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When it comes to choosing the right cash back credit card, there are countless options available in the market. Two popular choices are the Capital One Quicksilver and Wells Fargo Active Cash cards. In this article, we will compare these two cash back credit cards based on their features, rewards, and overall value.
Welcome Offers
Currently, both the CapitalOne Quick Silver and Wells Fargo Active Cash credit cards have equal welcome offers with a one-time $200 cash cash back bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
Comparing Features
| Capital One Quick Silver | Wells Fargo Active Cash |
|---|---|
| Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases . | 2% unlimited cash back on purchases with no categories or quarterly activations. |
| No annual fee. | No annual fee |
| Rewards will not expire as long as the account remains active. | Cash rewards will not expire as long as the account remains open/active. |
| $0 Fraud liability and the ability to receive text, email of phone calls from Capital One if they notice any suspicious transactions. | Zero liability for fraudulent charges. |
| 0% intro APR for the first 15 months. | 0% intro APR for the first 15 months. |
| Extended warranty protection: This feature doubles the original manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases at no additional cost. | Cell phone protection: This feature covers the card holder up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Note: cardholders are subject to a $25 deductible. |
| Receive up to 6 months of complimentary Uber one membership through 11/14/2024. |
Travel Features QuickSilver
In addition to the various features listed above, the CapitalOne QuickSilver credit card also offers some travel features that are worth noting. These travel features include:
- 5% cash back on rental cars and hotels booked through Capital One travel.
- 50% off handcrafted beverages at any Capital One Cafe nationwide.
- Travel Accident Insurance: This feature covers cardholder spouse and/or children in the event of death or serious injury that prevents the individual from flying. Note, the travel fare must be purchased with an eligible Capital One Quicksilver credit card.
- Decline the rental car insurance coverage and charge the entire cost of the rental to your Capital One Quicksilver card and be covered up to the market value of the rental for damages that occurred through collision or theft. Note, this coverage is secondary to your personal car insurance.
Travel Features Wells Fargo Active Cash
While the Wells Fargo Active Cash credit card may not be a top choice for frequent travelers, this credit card does offer some limited travel features that can still come in handy for those who enjoy traveling occasionally. Travel features include:
- Visa Signature concierge Service: This service provides personalized assistance with travel planning and reservations, as well as recommendations for dining, entertainment.
- Luxury Hotel Collection: Cardholders have the ability to search for hotels associated with the Visa Signature Collection. Active Cash card holder will also enjoy benefits like guaranteed best available rates, automatic room upgrades, free WiFi, $25 food & beverage credit, complimentary breakfast for two, VIP guest status and late checkout option.
Redemption Options
| CapitalOne QuickSilver | Wells Fargo Active Cash |
|---|---|
| Statement Credit: QuickSilver cardholders can choose to have their cash back applied as a statement credit. | Statement Credit: Wells Fargo cardholders can redeem their earned cash back rewards in the form of a statement credit to their account. |
| Gift cards: Capital One also offers gift cards as a redemption option for their cash back rewards. | Gift cards: Cardholders to redeem their rewards points for gift cards at various retailers. A minimum of $25 in rewards is needed per gift card. |
| Check: Request Capital One to send you a check. There is no minimum amount for requesting cash back. | Redeem at ATM: To redeem for cash at an ATM, you’ll need to use a Wells Fargo ATM or debit card – if you have one. You can choose to withdraw in $20 increments. |
| Amazon Purchases: Ability to pay for Amazon purchases with your Capital One rewards. $1 rewards cash equals $1 to redeem at Amazon check out. Be sure to link your rewards account with Amazon to utilize this feature. | Redeem to Account: This option allows card holders to redeem cash back rewards as a credit to a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account or mortgage. |
| Paypal: Wells Fargo offers the ability to link to your PayPal account, you can use your cash back rewards for purchases at millions of online stores that accept PayPal as a form of payment. |
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the features and benefits of both the Capital One QuickSilver and Wells Fargo Active Cash credit cards, it is clear that both options have their strengths. While the QuickSilver card offers a 5% cash back rate on hotels and car rentals, the Wells Fargo Active cash back card boasts an additional .5% earnings on all purchases. For cardholders who travel few times per year and value a cash back options rather than rewards points, the QuickSilver card may be the better choice. However, for those who do not travel much at all, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Back card’s 2% earnings on all purchases may prove to be more beneficial in the long run. It’s no surprise that both cash back cards have limited travel features but if you’re someone who travels frequently, the Citi Premier or a Capital One Venture credit cards may be a better fit rather than a cash back focused option.
Editorial Note: Information and opinions articulated in this article are solely those of the author’s, not those of a credit card company, bank, airline or hotel chain. This article has not been reviewed or approved by or otherwise endorsed by any of these companies or organizations.
