Head to head

American Express Business Gold Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

On the criteria below, American Express Business Gold Card wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

American Express Business Gold Card

Amex

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Wells Fargo

At a glance

American Express Business Gold Card wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

American Express Business Gold Card wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, and foreign transactions; Wells Fargo Active Cash Card wins on annual fee.

Pick the American Express Business Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

3 vs 1
  • First-year math American Express Business Gold Card

    American Express Business Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is $375 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling American Express Business Gold Card

    American Express Business Gold Card earns more on its best category (4× vs 0×).

  • Foreign transactions American Express Business Gold Card

    American Express Business Gold Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$375
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
$3,200
$200
First-year net
+$2,825
+$200
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Advertising, Electronics, Dining
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
Yes
Elite status
No
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
3.00%
Reward currency
American Express Membership Rewards
Cashback

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.