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The best US Bank cards: Which credit card is right for you?
US Bank has a credit card for every need. If you're looking to build your credit, earn cashback bonuses on everyday purchases, or wrack up points when you travel, you can find the best cards suited for you.
Here is a look at some of the best US Bank credit cards.
- 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
- 2X points on streaming services.
- 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
- 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
- 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
- 2X points on streaming services.
- 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
- 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
This card is a juggernaut of rewards for the avid diner. When you open the card and charge $1,000 within the first 90 days, you earn 20,000 points (a $200 value). You'll also four times the points on every dollar spent on restaurant purchases -- it includes dine-in, takeout, or delivery. Moreover, earn double the points on grocery store purchases, gas, grocery delivery, streaming services, and purchases made at EV charging stations. The rest of your purchases earn one point.
Best of all, there are no point caps. You can redeem your points any time through the US Bank website for gift cards, merchandise, travel rewards, etc. And, you receive an annual streaming bonus of $15 you can use on Netflix, Apple TV, and other services.
Your card comes with no annual fees or charges for foreign transactions. And when you open an account, you'll enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.99% thereafter.
Pros
- No annual fees
- You earn four times the points on every dollar spent on restaurant purchases
- No point caps
- You earn 20,000 points (akin to $200) when you charge $1,000 within 90 days of account opening
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- You gain an annual bonus of $15 for streaming purchases
- Maximize points by using your card online with over 1,100 retailers
Cons
It doesn't offer elevated bonus points on entertainment purchases
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Secured credit cards are a wise way to get your foot in the door to build your credit score. This secured card offering from US Bank not only achieves this, but it also offers you generous cashback incentives. You'll earn 5% back on purchases made on airline tickets, car rental, or hotel reservations when you make them through the Travel Center.
The card also gives you a choice to maximize rewards. Choose one everyday category like grocery stores, gas stations, or restaurants to earn 2 % back. And for every other purchase, you'll earn 1%. You can cash out these rewards in the form of a statement credit, a direct deposit to your USbank account, or a cash card.
Most importantly, you can set your credit limit. How it works is you make a deposit that becomes your credit line. US Bank holds this deposit in a savings account as collateral. Over time, US Bank might convert your card to the US Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card with responsible use and payment history.
Pros
- No annual fees
- You set your credit limit with your deposit ($300-$5,000)
- Choose the due date
- Earn 5% back on travel purchases, 2% back on one category of your choice, and 1% back on everything else (with no rewards limit)
- Redeem points for statement credit or have them deposited into your US Bank account
- US Bank might upgrade your card with responsible use
Cons
- You won't receive an intro bonus APR
- The deposit requirement is higher than other secured credit cards (the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card offers deposits from as low as $49)
U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card
This card comes with the ultimate introductory offer: you'll have 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles, then a variable APR 19.49% - 29.49% thereafter. It gives you the wiggle room to finance large purchases or transfer credit card balances and pay them off quicker.
Moreover, the card comes with no annual fees, and you can check your credit score anytime you need to. That said, you do not receive the cashback incentives other cards on this list have. Therefore, it is a great tool to have to pay down debt quicker due to the generous introductory incentives, but it's a standard credit card after the intro promotion.
Pros
- No annual fees
- 0% APR for the first 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
- You can keep tabs on your credit score for free
- The card offers digital wallet capabilities
Cons
- The APR of 19.49%-29.49% could be high depending on which end of the spectrum you fall
- There are no cash incentives for using the card like other options making this list
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined two categories you choose.
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
- 2% cash back on your choice on one everyday category, like Gas Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined two categories you choose.
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
- 2% cash back on your choice on one everyday category, like Gas Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
With this card, you receive your pick of two categories and receive 5% back on the first $2,000 charged every quarter. These categories include fast food, streaming, cellular services, electronic stores, department stores, and much more. You'll also earn 5% back on purchases made on travel (airline, car rental, and hotel) through the Travel Rewards Center.
Moreover, you'll gain 2% cashback on an everyday category. It can involve grocery stores, gas stations, even EV charging stations. The choice is yours. And you'll earn 1% back on all other purchases.
The card allows you to maximize your rewards by giving you a $200 bonus when you charge at least $1,000 within the first 120 days of the account opening. And to make things even more enticing, you'll earn a low introductory rate of 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for the first 15 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 19.49% - 29.49% thereafter. Overall, this card wields many cashback rewards.
Pros
- You can choose two categories to earn 5% back on the first $2,000 charged every quarter
- You also earn 5% back on travel through US Bank's rewards hub, 2% on one everyday category, and 1% back on all otter purchases
- Earn a $200 bonus when you charge $1,000 within the first 120 days of opening the account
- No annual fee
- 0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
- You can redeem cashback incentives for statement credit, a deposit into your US Bank account, or receive a rewards card (it works like a gift card)
Cons
- You might prefer a simpler rewards structure (like 2% back on all purchases)
- The variable interest rate of 19.49%-29.49% can be expensive if you're on the higher end
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
How did we choose these cards?
First, we wanted to offer cards that appeal to different interests. It is why we considered building credit, travel rewards, custom cash back incentives, and balance transfer options when choosing the best cards US Bank offers.
We also examined user-friendly terms. On this front, unless the card offered enough incentives to offset its annual fee, we only included cards that didn't charge them. We also considered cards with generous bonus structures. In some cases, you have the option of choosing the categories, allowing you to customize the bonus structure to best suit your needs.
And it was ideal that they provide some introductory perks. Whether it was a cash bonus for charging a specified amount upon the first few months or a low intro rate, we wanted to find cards that gave you the best option to save money.
Which is the right card for you?
Here is a look at which US Bank credit card fits your needs the best, depending on your situation:
US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured card: Best for building your credit
This card gives you a great one-two punch in that it allows you to build your credit through responsible use. And you can earn cash incentives while doing so. You earn 5% back on purchases made through the Travel Rewards Center. You also can choose one everyday category, where every purchase nets you back 2%. And you earn 1% back on all other items. U.S Bank will also review your account periodically to determine when they can convert you to an unsecured credit card.
US Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card: Best for flexible reward structure
You can choose two categories and earn 5% back on the first $2,000 charged every quarter. Choose between cell phone bills, TV providers, sporting goods, electronics, and department stores. You'll also earn 5% back on travel purchases made through US Bank's hub. And you receive a $200 bonus when charging $1,000 within the first 120 days of opening the account.
US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature card: Best for diner rewards
This card delivers excellent incentives for you to try out new dining establishments or revisit your favorites. You earn four points for every dollar spent on dining out, takeout, or using restaurant delivery apps. Receive double the points for purchases made on groceries and grocery delivery. You'll also gain 20,000 bonus points (a $200 value) when you charge $1,000 within the first 90 days of opening the account. And you'll earn one point for every dollar spent on all other charges. Overall, this card offers some exceptional rewards for the avid restaurant-goer.
US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature card: Best for road warriors and jet setters
The $95 annual fee might seem steep on the surface, but there is a lot of value this card offers as well. You can earn 50,000 bonus points (a $500 value) when you charge $2,000 within the first 120 days. Then, you gain five times the points on every dollar spent on travel. And every four years, you can receive a statement credit of $100 to offset some of the fees for Global Entry® or TSA PreCheck®.
US Bank Visa Platinum card: Best for balance transfers
This card provides the ultimate flexibility to make a large purchase or transfer a high-interest credit card balance and pay it down quickly. You receive a 0% APR introductory rate for 18 billing cycles, then 19.49% - 29.49% variable. If you need wiggle room to pay off debt, this card offers you the avenue to do so.
How do you redeem cashback rewards?
It depends on which US Bank credit card you have. With some, you can redeem your bonuses in the form of a statement credit, have the money transferred to your US bank account, or receive a cash card in the mail. You might also redeem points for gift cards or merchandise with other credit cards.
How can you build your credit with a secured card?
Pay your bill on time each month and use less than 30% of your credit limit. Doing this shows the bank you know how to manage credit wisely. US Bank reviews accounts regularly and might convert you to an unsecured credit card and refund your deposit once you establish responsible behaviors.
Which US Bank credit card is right for you?
Think of why you want to use the card. Knowing your behaviors and needs can help steer you in the right direction as to whether you want a card offering travel rewards or other cash back incentives.
Are there alternative cards worth considering?
Yes, US Bank offers a variety of excellent credit cards.
If you travel often, here is another one to consider:
US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite card
It is the penultimate of travel reward credit cards. You receive five times the points on hotels, car rentals, and airline tickets through US Bank's Altitude Rewards Center. You can also triple your points on travel expenses. And you earn 50,000 bonus points (a cash equivalent of $750) when you charge $4,500 in the first 90 days. You'll also receive some nifty perks like airport lounge access, where you can relax before your flight in over 1,200 VIP lounges for the first year for free. The card also grants you access to generous discounts with Silvercar®.
These things said the annual fee of $400 is a little steep. Granted, if you earn the introductory bonus points, it will offset the annual charge for the first year. And US Bank offers annual credits of up to $325 for eligible travel charges to make the fee seem more manageable. However, this credit card works best for those who travel frequently and want the best of both worlds in cash back incentives and access to high-end perks.