1. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card — Best flat 2% + intro APR

Why it’s great: Unlimited 2% cash back on everything, a common-sense $0 annual fee, and a straightforward welcome bonus (typically a ~$200 bonus after a modest spend).

If you want one card that earns well on all purchases without category juggling, this is a top pick. It also often carries a 0% intro APR on purchases/balance transfers for a limited time, which is useful if you have a big one-time expense.

Who should get it: Buyers who prefer simplicity and want competitive flat-rate returns comparable to many 1.5% cards but at 2%.

Tip: Pair with a category card (groceries or dining) only if your spending in those categories is large—otherwise the Active Cash’s flat 2% beats many backups.