For the past few weeks, I have been researching which U.S Bank credit card is best for me. I’ve learned that what card works best depends on how each family wants to utilize their card and the kind of lifestyle they lead. For example, I like to travel a lot, so I hunt for cards that help me get air miles and free lounge access.
Since I already did the research, I thought why not share this with you so that you can help identify which card at U.S. Bank suits your lifestyle. I have tried to share details about the cards that go well with different types of situations so I hope you can find a relevant and beneficial credit card for you.
Let me share with you some of the key pointers on U.S bank credit cards, detail what each one offers, what’s required to apply for them, and what card is the best fit for your lifestyle.
- U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card
- U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card
- U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card
- U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
- How to Apply for U.S. Bank Credit Cards
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card
With this card, you earn 20,000 bonus points right away, all you need to do is spend $1,000 in the first quarter after receiving the card. These points are worth $200 and redeemable towards things like cash back, travel, gift cards, and merchandise.
You get a massive 4 points on every dollar spent on dining, including takeaway and delivery. Plus, 2 points on grocery purchases, gas filling, and entertainment. The flip side is that you cannot combine this card’s rewards with other Altitude cards from the same bank.
It is the most attractive dining credit card available with its $0 annual fee! Not to mention, benefits and bonuses on groceries, gas, and a $15 credit towards annual streaming services like Netflix and Spotify.
As a traveler, what I love most about this card is that the points never expire and there are no foreign transaction fees.
Fees & Qualifying
You need to be an American citizen and above 18 years of age to qualify. Also, an account at U.S. Bank is mandatory to apply for a card. Other than this I would say make sure that your credit score is more than average. This will ensure that you get a quick decision within 60 seconds after applying.
- ZERO annual membership fee
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases & Balance Transfers:
- 0% for the first 12 billing cycles
- 14.99% to 23.99% after that (based on your creditworthiness)
- APR for Cash advances: 25.99%
- Transaction Fees:
- Balance Transfer: 3% of the amount, or $5, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance ATM: 5% of the amount, or $10, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance: 5% of the amount, or $10, whichever is greater.
- Foreign Transaction: ZERO
- Penalty Fees:
- Late Payment: Up to $40
- Returned Payment: Up to $40
- Overlimit: ZERO
U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card
I have personally used this card to improve my credit history, no kidding! Use it like any other credit card with no annual or hidden fees. It is accepted worldwide so you can travel and use the card hassle-free. Make regular payments on the amount due and watch your score improve monthly.
I would say the key benefit is the improvement in the credit score but there’s more. As a fan of tap-and-go, I have used this card with ease. You also get a mobile wallet to back up these payments for a convenient experience at your next merchant outlet.
My two cents for a credit repair card go to the U.S Secured Visa Card. Start here if you are well below the average score. Continually paying on time will help you raise your score and make you eligible for other cards sooner.
If you ask me what I like about this card it is that the sole focus of this card is to get you back up in good standing. What else can you ask from a no-frills card? Again, as a con, I had to combine this card with another offer to take advantage of offers.
Fees & Qualifying
There is no minimum account balance threshold to get this card. Apart from the citizenship and age factor, you need to ensure your credit score is not terribly below average or you will not qualify for this card. Check out the full details of what low credit scores qualify on their website.
- Annual Membership Fee: ZERO
- APR (for Purchases, Balance Transfers & Cash Advances) : 25.99%
- Transaction Fees:
- Balance Transfer: 3% of the amount, or $5, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance ATM: 5% of the amount, or $10, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance: 5% of the amount, or $10, whichever is greater.
- Foreign Transaction: 2% – 3%
- Penalty Fees:
- Late Payment : Up to $40
- Returned Payment: Up to $40
- Overlimit: ZERO
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card
I genuinely love the word cashback and this card is all about giving back. You earn $150 in rewards for applying online and when you spend at least $500 in qualified categories within the first quarter. There are 5%, 3%, and 1% cashback rewards on restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores.
