Head to head

United Gateway Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

On the criteria below, United Gateway Card wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

United Gateway Card

Chase

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Wells Fargo

At a glance

United Gateway Card wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

United Gateway Card leads on first-year math, earning ceiling, and foreign transactions, while Wells Fargo Active Cash Card only ties the rest.

Pick the United Gateway Card if year-one math is your priority.

Who wins what

3 vs 0 (1 tie)
  • First-year math United Gateway Card

    United Gateway Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Tie

    Same annual fee.

  • Earning ceiling United Gateway Card

    United Gateway Card earns more on its best category (5× vs 0×).

  • Foreign transactions United Gateway Card

    United Gateway Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.

By the numbers

Annual fee
Free
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
$520
$200
First-year net
+$520
+$200
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Airfare, Travel, Gas
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
Yes
Elite status
No
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
3.00%
Reward currency
United MileagePlus
Cashback

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