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

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.

Card Details

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.

Welcome Offer

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

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, 19.49% - 29.74% (Variable).

Credit Recommended

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)

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $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. 

5% Cash-back Bonus Categories

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:

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.

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 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 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.