One of the key benefits that I observed from this card is that you get flexibility on your cashback redemption.
What I mean is you can request value in terms of a statement credit, a rewards credit, or better yet, a direct transfer to your savings account. Choose what you like as per your lifestyle: so cool!
Fees & Qualifying
This card is eligible for and aimed at new account holders at U.S. Bank, so ensure you qualify for it. If you already have one card of this type, you will not be able to get another one. Next, to be eligible for the first card, you need to have a credit score of at least 670.
- No Annual Membership Fee
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases: 13.99% to 23.99% (based on your creditworthiness)
- APR for Balance Transfers:
- 0% for the first 12 billing cycles (within 60 days of account opening)
- 13.99% to 23.99% after that (based on your creditworthiness)
- APR for Cash advances: 25.99%
- Transaction Fees:
- Balance Transfer: 3% of the amount, or $5, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance ATM: 5% of the amount, or $10, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance: 5% of the amount, or $10, whichever is greater.
- Foreign Transaction: 2% – 3%
- Penalty Fees:
- Late Payment: Up to $40
- Returned Payment: Up to $40
- Overlimit: ZERO
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
There is a welcome offer currently running on this card which allows you 0% APR on spending for the first 20 payment cycles. Also, if you have an unexpected expenditure, the credit on the card is manageable with 0% APR.
The savings and convenience that accrue due to the 0% APR are a big plus. For someone like me who doesn’t like to keep a tab on due dates, the auto payments facility will help me avoid late fees. Lastly, you can simply pay at merchant outlets by pulling your phone out!
I love the long interest-free period of 20 payment cycles and 0% on balance transfers. Plus, the flexibility to pay the way I want according to my schedule.
In terms of pros and cons, you get up to a year with no interest levied on the card plus you get time to repay with ease in case you make an expensive purchase. But I don’t like the fact that one cannot earn any rewards on this card, unlike other cards.
Fees & Qualifying
There are no special eligibility criteria for this card. Last I checked, an average credit score and a U.S bank account will do the trick. The key features are aimed at balance transfer customers so if you are one of them, fill out the form and get a decision in under two minutes!
- No Annual Membership Fee
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases & Balance Transfers:
- 0% for the first 12 billing cycles
- 14.49% to 24.49% after that (based on your creditworthiness)
- APR for Cash advances: 25.99%
- Transaction Fees:
- Balance Transfer: 3% of the amount, or $5, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance ATM: 5% of the amount, or $10, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance: 5% of the amount, or $10, whichever is greater.
- Foreign Transaction: 2% – 3%
- Penalty Fees:
- Late Payment: Up to $40
- Returned Payment: Up to $40
- Overlimit: ZERO
How to Apply for U.S. Bank Credit Cards
To apply for a U.S Bank credit card, simply click on the Apply Now tab that you see on the same page. Next, fill out the form with your personal details. Lastly, you will see details like date of birth, social security number followed by financial history, and income sources.
I want to highlight that you are only eligible for a U.S Bank credit card if you currently have a bank account with them. During my last visit to the branch, one of the associates told me that it won’t be easy for me to get a card from them without a good credit rating.
I hope you make sure that you apply for a credit card that helps you repair your credit history. Yes, the bank has cards available specifically for this purpose.
When I asked them for the average score required to get a card, they said they do not have a specific number as each card is targeted toward customers with various needs.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: There are risks involved when applying for and using credit products. Ensure you consult the bank’s terms and conditions page before agreeing to anything.
Conclusion
My verdict is to go for the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card or the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card if you are looking for great features and benefits. If you want to improve your credit score, start with the U.S Bank Secured Visa Card. This is exactly what I did and it has really help me with my money management skills.
While U.S Bank credit cards can be hard to get if you have unhealthy credit, if I got two of these then you can too. With options like cashback, reward points, and lenient payment schedules, U.S. Bank has many options for you and your family’s priorities.