
The US Bank Cash Plus credit card is a solid choice for those who want to earn rewards on their purchases.
It offers 5% cash back on purchases in your top category each quarter, up to a maximum of $2,000 in combined purchases in that category each quarter.
You can choose from categories like gas stations, grocery stores, or restaurants, and earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
This card also comes with a $0 annual fee, which is a nice perk.
You might like: Cash Back
Benefits and Features
The U.S. Bank Cash+ card offers a range of benefits and features that make it a popular choice among consumers.
You can earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose, making it a great option for those who want to maximize their rewards.
The card also offers 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center, which can be a convenient option for travelers.
If this caught your attention, see: What Credit Cards Give Cash Back
Some of the other benefits of the card include travel and emergency assistance services, concierge services, and roadside dispatch.
Here are some of the key benefits of the U.S. Bank Cash+ card:
- Travel and emergency assistance services
- Concierge services
- Roadside dispatch
- Emergency card replacement
- Emergency cash disbursement
- Rewards of 1 - 5% cash back on purchases
The card also has a 0% introductory APR offer for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, making it a great option for those who want to finance a large purchase or pay down high-interest debt.
Introductory APR Offer
The introductory APR offer on the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card is a great perk for those who need to finance a large purchase or pay down high-interest debt.
You can enjoy a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening, as well as on purchases. This can give you more than a year to focus on paying down your balance or paying off a large purchase without accruing interest.
A different take: Bank Balance Check
The variable ongoing APR after the introductory period is 19.74% to 29.74%, which is relatively high. This is why it's essential to pay off your balance or make significant progress on it within the 15-month period.
A 3% balance transfer fee with a $5 minimum applies to balance transfers, which is a common practice in the industry.
Here's a breakdown of the introductory APR offer:
Keep in mind that the introductory APR offer is only available for a limited time, so it's crucial to take advantage of it as soon as possible.
Customizable Option
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Card offers a unique customizable option that sets it apart from other cash back cards. You can choose from 12 categories to earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
With the U.S. Bank Cash+ Card, you can select two categories of your choice to earn 5% cash back on each quarter. This means you can choose categories that align with your spending habits and maximize your rewards.
Some of the categories you can choose from include home utilities, cell phone providers, ground transportation, gym and fitness centers, department stores, fast food, and movie theaters. These categories are subject to change each quarter, so be sure to check the U.S. Bank website or mobile app for the latest options.
Here are some of the categories you can choose from:
- Home Utilities
- Cell Phone Providers
- Ground Transportation
- Gym and Fitness Centers
- Department Stores
- Fast Food
- Movie Theaters
By selecting categories that align with your spending habits, you can maximize your rewards and earn more cash back on your purchases.
Rental Car Insurance
Rental car insurance is a valuable benefit to have when traveling. U.S. Bank cards offer rental car insurance on some cards, but not all.
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card does not have this benefit. However, other U.S. Bank cards do provide rental car insurance coverage.
This coverage includes theft, damage, valid loss-of-use charges, administrative fees, and towing charges due to a covered theft or damage to the rental vehicle. Cardholders are covered up to the actual cash value of the rental vehicle.
The rental car insurance coverage is a great perk for travelers, especially those who rent cars frequently.
Expand your knowledge: Card Data Covered by Pci Dss Includes
Credit Score Requirements
The U.S. Bank Cash+ card has a credit score requirement of 700 or better. This means people with good credit or better have a shot at getting approved.
If you're looking to build or rebuild your credit, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Secured Visa Card is a good option, with a lower credit score requirement of 580-740.
To give you a better idea of the credit score range, here's a quick comparison of the two cards:
Keep in mind that credit score is just one factor that impacts your chances of approval. Your income, existing debt load, and other factors also play a role.
Fees and Charges
The U.S. Bank Cash Plus Card has a $0 annual fee, which is a great perk for those who want to avoid paying an annual fee.
The card's rewards rate is 1%-5%, which may not be the highest rate out there, but it's still a decent incentive to use the card for your daily purchases.
