Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

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

Jarrod West's image
Jarrod West
Jarrod West's image

Jarrod West

Senior Content Contributor

451 Published Articles 1 Edited Article

Countries Visited: 21U.S. States Visited: 24

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
Jessica Merritt's image

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

102 Published Articles 541 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 4U.S. States Visited: 23

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca...
& Kellie Jez
Kellie Jez's image

Kellie Jez

Director of Operations & Compliance

6 Published Articles 1193 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10U.S. States Visited: 20

Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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+® Visa Signature® Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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.

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, 19.49% - 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% back from 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), including utility 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
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 19.49 – 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, 19.49% - 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

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+ Visa Signature Card Upgraded Points LLC
Image Credit: Upgraded Points

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card work?

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card allows you to select 2 categories each quarter where you can earn 5% cash-back on a combined $2,000 in purchases, plus 1 everyday category where you can earn an uncapped 2% cash-back.

What are the 5% cash-back categories on the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card?

The 5% cash-back categories on the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card are:

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

What are the 2% cash-back categories on the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card?

The 2% cash-back categories on the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card are as follows:

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

How can I redeem my cash-back from the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card?

You can redeem your cash-back rewards as a statement credit, a deposit into a linked bank account, or as a gift card.

What happens if I forget to select my quarterly categories?

If you forget to select your quarterly categories you’ll only earn 1% cash-back on these purchases until you do. Further, your cash-back rewards are not retroactive if you forget to activate them.

Jarrod West's image

About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

The Ultimate Lounge Playbook!

Discover the exact steps we use to get into 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, for free (even if you’re flying economy!).

playbook cover
DMCA.com Protection Status