Who should get the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card?
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Key takeaways
- The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature offers customizable cash back that allows you to earn a generous 5 percent cash back — but you must select your top two spending categories each quarter.
- You can also earn 2 percent cash back in such everyday categories as gas and groceries.
- While the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card has higher earning potential, some may prefer a more simple rewards program.
Who should apply for this card?
Get paid back on all your purchases
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People who like customization
A growing number of top credit cards offer choose-your-own-adventure style cash back programs like that of the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature. For those with varied spending habits who want to customize their cash back categories, this structure may be a dream. You can choose two categories in which to earn 5 percent cash back. Selections have included:- TV, Internet and streaming services
- Home utilities
- Ground transportation
- Select clothing stores
- Cellphone providers
- Electronics stores
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Fast food
- Sporting goods stores
- Department stores
- Furniture stores
- Movie theaters
Everyday value seekers
In addition to the rotating 5 percent bonus categories, which tend to be an eclectic mix of medium-spend categories, you do get some stability out of the “everyday” cash back category. The cash back rate is lower — 2 percent on your choice of one category — and recurring categories include three high-use categories: grocery stores, restaurants and gas and EV charging stations. The everyday category rounds out the card nicely, especially for those who aren’t sure they’d always take full advantage of the 5 percent categories. Another everyday category actually falls within the 5 percent cash back bucket: home utilities. For most people, water, gas and electric bills are a given. If you’re spending $300 a month on utilities, this category could earn you $15 back each month.People who already have a flat-rate cash back card
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature’s rewards structure is similar to most cards with bonus categories: boosted cash back in specific spending categories, plus 1 percent back on everything else. A problem with this type of card as your only credit card is that the bulk of your spending typically falls into the “everything else” category, only earning 1 percent cash back. The trick is to use a different card for those general purchases: one that earns at least 2 percent cash back on all purchases. Then you can reserve your bonus category card for those purchases that earn a high rate of cash back. If you already have a flat-rate cash back card, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature may be the perfect complement, giving you lots of ways to boost your cash back earnings.Frequent travelers
For a cash back card, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature offers a surprisingly high rewards rate on travel purchases: 5 percent back on prepaid airfare, hotel stays and car rentals through U.S. Bank’s Rewards Travel Center. It’s not quite as flexible as the best travel rewards cards, which allow you to book flights with third-party services or directly with airlines, but it’s a small hoop to jump through in exchange for a solid cash back rate.People seeking a balance transfer
Eliminating your debt might be priority No. 1 if you’re considering opening up a new card to take advantage of a balance transfer offer. With the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature, you can get 15 billing cycles of 0 percent intro APR on balances you transfer within the first 60 days (then 19.74 percent to 29.74 percent variable APR). That’s a solid offer, and you’ve got cash back opportunities to look forward to after your balance is paid, making this card useful long after your balance transfer.Who should avoid the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card?
If your credit card rewards strategy is to keep it simple, this may not be the card for you. You’ll end up earning a low 1 percent across the board if you neglect to choose your bonus categories each quarter. And on top of remembering to make your selections, you also have to remember which bonus categories you selected when you’re using the card. If you like the idea of customizable bonus categories, you can find more hands-off options. The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, for example, allows you to change your category selection monthly, but there’s no selection requirement. If you don’t change your selection, it stays the same from month to month. The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is another great option because it automatically awards you 5 percent back (on up to $500 each billing cycle, then 1 percent) on your top spend category.The bottom line
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is a great cash back card for those looking to maximize their rewards with a variety of customizable bonus categories, from everyday purchases to travel. It’s also a solid option for those considering a balance transfer. But if you’re looking for a simple, set-and-forget cash back program, this likely isn’t the card for you. If you’re not sold, check out Bankrate’s top cash back credit cards to compare your options. Issuer-required disclosure statement Information about the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Bankrate. Card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Sara Coleman is an insurance contributor at Bankrate. She has a couple of years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as The Simple Dollar, Reviews.com, Coverage.com and numerous other personal finance sites. She writes about insurance products such as auto, homeowners, renters and disability.
