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United Explorer Card vs Wells Fargo Active Cash
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | United Explorer CardChase | Wells Fargo Active CashWells Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $0 |
| APR | 19.49% - 27.99% | 18.49% - 28.49% |
| Signup Bonus | 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months | $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 2X on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, 1X on everything else | 2% cash rewards on all purchases |
| Credit Score | good | good |
| Pros | Free first checked bag saves $70+ per round trip for 2 travelers Two United Club one-time passes per year 25% back on United in-flight purchases | Flat 2% cash rewards on all purchases with no categories to track $0 annual fee with a $200 welcome bonus 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers |
| Cons | $95 annual fee 2X earning rate is low compared to general travel cards Best value only if you fly United regularly | 3% foreign transaction fee Requires a Wells Fargo relationship for best experience No bonus categories beyond the flat 2% |
| View Details → | View Details → |
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Verdict
Our Pick: Wells Fargo Active Cash
With a 4.5/5 rating, the Wells Fargo Active Cash edges out the United Explorer Card (4.3/5). No annual fee makes it easy to justify. The Wells Fargo Active Cash is one of the strongest no-fee 2% cash back cards available. With a solid signup bonus and intro APR offer, it competes head-to-head with the Citi Double Cash while adding balance transfer flexibility.