American Express Cash Magnet® Card
vs. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Both the American Express Cash Magnet® Card and the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card appeal for their cash back rewards, absence of annual fees and their introductory APR offers. The U.S. Bank Cash+ edges ahead with its higher cash back potential, especially in categories of your choice.

However, the Amex Cash Magnet's 0% introductory APR for 15 months should not be overlooked, as it can be particularly valuable for those planning to make large purchases soon. Neither card is co-branded and is a strong contender in their own right for anyone seeking a rewarding cash back credit card.

You might prefer the Amex Cash Magnet if you value simplicity in your rewards program. With flat-rate cash back on all purchases and no annual fee, it's a straightforward choice for consistent earning potential without the need to track spending categories.

You might prefer the U.S. Bank Cash+ if you spend significantly in specific categories and can benefit from its customizable rewards. With the ability to select high cash back rates on everyday purchases, this card can yield substantial rewards for strategic spenders.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will clarify which card best meets your financial needs. For instance, if maximizing cash back is your priority, compare the Amex Cash Magnet's flat-rate reward to the U.S. Bank Cash+ card's customizable categories.

The Amex Cash Magnet offers a straightforward rewards program with an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This simplicity is appealing to those who prefer not to manage category bonuses. However, the U.S. Bank Cash+ card provides greater potential value for savvy users willing to actively select and maximize their 5% cash back categories. While the Amex card is consistent, the U.S. Bank Cash+ card can yield more rewards for those who align their spending with its customizable categories.

For the U.S. Bank Cash+ card, the 5% cash back applies to two categories you choose each quarter, with a $2,000 purchase limit per quarter. The 2% cash back applies to one everyday category of your choice, such as gas stations or grocery stores. These options make it a potentially more lucrative choice for users who spend heavily in these areas.

The table below compares the bonus categories offered by each card.

Both cards have different approaches to redemption. The Amex Cash Magnet allows you to redeem your cash back for statement credits, merchandise or gift cards. Your cash back never expires, and there's no cap on earnings.

In contrast, the U.S. Bank Cash+ requires at least $25 in cash back to redeem and limits redemption to a statement credit or a direct deposit into a U.S. Bank account. Additionally, cash back on the U.S. Bank Cash+ expires after 36 months, necessitating more frequent redemptions to avoid loss of rewards.

MoneyGeek assesses credit cards like the Amex Cash Magnet and U.S. Bank Cash+ based on their performance in various use cases. For this comparison, the cards' highest-scoring use case is cash back. The evaluation considers factors such as the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers.