Best U.S. Bank Credit Cards of May 2026
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Written by
Sarah Hostetler
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Edited by
Jasmin Baron, CCC™
If earning cash back is your aim, several U.S. Bank credit card options are right up your alley. U.S. Bank has one of the best cash-back credit card lineups among major issuers.
Of course, it serves several other valuable credit card categories, too — so it’s worth taking a minute to compare U.S. Bank cards. Here’s how to quickly find the best U.S. Bank credit card for your needs.
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Quick Overview: Best U.S. Bank Credit Cards
| Our Choice For | Credit Range | Annual Fee | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Travel |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Earn a welcome bonus and 1X – 5X rewards 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
4X on travel 4X at gas stations and EV charging stations on your first $1,000 each quarter (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs) 2X on dining, streaming services and at grocery stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs) 1X point on all other eligible purchases
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Bonus Rewards on Dining With No Annual Fee |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
|
$0 |
Earn up to 4x points and a welcome bonus4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more! 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
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| Customized Cash Back |
Good/Excellent
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Get up to 5% cash back plus a bonus
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Cash Back at Select Merchants |
Good/Excellent
670 – 850*
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$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 |
Earn up to 6% cash back at two eligible merchants you choose
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U.S. Bank Customers |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Unlimited 2% cash back
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Ultra-Long Intro APR |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Incredible intro APR on purchases and balance transfers0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. After that the APR is variable, currently 16.99%-27.99%.
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Detailed Overview: Best U.S. Bank Credit Cards
Top Feature
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 17.49%-27.49%.
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
4X on travel
4X at gas stations and EV charging stations on your first $1,000 each quarter (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs)
2X on dining, streaming services and at grocery stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs)
1X point on all other eligible purchases
Card Details From Issuer
- Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That’s a $200 value redeemable towards travel.
- 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center.
- 4X on travel.
- 4X at gas stations and EV charging stations on your first $1,000 each quarter (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 2X on dining, streaming services and at grocery stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
- Up to $100 in statement credits for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® toward your application fee once every four years.
- Redeem points right away or save them for later. Points do not expire as long as the account remains active
- Protection and assistance when traveling with Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Trip Delay Reimbursement and SmartDelay.
- Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership gives you 4 free visits to over 1,600 airport VIP lounges and experiences worldwide.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Top Feature
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, then 17.49% – 27.49%
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Card Details From Issuer
- Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That’s a $200 value if you deposit rewards into an eligible U.S. Bank account.
- 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
- 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
- 2X at grocery stores and gas stations/EV charging stations (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded effective September 9, 2024).
- 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 17.49% – 27.49%.
- No Annual Fee
- Points never expire as long as your account is active.
- Redeem points towards a monetary charitable contribution and U.S. Bank will match your contribution at 100%. Terms and conditions apply.
Top Feature
$250 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 17.74% to 27.99% applies
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants.
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Card Details From Issuer
- $250 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 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 Travel Center.
- 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations and 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 17.74% to 27.99%.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms and conditions apply.
Top Feature
Earn a $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
17.99% to 27.99% Variable APR
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Earn 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases on your choice of one everyday category (like wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, bills and utilities)
Earn 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
- 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose.
- 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases on your choice of one everyday category (like wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, bills and utilities)
- 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first 12 months. After that, $95
Top Feature
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 17.74% – 27.99%
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Earn up to an additional 2% cash back on your first $10,000 in eligible Net Purchases each billing cycle when paired with a U.S. Bank Smartly® Savings account plus qualifying balances in U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and/or Safe Debit account(s).
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase
- Up to an additional 2% cash back on your first $10,000 in eligible Net Purchases each billing cycle when paired with a U.S. Bank Smartly® Savings account plus qualifying balances in U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and/or Safe Debit account(s).
- $0 annual fee
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 17.74% – 27.99%
Top Feature
Cell phone protection
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. After that the APR is variable, currently 16.99%-27.99%.
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Card Details From Issuer
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. After that, the APR is variable, currently 16.99%-27.99%.
- 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly directly in the Travel Center when you use your card.
- Earn a $20 annual statement credit for 11 consecutive months of purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Cell Phone Protection: Get up to $600 reimbursed if your cell phone is stolen or damaged when you pay your monthly cellular bill with your card.
- Terms and conditions apply.
How To Choose the Best U.S. Bank Credit Card for You
Which is the best U.S. Bank card for you? Here are some things to consider.
Which Cards Do You Qualify For?
Most U.S. Bank credit cards are tailored for those with a good credit score or better. Depending on your credit score, you may not be eligible for some of them.
When opening a credit card that earns rewards or offers 0% intro APR, aim for a FICO score of at least 670 to give yourself the best chance of approval.
Do You Want To Earn Rewards or Avoid Interest?
There are two primary objectives when opening a U.S. Bank credit card: earning rewards and avoiding interest. U.S. Bank’s best no-annual-fee credit cards typically earn rewards and offer an intro APR.
However, the issuer’s most generous intro APR credit card, the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card, doesn’t earn rewards (aside from 4% back on select travel booked through U.S. Bank’s Travel Center) — and its most impressive earner, the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card, doesn’t offer an intro APR. Knowing your primary credit card goal will best steer your decision.
What Are Your Spending Habits?
When searching for a rewards credit card, one of the most important factors is your spending. U.S. Bank cards have varying return rates for specific spending categories, such as dining, groceries and travel. My small family spends over $1,000 per month on groceries (which is easy to do nowadays), so my credit card strategy heavily favors supermarkets.
Do You Travel?
If you intend to travel often, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card could be your best bet. It comes with travel-focused perks like no foreign transaction fees, limited access to airport lounges, and even up to $100 in credits (once every four years) toward a five-year membership to Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.
