The welcome bonus on this card has quietly increased to $250. With no annual fee, customizable 5% cash back categories each quarter, and 2% cash back, it’s a solid option.

About the US Bank Cash+ Credit Card

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Full review

U.S. Bank Cash+ Credit Card

Choose your own 5% and 2% cash back categories, with no annual fee!

  • Welcome bonus: $250 cash back (spend $1,000 within 90 days)
  • Rewards: Choose two categories for 5% cash back: TV, internet, streaming services, utilities, ground transportation, electronics stores, fast food, furniture stores, gyms, movie theaters, select clothing stores, sporting goods stores, cell phone providers, and department stores; choose one category for 2% cash back: gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores
  • Redemption: Cash back redeemed directly
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Apply now>>

Highlights

The welcome bonus on this card is decent, but the biggest selling point is the ability to choose your own 5% cash back categories. Here are some ways to use it:

  • Fill in the gaps: It can complement the rotating 5% cash back categories on cards like Chase Freedom and Discover it, helping you cover spending categories those cards miss so that more of your purchases can earn 5% cash back.
  • Choose strategically: Based on your spending habits, you can pick different 5% cash back categories in different quarters. For example, choose car rentals and fast food during travel seasons, electronics stores and department stores during shopping seasons, or pick cell phone service in a quarter and prepay more than usual on your bill.
  • Category swapping: Department stores, bookstores, and electronics stores often sell third-party gift cards, making it easy to use category swapping to cover other spending like Amazon or gas. See: Category Swapping Techniques

Drawbacks

  • 5% cash back applies only to the first $2,000 in purchases each quarter, and you must manually choose your categories in your account every quarter

My Take

Compared with other no-annual-fee credit cards that offer rotating 5% cash back each quarter, this card’s advantage is the flexibility to choose your own 5% cash back categories. If you use category swapping well, you can max out the full $100 cash back each quarter. In my opinion, this card is underrated. I plan to apply for it next and make good use of it.

Application

  • When you apply for this card, there is a chance you may be downgraded to the regular Cash version, but the 5% cash back is still retained
  • US Bank application status check link. Or call: 800-947-1444
  • When you apply, US Bank may check the two smaller credit bureaus SageStream & ARS credit reports, so you may consider freezing them before applying
  • You can only earn the welcome bonus on the same US Bank credit card once
  • You can call the reconsideration line (800-947-1444) to speed up the credit card approval process or to have a denied application reviewed again.
  • US Bank is relatively sensitive to HPs and new accounts. Having a US Bank Checking account can help with getting approved for a credit card
  • More about applying for US Bank credit cards

Application Link