The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is made for people who want control over their rewards instead of letting a bank decide what counts as “bonus spending.” With no annual fee and a flexible cash-back structure, the card lets you pick two categories every quarter to earn elevated rewards, while still functioning like a normal Visa you can use anywhere.
That customization is the whole point. If your budget leans toward utilities, streaming, gym memberships, or home improvement one month and restaurant bills the next, Cash+ can shift with you. Used strategically, it turns predictable bills and everyday purchases into consistent cash back—without requiring a premium annual fee to do it.
Why the U.S. Bank Cash+ Card stands out
What separates Cash+ from most cashback cards is that you get to choose where the high earn rates land. Each quarter, you select two 5% categories (on up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter) and one 2% everyday category, while everything else earns 1%.
The 5% list includes unusually useful options, like home utilities and cell phone bills, as well as more common picks such as fast food, electronics stores, department stores, gyms, or certain travel booked through U.S. Bank’s Rewards Center.
Starting limit (what to expect)
There isn’t a published universal starting credit line. U.S. Bank sets your initial limit using standard factors like credit score, income, debt levels, and prior banking relationship. Applicants with good to excellent credit profiles typically receive higher lines, while borderline profiles may start more modestly.
The upside is that U.S. Bank reevaluates accounts over time. If you pay on time, keep utilization reasonable, and show steady spending without carrying heavy balances, you may be offered a credit-line increase in the months after approval.
Drawbacks and cautions
Cash+ is powerful, but only if you stay organized. The biggest catch is that you must activate your chosen categories every quarter. If you don’t, your spending drops to 1% and the card begins to look average compared to flat-rate competitors. It’s a “set a reminder” kind of card.
Also, the card isn’t built for international use. There’s a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it’s not the best travel companion outside the U.S. And while the card offers a long 0% intro APR window, the ongoing variable APR can be high, meaning carrying a balance can quickly erase your rewards value.
Extra perks beyond cashback
Beyond earning, Cash+ includes benefits you’d expect from a Visa Signature product. Cardholders get access to the Visa Signature Concierge for travel or event help, plus purchase protections and other standard Visa perks that add quiet value over time.
One standout feature is cell phone protection of up to $600 per claim (with a deductible) when you pay your monthly cell bill using the card. That’s an unusually practical benefit in a no-annual-fee package, especially if “cell phone providers” is one of your 5% categories.
Popularity and customer sentiment
The card has stayed popular because it targets expenses people actually have, not just trendy categories. Many reviews highlight that Cash+ is one of the few no-fee cards where recurring bills—like utilities or streaming—can earn premium cash back.
The main feedback split is predictable: organized users love it, hands-off users find it annoying. People who remember to pick categories every quarter usually rate it as a top-tier cashback tool. Those who want rewards to run on autopilot sometimes prefer a flat 2% card instead.
How to apply?
Applying is straightforward through U.S. Bank’s website. You’ll fill out personal and financial details, and U.S. Bank will run a credit check. Approval decisions can be instant or take a few days depending on your file.
New cardholders also get a welcome bonus of $200 after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within 90 days, which is a realistic threshold for most households. Pair that with the 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases (and balance transfers), and the first year can be especially valuable.
Who benefits most
Cash+ shines for people with predictable, category-heavy spending. If you pay a big utility bill every month, fund a gym membership, spend regularly on fast food, or rack up cell phone costs, being able to choose those categories at 5% can beat most general cashback cards.
It’s also a strong “second card” in a wallet. Many users pair Cash+ with a flat-rate card for everything else, using Cash+ only in the categories they’ve selected. That hybrid approach can push your overall cashback rate higher without extra fees.
Is the U.S. Bank Cash+ Card worth it?
For the right person, yes. With no annual fee, a healthy welcome bonus, and the ability to earn 5% in categories you actually use, Cash+ can deliver serious long-term value—especially if your budget includes big recurring bills that other cards don’t reward well. But it’s not a universal fit. If you dislike quarterly category management, travel abroad often, or tend to carry balances, a simpler flat-rate card might be safer.
