This credit card gives you the freedom to choose a category in which to earn the most cash back. In other words, you can maximize your rewards by choosing a shopping category that you want.
Firstly, the US Bank cash + Credit Card allows you to earn 5% on two purchase categories of your choice. In addition, you can choose another category where you earn a 2% cash back on eligible purchases. These two US Bank credit card cash back categories are picked quarterly, so you have a chance to change and optimize your earnings in another area.
But is this enough to make you pick this credit card among the myriad options? Learn more about the card on this US Bank Cash Visa Signature Card review before you decide if it’s the ideal pick.
Features of US Bank Cash + Credit Card
When choosing the best credit card for earning rewards, your choice might be blurred by the huge number of possible candidates. The best way to make an informed choice is by browsing through each of these card’s features. So, what makes the US Bank cash + Credit Card unique?
First off is the welcome bonus. As a new cardholder, you have a chance to receive $200 if you spend at least $1,000 in the first 120 days of your card’s membership. Now, that’s a huge boost on your rewards maximization journey.
The $0 annual fee is another attractive feature of this card. Unlike many other reward cards, the US Bank Cash + Credit Card charges you nothing for using it.
Now, to the part that matters – the rewards. The US Bank Cash + Credit Card allows you to choose where to earn and maximize your rewards. First, you get to choose categories to earn 5% cash back rewards on all purchases. Then, you can choose another shopping category that earns you 2% for every eligible purchase. That is more than most cash reward credit cards can promise.
Lastly, the US Bank Cash + Visa Signature Credit Card has an intro APR of 0% both on purchases and balance transfers. This offer is available for 15 billing cycles, giving you more than a year of APR-free period.
How the US Bank Cash + Credit Card Works
Like any other credit card, the first step of using the US Bank Cash + Credit Card is the application. Once you have an active card, you can start making purchases and enjoy the high rewards.
When you hit the first $1,000 worth of purchases in the first 3 months, you earn yourself a whopping $200 rewards bonus. This is the best way to start your rewards journey.
From here, you can choose your desired shopping categories to earn the 5% cash back and one category for the 2% cash back. You can change your category choice every quarter. All other qualifying purchases outside the chosen categories earn unlimited 1% rewards.
The main categories to choose from for the 5% cash back include fast foods, home utilities, electronic stores, cell phones, departmental stores, and TV/internet/streaming services. For the 2% category, you can choose from restaurants, grocery stores and delivery, and gas stations.
All this is a clear indication of how easy it is to save or make money by using the US Bank Cash + Credit Card. And the best thing? Even the redemption process is pretty easy. You can redeem your earned rewards anytime online.
As for the APR, the card has an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 cycles. However, after this, the 0% intro APR changes to a variable APR ranging from 19.49% to 29.74%.
Pros and Cons of the US Bank Cash + Credit Card
No single card has everything figured out. They all have benefits and other features that some people consider as drawbacks. Check out the good and bad sides of the US Bank Cash + Credit Card.
Benefits of the US Bank Cash + Credit Card
The first benefit is almost obvious – the huge rotational rewards. Not many cash-back credit cards offer 5% rewards on purchases or even close. So, if you want to maximize your rewards earning opportunity, this might be your go-to card.
The 0% intro APR and the $0 annual fees are also two features of the card that can help you save immensely. If you want a card that minds your pocket, these features ensure just that.
The flexibility of rewards redemption is also a plus for the card. Typically, you can redeem your rewards via a rewards card, as a statement credit, or as a direct deposit to your US bank account (checking or savings).
Last but not least, the card offers a $0 fraud liability. This means that in the event that you lose your card, you are not liable for any unauthorized purchases. That’s the kind of peace of mind that card users want.
Cons of the US Bank Cash + Credit Card
The US Bank Cash + card does have a few potential drawbacks to be aware of. For one, the 5% cash back categories rotate each quarter, so you have to stay on top of activating the bonus categories you want.
Also, the cap on quarterly bonus cash back for the 5% category is $2,000 in combined spending. This could limit the rewards for big spenders.
Rates and Fees of the US Bank cash + Credit Card
For starters, the card has a 0% intro annual percentage rate on balance transfers and purchases. It lasts for the first 15 months, after which it reverts to the undiscounted APR of 19.49% to 29.74%. On the other hand, the APR for cash advances is about 29.99%.
Now, to the fees. The first one is the cash advance fee. This stands at 3% of the advance or a $10 minimum, whichever is greater. Balance transfers attract a 3% fee or a $5 minimum fee.
As for the check equivalent fee, this one stands at 5% of the amount or $10 minimum. You also get charged a $1 minimum fee for overdue interest.
Lastly, there are the foreign transaction fees. For example, foreign purchases attract a 3% fee on each purchase. An ATM advance also charges 3% of the advance in US dollars.
Luckily, the card has zero annual fees.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for the US Bank Cash + Credit Card
Who is the US Bank Cash + Visa Signature Credit Card for? Well, this card is available for people over the age of 18 years. Secondly, you must be a US resident to apply for the card.
The credit score is the next thing to compare. US Bank credit cards are for individuals with established credit. Usually, you should have a good to excellent credit score to be approved for the card. This typically starts from 670 and above.
Application Process of the the US Bank Cash + Credit Card
Start by visiting the US Bank Cash + Credit Card page. From here, you can see the two application options. You can click the red Apply button or the blue Login button to start.
These two options take you to the onboarding page. Fill in your details as requested and submit. The best thing about this card is that you can get a response in less than 60 seconds. By then, you know if you are approved or not.