U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card Review: A Game-Changer for Savvy Shoppers

Features

• Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95, making it a solid choice for those who maximize their rewards.
• Rewards Rate: Earn up to 6% cash back on select shopping categories, 3% on a category you choose, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: A generous $250 bonus after spending $2,000 within the first 120 days.
• Special Cash Back Rates: 5.5% on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked through the Rewards Center.

Benefits

• Highly Customizable Rewards: Choose two retailers each quarter for 6% cash back and one everyday category for 3% cash back.
• Broad Rewards Categories: Includes popular retailers like Amazon.com™, Walmart®, and Target®, catering to where you already shop.
• Flexibility in Redemption: Cash back earned can be applied as a statement credit, directly into a U.S. Bank account, or for rewards.
• Introductory Offer: The first-year annual fee waiver allows new cardholders to try the card's benefits with no upfront cost.

Drawbacks

• Annual Fee and Spending Caps: After the first year, the card charges an annual fee, which can detract from the rewards earned. The $1,500 quarterly cap on earning 6% and 3% limits the card's earning potential.
• High Maintenance: Actively managing and selecting categories each quarter to earn higher reward rates can be burdensome for some users. Forgetting to select categories means earning a lower rate on all purchases.

Product Summary

The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card is an excellent choice for shoppers looking to maximize rewards on their spending at major retailers and everyday categories. With the ability to earn up to 6% cash back at retailers of your choice and 3% in categories like gas stations or utility bills, this card offers unmatched flexibility and earning potential. While the $95 annual fee (waived the first year) might seem steep, the potential rewards and sign-up bonus can offset this cost for active users. The 1.5% cash back on all other purchases ensures that every transaction earns you money back. Ideal for those who frequently shop at the included retailers and can strategically choose their categories, this card combines the benefits of tailored rewards with the convenience of a Visa Signature® card, including travel and purchase protections.