IHG One Rewards Traveler vs Wells Fargo Active Cash: Which Is Better In 2025?

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a quick look at why the Wells Fargo Active Cash® card stands out.

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• The card offers a simple, flat-rate unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, which is higher than the standard 1.5% on many competing cards.
• It comes with no annual fee and includes cell phone protection, though it does charge foreign transaction fees.
• For every $10,000 you spend, you'll earn $50 more in rewards than you would with a standard 1.5% cash back card (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Simple, flat-rate cash back rewards on all purchases with no categories to track or activate.
• Includes cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly bill with the card.
• Attractive introductory offers for new cardmembers, including a potential welcome bonus and an intro APR period.

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Cons

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• It charges foreign transaction fees, making it a poor choice for spending abroad.
• Redemption options are limited, as cash rewards can only be used for statement credits or deposited into a Wells Fargo account.
• Applicants need a good to excellent credit score to qualify.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® vs IHG One Rewards Traveler

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, the IHG One Rewards Traveler or Wells Fargo Active Cash®, comes down to your personal spending habits and what you value most in a credit card.

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• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: This card is best for occasional IHG hotel guests and budget-conscious travelers who want to earn hotel rewards and receive basic travel protections without an annual fee.
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: This card is ideal for individuals or small business owners who prefer a simple, flat-rate cash back rewards structure for all purchases without needing to track spending categories.

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Redemption

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IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Points earned with this card are redeemed for stays across IHG's portfolio of hotels and resorts. You can also use your points for other travel-related options available through the IHG One Rewards program.

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Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: This card provides simple cash rewards that you can redeem for a statement credit to offset purchases or have deposited into an eligible account. There are no complicated categories or portals to navigate for redemption.

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Travel Perks

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• Travel Portal: The IHG One Rewards Traveler card operates within the IHG One Rewards ecosystem, where points are redeemed for hotel stays. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® card does not have a dedicated travel portal; instead, you can book travel anywhere and redeem your cash rewards as a simple statement credit.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: A key benefit for travelers is that the IHG One Rewards Traveler card does not charge foreign transaction fees. In contrast, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® card does include a fee for foreign transactions.
• Airport Lounge Access: Neither the IHG One Rewards Traveler card nor the Wells Fargo Active Cash® card offers complimentary airport lounge access as a benefit.
• Travel Protections: The IHG card provides several travel-centric benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, an auto rental collision damage waiver, and a fourth reward night free on stays of four or more nights. The Active Cash card offers protections through the Visa Signature program, which can include an auto rental waiver and travel and emergency assistance services.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make an informed decision, you can use a tool like Kudos, which helps you compare thousands of credit cards to find the best fit for your spending habits.

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• Test drive a credit card: The platform's Test Drive feature lets you simulate potential earnings from different cards using your actual transaction history, providing a personalized rewards projection.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer for a card you got through Kudos within three months, the platform will match it.
• Detailed approval odds: Get a comprehensive analysis of your approval chances based on your credit report.
• $100 Kudos Kickstart+ reward: New members can unlock a $100 reward by adding select approved cards to their Kudos Wallet.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your regular credit card rewards when you shop at participating stores.

Who Should Choose the IHG One Rewards Traveler?

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The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is an excellent choice for occasional IHG guests and newcomers to hotel loyalty programs who want to earn rewards without committing to an annual fee. It particularly suits budget-conscious travelers who can leverage benefits like the fourth reward night free on longer stays. Overall, it's a solid entry point for earning IHG points on everyday spending and hotel stays, offering a taste of elite perks without the cost.

Who Should Choose the Wells Fargo Active Cash®?

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The Wells Fargo Active Cash® is tailor-made for small business owners who prioritize straightforward rewards over complex travel programs, offering a simple, flat-rate cash back on all purchases. It's particularly beneficial for those with good-to-excellent credit who can leverage the 0% intro APR for significant purchases or take advantage of the included cell phone protection. While this card excels for domestic spending, business owners seeking different reward structures might also consider alternatives like the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our IHG One Rewards Traveler vs Wells Fargo Active Cash® comparison has left you undecided, don't worry. There are several other excellent cards on the market that might be a better fit for your spending habits and travel goals.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score: Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan for the welcome offer: Make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement without overspending.
• Understand the rewards program: Know how you will redeem your points or cash back for maximum value.

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Application Strategy

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• Know the issuer's rules: Some issuers have application velocity limits, while others may favor existing banking relationships.
• Choose the right card for you: Select a card that matches your spending habits, like a simple cash-back card for business expenses or a no-annual-fee hotel card for occasional travel.
• Look for elevated offers: Welcome offers can vary, so check for the highest available bonus before submitting your application.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is it better to earn hotel points or cash back?

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The best option depends on your spending habits and travel goals. Cash back offers maximum flexibility, while hotel points can provide outsized value for stays within that hotel's network.

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Do the IHG One Rewards Traveler and Wells Fargo Active Cash cards have annual fees?

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Neither the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card nor the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card charges an annual fee. However, it's always wise to review a card's terms and conditions for the most current information before applying.

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Which card is better for international travel?

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The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is generally the better choice for purchases abroad as it does not charge foreign transaction fees. The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card does include these fees, which can increase the cost of your international spending.

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