The Apple Card is best for users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem who frequently use Apple Pay and purchase Apple products. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is a solid choice for those seeking a simple, flat-rate cash back card with an introductory APR period and cell phone protection.
| Attribute | Apple Card (Goldman Sachs) | Wells Fargo Active Cash Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | Variable APRs range from 18.24% to 28.49% based on creditworthiness as of July 1, 2025. | Regular APR: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable. 0% introductory APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. |
| Credit Score Required | A FICO Score 9 of 660 or higher is generally recommended. Some sources suggest at least 600 is typically needed. | Good to excellent (FICO 670+ recommended, some sources suggest 700+) |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Rewards Program | 3% Daily Cash back on Apple purchases; 3% Daily Cash back at select merchants when using Apple Pay; 2% Daily Cash back on purchases made using Apple Pay; 1% Daily Cash back on all other purchases. | Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. Rewards don't expire as long as the account remains open. ATM transactions, cash advances, balance transfers, and certain other transactions do not earn cash rewards. |
| Sign-Up Bonus | Historically not consistently offered. Limited-time promotions have occurred, such as earning up to $200 by making over 10 purchases each month (March 2025) or a $100 bonus after spending $500 in the first 60 days (June 2025). | Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars |
| Balance Transfer Fee | The Apple Card does not allow balance transfers. | Introductory: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5. |
| Cash Advance Fee | Not explicitly mentioned, but generally discouraged due to high fees and immediate interest charges. | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater. |
| Purchase Protection | The Apple Card Mastercard does not offer purchase protection benefits. | Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when paying your monthly cell phone bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible, and up to two claims per year). |
| Mobile App Features | Built into the Wallet app on iPhone; users can apply in minutes; provides a clear view of transactions, payments, and balance details; helps users pay less interest by estimating interest costs in real-time. | Mobile wallet provisioning available (e.g., Apple Pay). |
| Integration with Apple Pay (for Apple Card) | Designed to work seamlessly with Apple Pay; users get 2% Daily Cash back on purchases made through Apple Pay; Apple Pay is accepted at a vast majority of merchants in the United States. | Mobile wallet provisioning available. |
| Introductory APR Period | The Apple Card doesn't offer introductory APR periods for balance transfers or purchases. | 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. |