption rate when used for travel
- $325 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select (4 free visits/year)
- Up to $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
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
›US Bank Altitude Reserve vs Wells Fargo Active Cash: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. US Bank Altitude 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 US Bank Altitude 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?
US Bank Altitude Reserve: 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel). Wells Fargo Active Cash: $200 cashback after $500 in first 3 months.