If this caught your attention, see: Annual Percentage Yield vs Interest Rate
If you're planning to make a large purchase or transfer a balance, you should be aware that the card has an intro APR of 0% for 15 billing cycles, which can help you save on interest charges. After that, the APR ranges from 18.49% to 28.74% Variable APR.
If you need to withdraw cash, be aware that the Cash Advance APR is 31.24%, Variable, and you'll also be charged a fee of either 3% of the amount of each advance or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Here are the key fees and charges to keep in mind:
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards rate: 1%-5%
- Bonus offer: $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles
- Ongoing APR: 18.49%-28.74% Variable APR
- Cash Advance APR: 31.24%, Variable
- Cash Advance fee: Either 3% of the amount of each advance or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each foreign transaction
- Balance transfer fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
Fees
The U.S. Bank Cash Plus Card has a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it a bad choice for making purchases abroad.
The regular APR of the U.S. Bank Cash+ card is 19.49%–29.74%, which is average compared to other cards.
You'll pay a Cash Advance Fee of 5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater.
You might enjoy: Bank of America Charge for Cashing Check
There is no Annual Fee, which is a plus for those who don't want to pay extra for their card.
The Late Payment Fee can be as high as $41, so make sure to pay your bills on time.
You'll also face a Returned Payment Fee of up to $41 if your payment is declined.
The Balance Transfer Fee is 3% of the amount of each transfer, with a minimum of $5.
Here's a breakdown of the fees:
Rewards and Bonuses
The U.S. Bank Cash+ card has a rewards program that's worth exploring. You can earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.
To get the 5% cash back, you need to spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening to receive a $200 rewards bonus. You can select two categories from a list of 12 options, including select clothing stores, electronics stores, sporting goods stores, gyms and fitness centers, and more.
You might enjoy: Online Stores That Accept Ach Payments
You can also earn 2% cash back on one everyday category, such as gas stations, restaurants, or grocery stores. All other eligible purchases earn 1% cash back.
Here's a breakdown of the rewards categories and their corresponding cash back rates:
- 5% cash back on two categories of your choice, up to $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter
- 5% cash back on prepaid travel booked through the Rewards Travel Center
- 2% cash back on one everyday category, such as gas stations or grocery stores
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
You can choose your categories for a quarter as early as 45 days before the quarter begins, up until five days left in the quarter. You'll earn bonus rewards only on purchases you make after you opt in. If you don’t make any selections, then you earn 1% back on all purchases.
Redemptions are also flexible, with options to redeem cash back as a statement credit or a direct deposit into your U.S. Bank account starting at $25.
Redemption and Usage
You can redeem your U.S. Bank Cash+ card rewards online or through the mobile app, or by calling (888) 229-8864.
You can also redeem rewards by logging in to your online account, selecting the "Rewards" tab, clicking the "Redeem Rewards" button, and choosing your desired redemption option.
To redeem your rewards, you'll need to have a U.S. Bank account, as you can only redeem for cash if you bank with the issuer.
You can redeem your rewards as a statement credit, a U.S. Bank Rewards gift card, or a deposit into an eligible account with U.S. Bank, starting at $25.
Here are your redemption options:
Remember that your rewards expire 36 months after the billing cycle in which they were earned, so be sure to redeem them before then.
How to Use
You can redeem your rewards with the U.S. Bank Cash+ card in several ways. You can choose from a statement credit, a U.S. Bank Rewards gift card, or a deposit into an eligible account with U.S. Bank.
Redemptions can be made starting at $25, which is a pretty low threshold. You can redeem your cash back as a statement credit or a direct deposit into your U.S. Bank account.
The U.S. Bank Cash+ card offers Real-Time Rewards, a program that applies redemptions directly to purchases in categories of your choice, using text messaging. This feature can be activated to make redemptions more convenient.
Your cash back expires 36 months after the billing cycle in which it is earned, so it's essential to redeem your rewards before they expire.
Redeeming for Cash
To redeem your U.S. Bank Cash+ card rewards for cash, you must have a bank account with U.S. Bank. This is a requirement to get your rewards as cash, unlike other credit card issuers that allow you to take your rewards as a deposit into any bank account.
You can redeem your rewards as a statement credit or a direct deposit into your U.S. Bank account starting at $25. This is a convenient option if you want to keep your cash rewards in your account.
To get your rewards as cash, you must have a bank account with U.S. Bank. Otherwise, you can redeem as a credit on your statement, which effectively leaves more cash in your pocket.
You can redeem your rewards online or through the mobile app, or by calling (888) 229-8864 or the number you see on the back of your card. This is a hassle-free way to redeem your rewards and get your cash back.
Here are the redemption options for your U.S. Bank Cash+ card rewards:
Don't forget that the U.S. Bank Cash+ card rewards expire 36 months after the billing cycle in which they were earned. Make sure to redeem your rewards before they expire to avoid losing them.
Comparison and Evaluation
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Card is a solid option for those seeking a 5% cash-back card. It offers customizable 5%-back categories, allowing you to pick two of them each quarter, with a combined quarterly spending cap of $2,000.
In comparison to other popular 5% rotating bonus category cards, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Card has a few key differences. Unlike the Discover it Cash Back and the Chase Freedom Flex, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Card does not require activation or have a spending limit in its bonus categories.
Suggestion: Hsbc Premier Checking Bonus
Here's a brief comparison of the U.S. Bank Cash+ Card with other popular cash-back cards:
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Card is also known for its issuer satisfaction, with a rating of 4.1 out of 5 from WalletHub.
Compare Alternatives
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card has some great features, but it's not the only option out there. If you're looking for a cash back card with no annual fee, the Citi Double Cash Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card are also worth considering.
The Citi Double Cash Card offers a 2% cash back rate on all purchases, with no rotating categories to keep track of. This can be a great option if you want a simple, straightforward cash back card.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited Card, on the other hand, offers a 3% cash back rate on purchases in your first year up to $20,000 spent, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. It also has a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
You might like: No Cash Out Refi
Here's a comparison of the three cards:
Ultimately, the best card for you will depend on your individual needs and spending habits.
How We Evaluated
We evaluated the U.S. Bank Cash+ Card using a scoring system that weighed various key features. The Cash Back Score ranked it 14th among 78 cards.
Doug Milnes, the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek, has over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and performed valuations for Duff and Phelps.
The Cash Back Score was based on a 50% weightage of Effective Reward Rate, which measures how rewarding the card is, with a 5 indicating high rewards. Annual Fee was given a 10% weightage, rated from 1 to 5, with 5 meaning no fee.
The remaining features were each given a 5% weightage, including Introductory Purchase APR, Recommended Credit, Issuer Satisfaction, Penalties, Regular APR, Foreign Transaction, Return on Welcome Bonus, and Perks Value.
Here's a breakdown of the weightages:
- Effective Reward Rate (50%): Measures how rewarding the card is, with a 5 indicating high rewards.
- Annual Fee (10%): Rated from 1 to 5, with 5 meaning no fee.
- Introductory Purchase APR, Recommended Credit, Issuer Satisfaction, Penalties, Regular APR, Foreign Transaction, Return on Welcome Bonus, Perks Value (5% each): Various aspects rated from 1 to 5, assessing factors like APR offers, credit accessibility, and fees.
Review and Rating
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card has a nice sign-up bonus of $200 for spending $1,000 within 90 days of opening an account, earning 20% back right off the bat.
You can earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in total purchases each quarter in two spending categories, and you get to pick the categories from U.S. Bank's list of available options for that particular quarter.
The card also offers unlimited 2% cash back in a category of your choice, but you have to register your chosen category each quarter, or you'll earn 1% back on purchases that would otherwise qualify.
One of the downsides is that the card has a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it not the best for international use.
Here are some key benefits of the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card:
- 5% cash back on first $2,000 in total purchases each quarter in two categories
- Unlimited 2% cash back in a category of your choice
- 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on new purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on balance transfers with a 3% (min $5) fee
- No annual fee
- Visa Signature benefits, including emergency services
Cardholder satisfaction with the U.S. Bank Cash+ is in the middle of the pack, with an issuer satisfaction rating of 3.5 out of 5, with users appreciating the customizable rewards and expressing frustration with merchant code limitations and the need for quarterly activation.
You might like: 5th 3rd Bank Cd Specials Today
Application and Maintenance
Applying for the U.S. Bank Cash+ card is relatively straightforward, and you can do it online, by phone, or in person.
The online application is the easiest way to go, and you can access it directly through U.S. Bank's website.
To be approved, you'll need Good credit, which means a credit score of 700 or higher for high approval odds.
Applying for the card triggers a hard inquiry, which may temporarily hurt your credit score.
You'll have to keep track of bonus categories, which can be less of a mystery than those on the Chase Freedom Flex, but still require some effort to remember.
The categories can be complicated, especially with the additional 2% categories, and you'll need to opt in each quarter.
If you prefer a low-maintenance option, the Citi Double Cash Card earns a flat 2% on all purchases with no categories to remember.
You might like: Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Score
System Requires Maintenance
The rewards system on some credit cards can be a real headache. The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card has bonus categories that require you to keep track of what's eligible and remember to opt in each quarter.
You'll need to remember that "fast food" is a 5% category, while "restaurants" is a 2% category, making it more complicated than some of its direct competitors.
The Chase and Discover cards often offer 5% rewards at restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores, which can be a nice bonus, but the U.S. Bank card limits these categories to 2% cash back.
If you're looking for a much-lower-maintenance option, the Citi Double Cash Card earns a flat 2% on all purchases, with no categories to remember and a $0 annual fee.
Applying for a Cash Advance
Applying for a Cash Advance is a straightforward process with the U.S. Bank Cash+ card. You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
The online application is the easiest way to apply, and you can find it directly on U.S. Bank's website. Applying by phone or in person is also an option, but online is the most convenient.
Keep in mind that you'll need good credit to be approved, which means you'll need a 700+ credit score. This is a high credit score, so make sure you're eligible before applying.
Applying for the card triggers a hard inquiry, which may temporarily affect your credit score. This is something to consider before applying, especially if you're planning to apply for other credit products soon.
Accepting Joint Applications
The U.S. Bank Cash+ card allows joint applications, making it a great option for couples or partners who want to share credit responsibilities.
You can have a co-applicant on your application, and they'll be accepted for all U.S. Bank credit card products.
For assistance with an application, you can call the relationship banking team at (800) 532-4019. They're available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the $250 bonus at U.S. Bank?
The $250 bonus at U.S. Bank is awarded after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. This bonus is a one-time reward that requires meeting a specific spending requirement.
What is a U.S. Bank cash plus card?
The U.S. Bank Cash+ card is a cash back credit card that rewards users with up to 5% cash back on select purchases, with flexible category choices and earning limits. Earn cash back on your everyday spending with this versatile and rewarding card.
What is the credit limit for the US Bank Cash+ visa signature card?
The average credit limit for the US Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card is $9,944, with $500 being the most common limit. Your actual credit limit may vary based on individual creditworthiness and other factors.
What are the 5% categories for U.S. Bank?
According to U.S. Bank, the 5% categories for rewards are sporting goods stores, movie theaters, gyms/fitness centers, furniture stores, and select clothing stores. These categories offer 5% cash back rewards on purchases made within them.
How does U.S. Bank cash back work?
U.S. Bank cash back rewards offer 2% cash back in a chosen everyday category, 5% cash back on travel reservations, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Earn cash back rewards on your daily spending with U.S. Bank's flexible rewards program.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/us-bank-cash-plus
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/us-bank-cash-signature-benefits-guide/
- https://www.thepointcalculator.com/us/cash/usbank/us-bank-cash-plus-card-calculator
- https://www.moneygeek.com/credit-cards/reviews/us-bank-cash-plus/
- https://wallethub.com/d/cash-plus-credit-card-2084c
Featured Images: pexels.com