Are You Averse To Annual Fees?
U.S. Bank’s best rewards credit card charges an annual fee. The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards comes with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 — but its return rate is so generous that it can be well worth the money.
Pros and Cons of U.S. Bank Cards
Before you choose U.S. Bank for your credit card needs, weigh the following:
Pros
- Some credit cards let you choose your own bonus categories
- Above-average intro APR offers
- Several no-annual-fee options
Cons
- Mediocre welcome offers compared to competitors
- Travel rewards don’t transfer to airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Some credit card bonus earnings have caps
U.S. Bank Credit Card Benefits
U.S. Bank credit cards come with the standard perks that you’ve come to expect from most credit cards. You’ll also find a handful of excellent features that are rarely offered by other issuers. For example:
- Customizable bonus categories: For example, the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards gives you up to 6% back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter (then 1%) with two retailers that you choose (think Amazon, Walmart, Apple, Menards and many more). You’ll also get 3% back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases (then 1%) from one category that you choose (such as utilities, wholesale clubs and gas stations). The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card also offers choose-your-own bonus categories.
- 0% intro APR: Many U.S. Bank credit cards offer an interest-free period upon account opening. For example, the U.S. Bank Shield Card offers the longest window: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. After that the APR is variable, currently 16.99%-27.99%.
- Travel insurance: The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect offers benefits such as trip delay reimbursement and trip cancellation/interruption insurance — excellent for a no-annual-fee travel credit card.
- Airport lounge access: The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect confers up to four free visits to Priority Pass Select airport lounges each year. Airport lounge access is a perk typically reserved for credit cards that charge hundreds in annual fees. The fact that you can get any sort of lounge access from a no-annual-fee credit card is astounding.
- Relationship-eligible card bonuses: Some credit cards will increase the earning rate on your spending if you’ve got a relationship with U.S. Bank. For example, the U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card earns a flat 2% back on all purchases — but you can earn up to an additional 2% back for the first $10,000 in eligible purchases each billing cycle when you’ve also got a U.S. Bank Smartly Savings account and qualifying balances in a U.S. Bank Smartly Checking and/or Safe Debit account.
- Streaming bonus: The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card gives you an automatic $15 statement credit every 12-month period in which you’ve charged an eligible streaming service to your card for 11 consecutive calendar months. Netflix, Hulu and Apple Music are examples of what qualifies.
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit: TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both programs that can help you to speed through airport security with less probing. TSA PreCheck lets you keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on when passing through eligible domestic security checkpoints — it even lets you keep your laptop in your bag. Global Entry is for those returning to the U.S. from overseas and allows you to enter information at a kiosk instead of waiting to answer questions from an immigration officer. Global Entry also comes with TSA PreCheck privileges. The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect gives you up to $100 in credit every four years toward a five-year membership with one of these programs.
If you don’t have a Trusted Traveler Program like TSA PreCheck, it’s a huge upgrade to your travels. I use it constantly, and I appreciate the dedicated lane often available to those with TSA PreCheck. Its turnover is exponentially faster than the standard serpentine security lanes.
Alternatives To Consider
If U.S. Bank cards don’t suit your needs, you have plenty of other options. Here’s a list of cards that are similar to those you’ll find in the U.S. Bank lineup:
- Citi Double Cash® Card: The Citi Double Cash Card, an advertising partner, is a no-annual-fee cash-back credit card that earns 1% back when you make a purchase and 1% back when you pay off that purchase. That’s effectively 2% back on everything — similar to the U.S. Bank Smartly. It also comes with a generous 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable). A 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable) APR will apply for purchases.
- Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Wells Fargo’s intro APR specialist goes toe-to-toe with the U.S. Bank Shield Card, offering a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and on qualifying balance transfers, then a 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Similar to the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card, an advertising partner, has a maximum earning rate of 6% back on common expenses, including U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in spending per year, then 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services. It also comes with $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
How To Apply for a U.S. Bank Credit Card
If you’ve opened credit cards from other issuers, you’ll recognize U.S. Bank’s procedure. It’s virtually the same. Here’s what to expect:
- Enter personal details such as your name, Social Security number, mailing address and income.
- Formally submit your application. You’ll likely receive a notification from various credit bureaus that your credit has been affected by a hard credit pull.
- U.S. Bank generally provides a definitive answer to your application within seconds. But in some cases, your submission will be marked as “pending.” This can result from inaccuracies in your application, such as a misspelling.
If your application is pending or denied, consider calling U.S. Bank to ask whether you can provide any additional details. In some cases, the customer service representative may be able to push your application toward approval.
The information related to the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card, U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card, U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card and U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for this product.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Bank Credit Cards
Which U.S. Bank card offers the best cash-back rewards?
The best U.S. Bank card for cash-back rewards is the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards, offering up to 6% on common purchases (on up to $1,500 in combined eligible spending per quarter, then 1%).
What are the best U.S. Bank cards for travel rewards?
The best U.S. Bank cards for travel rewards are the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect and the Altitude Go.
What credit score do you need for U.S. Bank credit cards?
The credit score you need to qualify for a U.S. Bank credit card depends on the specific card you want to open. That said, those looking to open a rewards or balance transfer credit card should apply with a credit score of at least 670 to give themselves the best chance of approval.
Are U.S. Bank credit cards available nationwide?
Yes, U.S. Bank credit cards are available in any state.
How Do Our Critics Evaluate the Cards?
All of the credit cards featured on CardCritics™ are assessed using the same criteria. Our critics evaluate fees, interest rates, balance transfer options, introductory bonuses, rewards, additional benefits and the average credit score required for approval.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics™ references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.