Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Wells Fargo Active Cash vs US Bank Altitude Reserve
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Active Cash
VISA
Wins 3 of 10
US
Premium
US Bank
US Bank Altitude Reserve
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 | Wells Fargo Active Cash | US Bank Altitude Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · $400 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (general) | 5% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1.5% |
| Forex markup | · 3% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = $200 cashback after $500 in first 3 months | = 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel) |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 670 | · 720 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
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
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
FAQ
›Wells Fargo Active Cash vs US Bank Altitude Reserve: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Wells Fargo Active Cash wins on 3 criteria, US Bank Altitude Reserve on 3.
›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, US Bank Altitude Reserve 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. US Bank Altitude Reserve: 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel).