Wells Fargo Active Cash vs Chase United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Wells Fargo Active Cash wins 4-1. No-fee 2% flat — competitive with Citi Double Cash. Chase United Explorer is still the right call if united loyalists — free checked bag + lounge passes..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Wells Fargo Active Cash | Chase United Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · $95 |
| 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 | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 670 | · 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4.2/5 |
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
Chase United Explorer
- 2x miles on United + dining + hotel stays
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag (saves ~$70/round trip)
- 2 United Club one-time passes annually
- Priority Boarding
FAQ
›Wells Fargo Active Cash vs Chase United Explorer: 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, Chase United Explorer 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. Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months.