U.S. Bank Cash+ Review: Earn 5% Cash Back on Your Chosen Categories

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is great for strategic spenders who want to maximize cash back from their purchases. The card lets you earn 5% cash back in two categories you can choose from a list of 12, subject to a quarterly spending cap. You also get 2% cash back from one everyday category. It offers flexibility and high cash back potential, but its complex rewards structure requires careful management.

The U.S. Bank Cash+ is great if you want to get the most cash back from your purchases and don’t mind putting in some effort. It lets you earn 5% cash back on two categories you choose (subject to a $2,000 per quarter spending cap) and 2% on your chosen everyday category, such as groceries or gas stations. All other purchases earn you 1%.

Beyond its cash back features, this no-annual-fee card comes with a 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. Moreover, you can get a welcome bonus of $200 after spending $1,000 within the first 120 days.

The U.S. Bank Cash+’s cash back structure can be complicated, requiring you to actively choose and track your cash back categories. The 5% cash back categories are also limited and don’t include high-spend categories like groceries, dining and gas stations. These factors might make the card less appealing for those who prefer a simpler cash back system.

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The U.S. Bank Cash+ offers a flexible and rewarding cash back program that allows you to customize your bonus categories based on your spending habits. You can earn 5% cash back on two categories you choose, up to $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Just remember that you need to activate your bonus categories every quarter so they become eligible for the 5% cash back rate.

You can select from these 12 categories:

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

Additionally, you can earn 2% cash back on one “everyday” category, which includes gas and EV charging stations, grocery stores and restaurants. You’ll earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. The U.S. Bank Cash+ also offers 5% cash back on airfare, hotels and car rentals booked through U.S. Bank’s Rewards Center.

When it comes to redeeming your cash back, you can redeem it as a statement credit or a direct deposit into a U.S. Bank account starting at $25. However, your cash back expires 36 months after the billing cycle in which it is earned, so you'll need to redeem your rewards regularly to avoid losing them.

The U.S. Bank Cash+ offers several compelling benefits for those looking to maximize their cash back rewards. Here's why you might want to consider this card:

The U.S. Bank Cash+ lets you earn high cash back, but you’ll need to activate categories and track spending limits to get the most from the card.

To help you decide on the U.S. Bank Cash+, we compare it with similar cash back cards.

To maximize the cash back you earn, pairing the U.S. Bank Cash+ with another card can be a good strategy.

The U.S. Bank Cash+ is a strong choice for strategic spenders who want to maximize their cash back rewards. If you prefer customizing your cash back categories each quarter and can manage the card's rewards structure, this card can offer significant value. Maximizing the spending cap on the 5% categories can net you up to $400 annually. However, if you prefer a simpler rewards system or want to get high cash back on everyday categories, there are better cards available.

We evaluated the U.S. Bank Cash+ by reviewing 60 cards and focusing on key features. The evaluation weights are as follows:

• Effective Reward Rate (50%): Measures how rewarding the cash back program is. A 5 rating indicates a highly rewarding program.
• Annual Fee (10%): Assesses the cost of maintaining the card. A 5 rating means no annual fee.
• Offer ROI (10%): Evaluates the return on investment from introductory offers. A 5 rating signifies a high ROI.
• Intro Purchase (5%): Rates the 0% APR offer on purchases. A 5 rating indicates a generous introductory period.
• Recommended Credit (5%): Indicates the credit score range required. A 5 rating means the card is available to almost all credit scores.
• Issuer Satisfaction (5%): Based on JD Power issuer satisfaction study. A 5 rating reflects high customer satisfaction.
• Penalties (5%): Rates penalty rates and fees. A 5 rating means no penalty rates or fees.
• Regular APR (5%): Assesses the regular APR. A 5 rating indicates a low APR.
• Foreign Transaction (5%): Rates foreign transaction fees. A 5 rating means no foreign transaction fees.