Wells Fargo Active Cash vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Wells Fargo Active Cash wins 4-1. No-fee 2% flat — competitive with Citi Double Cash. Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold is still the right call if delta loyalists — free first checked bag pays for the fee with one round trip..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Wells Fargo Active Cash | Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · $150 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | = 2% (general) | = 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | · 3% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = $200 cashback after $500 in first 3 months | = 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 670 | · 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
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
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold
- 2x miles on Delta + restaurants + US supermarkets
- $200 Delta flight credit annually
- Free first checked bag (worth ~$60 each way)
- Priority Boarding (Zone 5)
- 15% miles discount on award flights
FAQ
›Wells Fargo Active Cash vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold: which is better?
Wells Fargo Active Cash wins on more dimensions (4 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Wells Fargo Active Cash for its best categories, Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Wells Fargo Active Cash: $200 cashback after $500 in first 3 months. Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold: 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months.