Chase Freedom Flex® Card
vs. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

The Chase Freedom Flex® Card and the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card are both strong contenders in the cash back category, offering no annual fees and enticing introductory APR offers. The U.S. Bank Cash+ edges out slightly with a higher cash back potential in selected categories.

But the Chase Freedom Flex Card's rotating quarterly bonus categories and rewards on travel and dining make it a compelling option, especially if you prefer the Chase ecosystem. Their rewards programs are versatile for various spending. While the U.S. Bank Cash+ may be the frontrunner for its slightly higher cash back score, the Freedom Flex should not be overlooked for its unique rewards structure and bonus categories.

You might prefer the Chase Freedom Flex if you're looking for a card that offers a substantial cash back bonus with a lower initial spend and enjoy maximizing rewards through rotating categories. Its introductory APR period on balance transfers is also slightly longer.

You might prefer the U.S. Bank Cash+ if you value the ability to choose your own cash back categories to align with your spending habits and prefer a higher cap on those categories. And if you anticipate carrying a balance, its slightly lower starting APR could be advantageous in the long run.

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if frequent dining out is part of your lifestyle, the Freedom Flex's 3% cash back on dining could sway your decision. Use this section to match card benefits with your spending patterns.

The U.S. Bank Cash+ card beats the Freedom Flex in reward flexibility and potential value. With the ability to select bonus categories, users who prefer to tailor their rewards to their spending patterns may find the U.S. Bank Cash+ card more appealing.

But the Freedom Flex offers strong rewards in travel and dining, which could be more beneficial if you frequently spend in these areas. Its rotating categories can also be lucrative if they align with your spending habits, but they require active management to maximize benefits.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Reward Categories

For the U.S. Bank Cash+ card, the pick-your-own categories include a diverse range of options, allowing for a customized rewards strategy. Eligible categories for the 5% cash back include:

• Fast food
• Home utilities
• TV, internet, and streaming
• Department stores
• Cell phone providers
• Electronics stores
• Sporting goods stores
• Movie theaters
• Gyms/fitness centers
• Furniture stores
• Ground transportation
• Select clothing stores

For the 2% cash back everyday category, choices include:

• Grocery stores and grocery delivery
• Restaurants
• Gas stations
• EV charging stations

These categories offer a high degree of personalization, catering to a variety of spending profiles. For more details on these categories, cardholders should review the latest enrollment options.

The table visually compares the rewards programs of the Freedom Flex and U.S. Bank Cash+.

With the Freedom Flex, your points remain valid indefinitely, provided your account stays open, offering flexibility in when you choose to use them. Redemption options are diverse, including cash, gift cards and travel, but note that the value you get can vary depending on the redemption method you choose.

The U.S. Bank Cash+ requires at least $25 in cash back to redeem and limits redemptions to a statement credit or a deposit into a U.S. Bank account. And there's a 36-month expiration on cash back, necessitating more frequent redemptions to avoid loss of rewards.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Freedom Flex and U.S. Bank Cash+ based on their performance in various use cases. This approach ensures that the score reflects the card's performance in the scenario where it provides the most value.

For cash back cards, the primary factors we consider are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements — along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction — contribute to a card's overall score. For a detailed understanding of our process, you can review our ranking methodology.