U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
vs. Discover it® Chrome

Shield Insurance

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Both the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card and the Discover it® Chrome offer enticing rewards and introductory APRs. The U.S. Bank Cash+ edges ahead with potentially higher cash back earnings, making it a strong contender if you maximize your reward categories.

However, the Discover it Chrome's intro 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers is a standout feature if you’re looking to manage debt. While the Discover it Chrome is excellent for balance transfers, the U.S. Bank Cash+ is a powerhouse for tailored cash back rewards.

Credit Card logo for U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Credit Card logo for Discover it® Chrome
Discover it® Chrome
MoneyGeek Rating
3.9/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
3.8/ of 5
On Issuer's Site
On Issuer's Site

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the U.S. Bank Cash+ if you're looking to maximize your cash back earnings by selecting categories that align with your spending habits. With the opportunity to earn 5% cash back in two categories of your choice and a welcome bonus, this card is a strong contender if you can manage the category limits and don't mind a higher APR range after the introductory period.

You might prefer the Discover it Chrome if** you value simplicity in your rewards and seek to avoid foreign transaction fees. This card offers a straightforward cash back program with an added bonus of matching the cash back you earn in the first year. Its longer intro APR period for balance transfers and lower minimum APR after the introductory offer can be appealing if you're carrying a balance.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if you spend heavily in specific categories, the U.S. Bank Cash+ may offer more value, whereas the Discover it Chrome could be ideal for dining and gas expenses. Use this section to pinpoint the card that best fits your spending patterns.

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    Regular APR: Discover it Chrome

    The Discover it Chrome offers a slightly lower regular APR range starting at 18.24%, compared with the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card's starting APR of 19.74%.

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    Annual Fee: Tie

    Both the Discover it Chrome and the U.S. Bank Cash+ offer a $0 annual fee.

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    Introductory 0% APRs: Tie

    For introductory 0% APRs on purchases, the U.S. Bank Cash+ leads with a 15-month offer, compared with the Discover it Chrome's six months.

    However, for balance transfers, the Discover it Chrome offers 0% APR for 18 months, surpassing U.S. Bank Cash+'s 15 months, but with a higher transfer fee. Considering the balance of benefits, the cards are tied.

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    Rewards: U.S. Bank Cash+

    U.S. Bank Cash+ offers better rewards with the flexibility to choose 5% cash back categories. Discover it Chrome provides 2% cash back in specific categories like gas stations and restaurants, with rewards that never expire.

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    Welcome Offers: U.S. Bank Cash+

    The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card offers a more immediately valuable welcome bonus, providing a $200 reward for spending $1,000 in the first 120 days. By contrast, the Discover it Chrome features a Cashback Match at the end of the first year, which could vary in value. The U.S. Bank Cash+ is better for those seeking a straightforward welcome offer.

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    Recommended Credit Score: Tie

    Both the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card and the Discover it Chrome require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are equally accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit.

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    Penalties and Fees: Discover it Chrome

    Discover it Chrome is better for penalties and fees, offering a first-time late fee waiver and no foreign transaction fees. The U.S. Bank Cash+ charges up to $41 for late payments and a 3% fee on foreign transactions.

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    Issuer Satisfaction: Discover it Chrome

    Discover offers better issuer satisfaction with a rating of 4.5, compared with U.S. Bank's 3.5. This suggests that Discover customers generally have a more positive experience with their card issuer.

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    Other Features & Perks: Tie

    Both the U.S. Bank Cash+ and the Discover it Chrome offer unique perks. The U.S. Bank Cash+ provides customizable cash back categories and exclusive Visa Signature benefits, while Discover it Chrome offers a free overnight card replacement and an online tool to reduce personal information exposure.

Rewards Comparison

When comparing the U.S. Bank Cash+ and the Discover it Chrome, the U.S. Bank Cash+ stands out for its customizable rewards. With the ability to select two 5% cash back categories each quarter, it caters to those who can align their spending with these options.

Although the Discover it Chrome offers a solid 2% back on gas and dining, it's capped at $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, which may limit its appeal for heavy spenders in these categories. However, the Discover it Chrome is straightforward and could be more suitable for those who prefer simplicity over maximizing rewards.

For the U.S. Bank Cash+, users can pick two categories each quarter where they earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in purchases, and one everyday category for 2% cash back. The eligible categories for the 5% cash back can include options like home utilities, cell phone providers and gym memberships. This flexibility can be highly rewarding for strategic spenders.

The table outlines the bonus categories for both cards, allowing you to visually compare and decide which card aligns best with your spending habits.

Category
U.S. Bank Cash+
Discover it Chrome

Restaurants

2% if chosen everyday category/1%

2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter

Fast Food

5% if chosen category (up to $2,000)/1%

2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter

Grocery Stores

2% if chosen everyday category/1%

1% unlimited

Gas Stations

2% if chosen everyday category/1%

2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter

Streaming Services

5% if chosen category (up to $2,000)/1%

1% unlimited

Redeeming Rewards

The Discover it Chrome provides a variety of redemption options, such as gift cards and statement credits, with the added benefit that rewards do not expire. By contrast, the U.S. Bank Cash+ requires at least $25 in rewards to redeem and imposes a 36-month expiration, potentially influencing how and when you choose to use your cash back.

Methodology

MoneyGeek's ranking process evaluates credit cards across various use cases, such as balance transfers and cash back rewards. The U.S. Bank Cash+ scores highest for cash back rewards, emphasizing the value of rewards and cost-effectiveness of the card. The Discover it Chrome is most notable for balance transfers, with a focus on introductory APR offers and ongoing interest rates.

The primary factors influencing these scores include the effective reward rate and the cost of annual fees for cash back, and the introductory and regular APRs for balance transfers. For a detailed understanding of our scoring system, you can review our ranking methodology.

FAQ: U.S. Bank Cash+ vs. Discover it Chrome Card

What are the cash back rewards for each card?
Do either of the cards have an annual fee?
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About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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