American Express Gold Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
On the criteria below, American Express Gold Card wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
American Express Gold Card
Amex
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Wells Fargo
American Express Gold Card wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
American Express 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 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 Gold Card
American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is $325 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card earns more on its best category (5× vs 0×).
- Foreign transactions American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- $200
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$200
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- —
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
- —
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- 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.