U.S. Bank offers distinctive credit cards with unique features like customizable cash back categories and real-time rewards. Their Altitude cards compete with major travel programs, while Cash+ offers flexibility other cards can't match.

U.S. Bank Overview

U.S. Bank is the fifth-largest bank in America. Their credit cards are known for category customization and the Altitude Reserve's mobile payment bonus.

Cash Back Cards

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature

Unique customizable 5% cash back:

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  • Annual fee: $0
  • Earning rates: 5% on two categories you choose (combined $2,000/quarter), 2% on one everyday category, 1% everywhere else
  • 5% categories include: TV/internet/streaming, utilities, cell phone, gyms, department stores, furniture stores, fast food, and more
  • 2% categories include: Gas, grocery, restaurants

Best for: Those who can maximize unique 5% categories not offered elsewhere.

Standout use: 5% on utilities and cell phone bills is rare and valuable for consistent returns.

Travel Cards

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve

Premium travel card with mobile wallet focus:

  • Annual fee: $400
  • Earning rates: 3x on travel and mobile wallet purchases (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay), 1x on everything else
  • Key benefits:
    • $325 annual travel credit
    • Priority Pass lounge access
    • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
    • Points worth 1.5 cents toward travel
    • Real-time rewards at checkout

Best for: Those who frequently use mobile wallets for purchases.

U.S. Bank Altitude Go

Mid-tier dining-focused card:

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Earning rates: 4x on dining (including takeout), 2x on streaming, grocery, and gas, 1x everywhere else
  • Key benefits: No annual fee, streaming credit first year

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

  • Annual fee: $95 (waived first year)
  • Earning: 5x on prepaid hotels and car rentals, 4x on travel and dining, 2x on streaming, grocery, and gas
  • Benefits: $30 streaming credit annually, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit

FlexPerks Cards

FlexPerks Gold American Express

  • Annual fee: $85
  • Earning: 3x on airlines, 2x on gas and grocery, 1x everywhere else
  • Best for: Frequent flyers who prefer airline flexibility

Business Cards

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Earning: 3% on gas, office supplies, cell phone, and restaurant purchases; 1% everything else
  • Best for: Small businesses with spending in common categories

U.S. Bank Business Platinum

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Features: 0% intro APR, no rewards—designed for financing

Secured Card

U.S. Bank Secured Visa

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Deposit: $300-$5,000
  • Features: Regular account reviews for graduation

Real-Time Rewards

A unique U.S. Bank feature allowing redemption at checkout:

  • Use points instantly when paying with mobile wallet
  • No need to wait for statement credits
  • Works at any merchant accepting mobile payments

U.S. Bank Considerations

Relationship Requirements

Some premium cards (like Altitude Reserve) may require an existing U.S. Bank relationship. Check requirements before applying.

Geographic Availability

U.S. Bank has a strong presence in the Midwest and West Coast but limited branches in some regions.

Who Should Get U.S. Bank Cards?

  • Utility/bill payers: Cash+ offers rare 5% on utilities and cell phone
  • Mobile wallet users: Altitude Reserve rewards mobile payments at 3x
  • Dining enthusiasts: Altitude Go provides 4x dining with no annual fee
  • Those seeking customization: Cash+ category selection offers unique flexibility

U.S. Bank cards pair well with comprehensive financial planning and can fill gaps in a multi-card strategy.