Discover it Student Cash Back vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Discover it Student Cash Back
Discover
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Wells Fargo
Discover it Student Cash Back and Wells Fargo Active Cash Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Discover it Student Cash Back wins on earning ceiling and foreign transactions; Wells Fargo Active Cash Card wins on first-year math and travel insurance.
Pick the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card if year-one math is your priority.
Who wins what
2 vs 2 (1 tie)- First-year math Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Tie
Same annual fee.
- Earning ceiling Discover it Student Cash Back
Discover it Student Cash Back earns more on its best category (5× vs 0×).
- Travel insurance Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card carries built-in travel insurance.
- Foreign transactions Discover it Student Cash Back
Discover it Student Cash Back has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- Free
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- —
- $200
- First-year net
- +$0
- +$200
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- —
- Top categories
- Rotating Quarterly
- —
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- No
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- 3.00%
- Reward currency
- Discover Cashback
- Cashback
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.