The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Reviews
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card review: Choose your own 5% cash-back categories
Ryan is a former TPG credit cards writer who has been around points and miles for several years and has published content at Miles to Memories, AwardWallet and The Points Guy. His wife joins him on many of his trips, and they enjoy snowboarding, diving, and seeing animals in the wild. When not traveling, Ryan is probably answering questions from his family about how he travels so much and whether this points & miles stuff is illegal.
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
also contributed to this story
February 17, 2025 • 8 min read
JACOB LUND/SHUTTERSTOCK
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Quick summary
This cash-back card allows you to select your own bonus categories each quarter, offering flexibility not found with many competitors.
You can earn elevated cash-back rates in chosen categories, with a higher quarterly spending cap than similar products.
The card includes select Visa Signature benefits, such as access to exclusive events and hotel collections, but offers limited travel protections.
There is no annual fee, making it appealing for those seeking value without ongoing costs.
What to consider
Bonus categories must be chosen each quarter; otherwise, all purchases earn the base rate.
Certain merchants, such as discount stores and supercenters, are excluded from bonus categories, and there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Cash-back rewards can be redeemed in multiple ways, with some redemption options requiring a minimum amount.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of how this card stacks up against other leading cash-back options, including tradeoffs in bonus categories and benefits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
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.
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 (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
Pros
Cons
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.
The real benefit of this card is its cash-back rewards, but there are some other solid perks and benefits.
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.
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*
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.
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.
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.
Which cards compete with the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card?
If you want different earning categories: The 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 bonus earnings from your banking relationship: The 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.
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.
