Why we like this card: The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card offers valuable rewards on popular spending categories—up to 5% back on utilities, electronics, clothing, gyms, and more. The lack of an annual fee and a 15-month 0% APR period add to the value that this card has to offer.

ProsNo annual fee Introductory 0% APRCompetitive rewards rateConsRequires more time and effort to manage rewardsHighest rewards rate is capped at $2,000 in combined annual purchases

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Highlights

Card type: Cash Back

Welcome bonus: $200 rewards bonus if you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 120 days.

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: 5% cash back on 2 categories of their choice ($2,000 purchase limit per quarter) in combined eligible net purchases, 2% cash back on one everyday category, such as gas stations or grocery stores, also chosen quarterly, 1% cash back on all other eligible purchaseOverview

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card stands out in the competitive world of cash back credit cards, offering a lucrative rewards structure that allows cardholders to have greater control over their earning potential. One of its standout features is the ability for cardholders to earn 5% cash back on 2 categories of their choice ($2,000 purchase limit per quarter) in combined eligible net purchases. Additionally, they earn 2% cash back on one everyday category, such as gas stations or grocery stores, also chosen quarterly. Automatically earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchase, ensuring that every swipe brings some form of reward.

Besides the rewards structure, the card often features a decent sign-up bonus $200 rewards bonus if you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 120 days and a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles,19.74%–29.74% variable APR thereafter (exact rate is based on creditworthiness).

The card comes with no annual fee, further adding to its appeal for those seeking to maximize their cash back potential without incurring additional costs.

Who is this card good for?

Cardholders who prefer a more hands-on approach to earning and managing rewards will appreciate this card’s customizable rewards system. While many cards offer fixed rates on specific categories, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card empowers the cardholder to align their rewards with their spending habits, making it particularly beneficial for those whose expenses vary throughout the year.

Who shouldn’t get this card?

If you are a “set it and forget it” type of person, the Cash+ card is not for you. You’ll do much better with a fixed rate card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash card.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature rewards points

There are numerous ways to earn cash back with the Cash+ card. 

First, earn 5% cash back on 2 categories of their choice ($2,000 purchase limit per quarter):

Fast food

Home utilities

TV, internet, and streaming

Department stores

Cell phone

Electronic stores

Sporting goods stores

Movie theaters

Gyms/fitness centers

Furniture stores

Ground transportation

Select clothing stores

You also automatically earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.

Then earn 2% cash back on one everyday category that you choose:

Gas stations and EV charging stations

Grocery stores and grocery delivery

Restaurants 

Finally, earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchase.

New cardholders can also earn a $200 rewards bonus if you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 120 days.

How to redeem Cash+ points

U.S. Bank offers several ways to redeem your points, giving you the flexibility to choose the method that works best for your finances.

To redeem your points, log in to your online banking account and select your rewards card. Next, choose “Go to rewards & benefits” and then select “Redeem rewards.”

You can also redeem your rewards in the U.S. Bank mobile app. Select your rewards card, choose the “Rewards” tab at the top, and then select “Redeem rewards.”

You can choose to redeem your cash back as a deposit into an existing U.S. Bank account (savings, checking, or money market), as a statement credit, or as a U.S. Bank rewards card. 

Note that you need at least $25 in cash back to redeem it, and values must be in $5 increments. 

Rates and fees

Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles,19.74%–29.74% variable APR thereafter

Purchase APR: 19.74%–29.74%

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Annual fee: $0Additional benefits

In certain cases, you may be offered the opportunity to enroll in a U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan, which allows you to pay off balances in fixed monthly payments over time and avoid interest charges on new purchases. You can designate up to 50% of your credit card line ($100 minimum) in eligible credit card purchases to be paid in monthly installments with a small, fixed monthly fee. Only purchases are eligible forExtendPay plans; advances, balance transfers, interest and fees aren’t eligible.

Is the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature right for you?

The Cash+ card is best for cardholders who prefer customizable cash back rewards. With no annual fee and the flexibility to select and change bonus categories every quarter, it’s a good choice for those who want to maximize their rewards based on their changing spending habits.

Credit cards similar to the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature

When choosing a cash back credit card, it’s important to know your options and pick a card that matches your spending habits. Consider alternatives to the Cash+ card before making a decision.

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature

The card is similar to the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card in that it also offers a higher rewards rate on certain common spending categories. However, instead of having to select your bonus categories each quarter, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card automatically awards cash back on certain purchases: 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, 3% cash back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery service), 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases.

Additionally, new cardholders can earn 5% cash back on combined gas station & grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. Also like the Cash+ card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited does not charge an annual fee and comes with a 0% intro purchase APR for 15 months from account opening (after that, the variable APR will be 20.49%–29.24%).

Frequently asked questions

Is the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card hard to get?

This card may be difficult to get if you have fair or poor credit. Because of its generous rewards structure, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card generally requires that you have good credit to qualify. 

Is the U.S. Bank Cash+ being discontinued?

No, applications for the Cash+ card are still being accepted.

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

This card does not come with an annual fee.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

Original: Fortune | FORTUNE: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature review