U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card 5% Cash-back Categories [Guide] (2024)

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is a compelling cash-back rewards card with flexible bonus categories. This flexibility allows each cardholder to use it in a way that earns as much cash-back as possible.

While many other 5% cash-back credit cards have predetermined bonus categories, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card lets you choose which categories are best for you each quarter.

Here is a look at how these 5% cash-back categories work, how you can make the most out of them, and everything else you’ll want to know about rewards on the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card Details

U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card 5% Cash-back Categories [Guide] (1)

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card was made for those looking to maximize and rotate their cash-back rewards across a large range of regular expenses.

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

This card was made for those looking to maximize and rotate their cash-back rewards across a large range of regular expenses.

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.

$200

$0

0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable).

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is a great card for those looking to maximize their cash-back rewards by earning up to 5% backfrom a variety of expense categories.

The cardholder gets to choose 2 categories every quarter. It’s also the best cash-back card to use for utility bills, a tricky expense to get solid rewards back for.

Pros

  • 5% cash-back across a large range of expense categories (you choose 2 categories every quarter), includingutility bills(a rare perk for a credit card),home utilities, cell phone providers, fast food, TV, internet and streaming services, gym/fitness centers, and more
  • 5% cash-back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
  • 2% cash-back on 1 everyday category, including grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations
  • 1% cash-back on all other purchases
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles; after that, a variable APR currently19.49 – 29.49%
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Your 5% cash-back rewards on the top 2 categories of your choosing are limited to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter
  • Cash-back for travel expenses must be made through the Rewards Center
  • $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
  • 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
  • 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
  • 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.74 – 29.74%
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms and conditions apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable).
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in U.S. Dollars or 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in a Foreign Currency

Card Categories

  • Credit Card Reviews
  • Cash Back Credit Cards
  • No Annual Fee Cards
  • Best Credit Cards for Bills and Utilities
  • Best Credit Card for Gym Membership

Here is a quick overview of what the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card can offer new cardholders:

  • 5% cash-back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on 2 categories you choose
  • 5% cash-back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the U.S. Bank Rewards Center
  • 2% cash-back on 1 everyday category, like gas stations/EV charging stations, grocery stores, or restaurants
  • 1% cash-back on all other purchases

Hot Tip:For more details, you can read through our full review of the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card 5% Cash-back Bonus Categories

U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card 5% Cash-back Categories [Guide] (2)

Each quarter, you’re able to select any 2 categories from the list of 12 options below that will allow you to earn 5% cash-back on the first $2,000 of combined spending across both selected categories for the quarter:

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

Keep in mind that you can only select 2 each quarter, and the $2,000 threshold is combined between the 2 categories. Still, this would allow you to earn $100 in cash-back on these purchases each quarter.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card 2% Cash-back Bonus Categories

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card also gives you the option to choose 1 everyday category where you can earn uncapped 2% cash-back from the following options:

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

While the cash-back rate is lower, many people find that they spend quite a bit on gas, groceries, and dining, so earning 2% cash-back here can be lucrative for cardholders.

How Do the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card Bonus Categories Work?

After you’re approved for the card, you’ll be able to go ahead and select the 2 categories that you’ll earn 5% cash-back on and your everyday category that you’ll earn 2% cash-back on.

You will need to change or reactivate your categories each quarter in order to continue earning rewards. U.S. Bank allows you to select your categories for the upcoming quarter as soon as 45 days before its start date.

You’ll want to ensure that you remember to set these each quarter because if you forget, you will not retroactively receive any rewards for purchases you’ve already made.

How To Change Your U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card Bonus Categories Each Quarter

The easiest way to change your quarterly categories is to navigate to the landing page on the U.S. Bank website, where you will enter your zip code, the last 4 digits of your card number, and your last name.

Once you are signed in you can then select your categories for the upcoming quarter, click Confirm, and then you will be all set.

If you prefer, you can also call the number on the back of your card and have a U.S. Bank representative set your upcoming categories manually for you.

Final Thoughts

If you use it strategically, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card can be a great card option. Allowing you to switch your 5% cash-back bonuses categories each quarter allows you to plan ahead and optimize for any large upcoming expenses you might have, so you can make sure you’re always earning as much cash-back as possible.

The information regarding the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card 5% Cash-back Categories [Guide] (2024)

FAQs

U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card 5% Cash-back Categories [Guide]? ›

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa 5% Bonus Categories

Each quarter, U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa cardholders can choose two of the following bonus categories in which they will earn 5% back on the first $2,000 of combined spending: TV, internet & streaming services. Fast food. Cell phone providers.

What is the 5% category of the US Bank Cash+ card? ›

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa 5% Bonus Categories

Each quarter, U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa cardholders can choose two of the following bonus categories in which they will earn 5% back on the first $2,000 of combined spending: TV, internet & streaming services. Fast food. Cell phone providers.

How do I select categories for U.S. Bank cash Plus? ›

  1. Online banking: Select your rewards card, then choose Go to rewards & benefits. ...
  2. Locate the banner for the current quarter and select Choose Your Categories.
  3. Select the categories you want to earn rewards on.
  4. Once you're ready, select Activate categories.

How many 5% categories can a cardholder choose on the Max cash Preferred card? ›

Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.

How do 5% cash back on credit cards work? ›

When a credit card gives you 5% cash back, it means that you will earn 5 cents in rewards for every dollar you spend on qualifying purchases. You can usually redeem cash back rewards for a statement credit, a check in the mail, or a deposit into an eligible bank account.

Is US Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card hard to get? ›

People with a credit score of 700+ have the best odds of being approved for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card.

What are the Category 3 banks in the US? ›

5 Based on current asset levels alone, Category III would include U.S. Bancorp, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., Capital One Financial Corporation, and The Charles Schwab Corporation.

What are Bank of America cash back categories? ›

Choose which category you want to earn 3% cash back in: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to Online Banking, ...

Do U.S. Bank Cashplus rewards expire? ›

Cash rewards will expire at the end of the calendar month 36 months after the billing cycle in which they were earned. Cardmember must enroll each quarter into categories of their choice, or all net purchases will earn no more than 1% cash back.

What is the $250 bonus at U.S. Bank? ›

Earn a $250 rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. Plus earn 2% cash back on one everyday category you choose each quarter. 1% cash back on all other eligible spend.

What is the ideal number of credit cards that a person should have? ›

There is no right number of credit cards to own, and owning multiple cards gives you access to different rewards programs that various cards offer. Owning five cards, for example, would give you a bigger total line of credit and lower your credit utilization ratio.

How many credit cards should you have by 25? ›

It's generally recommended that you have two to three credit card accounts at a time, in addition to other types of credit. Remember that your total available credit and your debt to credit ratio can impact your credit scores. If you have more than three credit cards, it may be hard to keep track of monthly payments.

Can I have 6 credit cards? ›

How many credit cards is too many or too few? Credit scoring formulas don't punish you for having too many credit accounts, but you can have too few. Credit bureaus suggest that five or more accounts — which can be a mix of cards and loans — is a reasonable number to build toward over time.

Is 5% cash back worth it? ›

If the bonus categories are in line with your spending, it can be smart to take advantage of a 5% cash-back card. The bonus rewards you earn during those periods could outweigh what you'd get using a flat-rate card that only earns 1% to 2% cash-back year-round.

Is there a catch to cash back credit cards? ›

Watch Out for Fees

If the fee for a card is $95, this means you'll net fewer cash-back rewards annually due to this added cost. However, you should also consider how many rewards you would earn with different cards. Cards with annual fees typically offer higher rewards rates.

What does 5% cashback do? ›

Cashback, effectively a reward or incentive, is primarily used by credit card companies to encourage consumers to make purchases on credit more often. A cashback feature on a credit card allows the cardholder to earn a percentage (ranging typically from 0.25%-5%) of eligible spend.

What type of card is 5? ›

What do the credit card numbers on each card mean?
Card issuerFirst 6 digitsLast 6 digits
Mastercard5-Customer account number
Visa4-Customer account number
American Express3-Customer account number

What are the five card payment networks? ›

There are currently five authorised card networks in India—RuPay, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club. In this article, you can get information on Credit Card networks, how they work and the types.

What is the card issuer category? ›

A card issuer is a financial institution, typically a bank, that provides payment cards to customers. These include credit, debit and prepaid cards. Issuers approve transactions, set terms and conditions for card use, and bear the associated financial risks.

What is the classification of credit card? ›

Fortunately, most cards can be classified into three major categories based on the features they offer: rewards credit cards, low interest and balance transfer cards, and credit-building cards. This classification can help you narrow down your choices.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Domingo Moore

Last Updated:

Views: 6142

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Domingo Moore

Birthday: 1997-05-20

Address: 6485 Kohler Route, Antonioton, VT 77375-0299

Phone: +3213869077934

Job: Sales Analyst

Hobby: Kayaking, Roller skating, Cabaret, Rugby, Homebrewing, Creative writing, amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.