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U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card review: Choose your own 5% cash-back categories

Feb. 17, 2025
8 min read
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Editor's Note

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U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card overview

U.S. Bank is one of the largest retail banks, and it offers plenty of credit cards as well. One of its strengths is in cash-back rewards cards. Some award-travel enthusiasts who like earning some of their rewards as cash back will enjoy holding the U.S. Bank Cash+ card — if only to help pay for travel they can't book with points and miles. The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is one of the rare products that allows you to choose which kinds of purchases are eligible for bonus rewards. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

Anyone who's looked for a cash back credit card is familiar with cards that offer 5% cash back on purchases from featured merchants or merchant categories. Cards in this category include the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) and Discover it® Cash Back.

With these cards, the card issuer chooses the categories in which you earn bonus cash back. You have no choice in the categories, and you'll earn 5% back on a maximum of $1,500 of these purchases quarterly when you activate.

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card, on the other hand, lets you choose your categories, and its limit is 33% higher — $2,000 of eligible spending each quarter. Unlike its competitors, it also lets you choose a 2% bonus cash category — rather than just 1% on all other purchases.

TPG recommends that approved applicants have a good credit score of 670 or higher for this no-annual-fee card. Here's a detailed look at the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa.

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+ and the Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card pros and cons

ProsCons
  • No annual fee
  • Variety of bonus-earning categories
  • Complex rewards structure
  • Few travel benefits
  • No purchase protections

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card welcome offer

New applicants for the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa can earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within 90 days of account opening. That's a 20% return on spending.

THE POINTS GUY

While it isn't the most lucrative welcome bonus out there, as far as no annual fee cards go, this is a solid offer.

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Related: 5 reasons to keep a cash-back credit card in your wallet

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card benefits

The real benefit of this card is its cash-back rewards, but there are some other solid perks and benefits.

sixt car rental
SIXT/FACEBOOK

You'll enjoy several Visa Signature card benefits, such as exclusive access to select Sofar music events and access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.

Additional benefits include Visa Concierge and travel and emergency assistance services. While these benefits can help you coordinate reservations or emergency medical services, note that you'll pay for any services arranged on your behalf.

As a no-annual-fee card, don't expect benefits like rental car insurance or trip cancellation insurance. If you're looking for those, consult our list of the best travel rewards credit cards.

Related: The best time to apply for these popular travel credit cards

Earning cash back on the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

With the U.S. Bank Cash+, you'll earn cash back at three different rates: 5%, 2% and 1% back.

You'll earn 5% back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked through the U.S. Bank Rewards Travel Center. Plus, you can choose two categories for earning 5% cash back each quarter — on up to $2,000 of these purchases, then 1% back. The categories include:

  • Cellphone providers
  • Department stores*
  • Electronic stores
  • Fast food*
  • Furniture stores
  • Ground transportation
  • Gyms and fitness centers
  • Home utilities
  • Movie theaters
  • Sporting goods stores
  • TV, internet and streaming
  • Select clothing stores*
2 friends pay a restaurant bill with a credit card
MARTIN DM/GETTY IMAGES

Maximizing the $2,000 spending threshold each quarter will provide $400 in cash back annually.

You'll receive an unlimited 2% back on purchases in one of these categories (which you must choose in advance):

  • Gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations
  • Grocery stores and grocery delivery*
  • Restaurants*

*There are some quirks to the bonus categories. Note that "fast food" and "restaurants" are different categories (with one earning 2% back while the other is an option for 5% back). The "clothing stores" category is limited to select merchants. Also, you will not receive credit in the "department stores" category for purchases at Target® and Walmart®. The "grocery stores" category excludes discount stores, supercenters and wholesale clubs.

You'll receive unlimited 1% cash back on purchases outside your bonus categories and on purchases past the $2,000 threshold in your chosen 5% categories. And be sure to choose your categories each quarter; if you don't, you'll earn just 1% back on all purchases.

Unfortunately, the Cash+ Visa has a 3% foreign transaction fee, meaning it's not an ideal card for purchases while abroad. Ensure you bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees on international trips.

Related: Comparing flat-rate with bonus-category cash-back credit cards

Redeeming cash back on the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

You can redeem your rewards at any time and in several ways. You can call the number on the back of your card, redeem in the Rewards Center section of your online account or redeem with Real-Time Rewards.

With these, you'll receive a text message asking if you want to redeem your rewards against eligible recent purchases.

Woman using a laptop
MILJAN ŽIVKOVIĆ/GETTY IMAGES

Additionally, you can redeem your cash back as a statement credit, a rewards card or a deposit to your U.S. Bank checking or savings account. There's no minimum redemption requirement unless you choose a rewards card, with a $20 minimum that can be redeemed only in $5 increments.

Related: The pros and cons of cash-back credit cards

Which cards compete with the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card?

  • If you want different earning categories: The Chase Freedom Flex offers 5% back in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 of these purchases, then 1% back; activation required) as well as a few other valuable categories — all without an annual fee. You'll also enjoy several insurance protections, like cellphone protection and extended warranty protection. To learn more, read our full review of the Freedom Flex.
  • If you want higher earning rates on entertainment, food and rides: The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card provides unlimited cash-back across multiple popular bonus categories. This card has no annual fee. To learn more, read our full review of the Savor Cash Rewards card.
  • If you want bonus earnings from your banking relationship: The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card has no annual fee. You'll have your choice of a 6% cash back category (for the first year, then 3%) in addition to a fixed 2% category for grocery stores and wholesale clubs (limited to $2,500 of these purchases per quarter, then 1% back). The card also earns unlimited 1% back on other purchases. However, you can earn up to 75% more (for a maximum of 5.25% back) through the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program. It is worth noting that the Preferred Rewards bonus is not applicable to the 3% first-year bonus. To learn more, read our full review of the Customized Cash Rewards card.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash back credit cards.

Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card

Is the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card worth it?

Choosing your bonus categories is a growing trend among credit cards. However, few cards offer 5% cash back without charging an annual fee. This is a big selling point, though you should consider your spending habits to see if the $2,000-per-quarter spending limit is sufficient for you or whether you might earn more with a different card.

Bottom line

If you want to earn points and miles toward free travel, this isn't the card for you. But if you want to supplement your travel rewards with cash back, this card can be a worthy contender. It doesn't offer great levels of cash back on all purchases, but it does let you choose the purchases on which you'll receive a bonus — all without charging an annual fee.

Related: Store vs. cash-back credit cards

Updated 5/28/25

Featured image by JACOB LUND/SHUTTERSTOCK
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
1XEarn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn up to 125,000 Bonus Miles
Annual fee
$650
Regular APR
19.49%-28.49% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Excellent to Good

Pros

  • Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
  • Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
  • Ability to earn MQDs through spending
  • Various statement credits for eligible purchases

Cons

  • Steep annual fee of $650
  • Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
  • Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
  • Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
  • $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees