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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.