U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature: The Ultimate 5% Cash Back Card Review

Looking for a credit card that offers customizable cash-back rewards? The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature might be your best choice.

Introduction

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature is a versatile credit card that allows users to maximize their cash-back rewards through customizable categories. Unlike many other credit cards that offer fixed categories, this card lets you choose where you earn the most rewards. But is it the right card for you? Let’s dive into a detailed review to help you decide.

What is the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature?

A Quick Overview

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card is a cash-back credit card that stands out because of its flexibility. Cardholders can select two categories each quarter to earn 5% cash back (up to a $2,000 spending cap) and one category for unlimited 2% cash back. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.

Key Features

Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate: 1%-5% cash back
Sign-up Bonus: $250 after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days
Intro APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
Regular APR: 19.49%-29.74% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good to Excellent)

Pros and Cons

Pros

No Annual Fee: You can enjoy the benefits without paying an annual fee.
Customizable Rewards: Choose the categories that best fit your spending habits.
High Rewards Rate: Earn up to 5% cash back in selected categories.
Introductory Offer: 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles.

Cons

Complicated Rewards Structure: Requires tracking and quarterly activation of categories.
Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%, which makes it less ideal for international travel.

Detailed Review

Customizable Rewards

One of the standout features of the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card is the ability to customize your rewards. Each quarter, you can select two categories from a list of 12 to earn 5% cash back. This flexibility allows you to tailor your rewards to your spending habits, maximizing your cash back.

Categories for 2% Cash Back

Grocery Stores
Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations
Restaurants

Sign-Up Bonus and Introductory APR

New cardholders can earn a $250 sign-up bonus after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days. Additionally, there is a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, making it a great choice for those looking to finance a large purchase or transfer existing debt.

Comparing to Other Cards

When considering the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature, it’s essential to compare it with similar cards to see how it stacks up.

Feature	U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature	Discover it Cash Back	Chase Freedom Flex
Annual Fee	$0	$0	$0
Sign-Up Bonus	$250	Cashback Match	$200
Intro APR Offer	0% for 15 billing cycles	0% for 15 months	0% for 15 months
5% Rewards Categories	Customizable (2 categories)	Rotating (pre-set)	Rotating (pre-set)
Quarterly Spending Cap for 5%	$2,000	$1,500	$1,500
Additional Rewards	2% on 1 category, 1% on others	1% on others	1% on others

Benefits and Perks

The card offers additional perks such as:

5% Cash Back on Prepaid Travel: When booked directly through U.S. Bank’s Rewards Center.
Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem your rewards for statement credits, gift cards, or direct deposits into eligible U.S. Bank accounts.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Complex Rewards System

The rewards structure of the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card can be complicated. You need to select and activate your bonus categories each quarter, and keep track of your spending to maximize your rewards.

Foreign Transaction Fees

If you travel frequently, the 3% foreign transaction fee might be a drawback. There are other travel-friendly cards without this fee, such as the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, which might be a better option for international use.

How It Compares

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card offers more flexibility in choosing your rewards categories compared to its competitors. However, the complexity of managing the categories and the foreign transaction fee might make other cards like the Citi Double Cash or the Capital One SavorOne more appealing for some users.

FAQ

What is the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature?

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature is a cash-back credit card that allows you to choose and change your 5% and 2% cash-back categories each quarter.

How do I activate my cash-back categories?

You need to log into your account and select your categories each quarter to activate them.

What are the categories available for 5% cash back?

You can choose from categories such as home utilities, cell phone providers, department stores, and more.

Is there a spending cap for the 5% cash-back categories?

Yes, you can earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter.

Can I redeem my cash-back rewards for cash?

Yes, you can redeem your rewards for statement credits, U.S. Bank Rewards gift cards, or direct deposits into eligible U.S. Bank accounts.

Are there any fees associated with the card?

There is no annual fee, but there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.

What is the introductory APR offer?

The card offers a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.

The Bottom Line

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card is an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their cash-back rewards through customizable categories. With no annual fee and a generous sign-up bonus, it offers great value. However, the complexity of managing the rewards categories and the foreign transaction fee might be drawbacks for some users.

For more detailed comparisons and alternative options, you can visit Abeut’s best credit cards list.

By customizing your rewards, you can truly make the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card work for your spending habits. But remember, it’s crucial to stay on top of your selected categories each quarter to maximize your benefits.