What features do you look for when getting a new credit card? For example, do you prefer cards without an annual fee, a low intro APR, or one with cashback rewards?
Such features differentiate the US Bank Cash+, FlexPerks, or Visa Platinum cards from one another. For example, one offers cash rewards, another lets you earn points, and the other offers a low APR.
If you've been trying to decide which of these three is best for you, then you're in the right place. In this article, we'll look at each of these cards, their features, and how to apply for them.
US Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card
The Cash+ Visa Signature credit card is a card with numerous options for earning cashback rewards with no annual fee and a low intro APR. When you first receive your card, you'll get a $200 introductory offer reward bonus after you apply online and spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
With this card, you can earn cashback rewards from multiple channels, including gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, and 1,100 online stores in the Rewards Center Earn Mall. Once you've earned at least $25, you can redeem your cashback via statement credit, rewards card, or direct deposit into your account.
To redeem your cashback, log in to your mobile app or online banking and select your US Bank Cash+ account. Then select Rewards Center and follow on-screen directions. Alternatively, you can call the Cardmember Services number on your Cash+® Visa cashback credit card.
Features of the US Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card
The Cash+ Visa Signature Card also offers an introductory 0% APR offer on balance transfers and purchases for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, you'll have to pay the variable APR stated in your welcome package.
When it comes to rewards, US Bank gives you more control over how you can earn. You can choose three categories, two from entertainment and one from everyday purchases. For the first two categories, like fitness centers and streaming services, you'll earn 5% on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in the categories you choose.
Then you'll earn 2% cashback on one everyday category, like gas stations and EV charging stations, grocery stores, or restaurants. Other purchases earn a 1% cashback. And if you don't enroll in any category for the quarter, all your net purchases will still earn 1%.
Also read: Find Out How to Apply for a Capital One Venture Credit Card – Venture Rewards
Fees and Interest
Below are the fees and interest you'll pay on this card.
- APR for Purchases - 0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles. After that the APR is 18.99% to 28.99%.
- APR for Balance Transfers - 0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles for balances transferred within 60 days from account opening. After that, 18.99% to 28.99%
- APR for Cash Advances - 30.49%
- Balance Transfer - Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance - Either 5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction - 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in US Dollars
- Late and Returned Payment - Up to $41
Application Process and Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Cash+ credit card, you need to be at least 18 years or older and be a resident of the United States. You must also have government-issued identification documents to prove both facts.
To order this card, visit the Cash+ application page and fill in the required information. You'll also be able to transfer up to five balances on the application and add an authorized user.
US Bank Visa® Platinum Card
The Visa Platinum card features an introductory offer of 0% APR for 18 billing cycles, which gives you ample time to pay off large purchases or balance transfers. This is one of the reasons that Nerdwallet gave the card a Best-Of Award for 2021. It won the category of Best 0% Intro APR and Balance Transfer Credit Card.
While focusing on repaying your debt, you'll never have to worry about paying an annual fee. Before opting for this card, use the savings calculator to see how much you'll save with the 0% APR and $0 annual fee.
Also, Visa Platinum cardholders get access to the US Bank ExtendPay plan, which divides the cost of large purchases into smaller fixed monthly payments and allows you to pay a small monthly fee instead of interest.
Features of US Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Although you don't get rewards or points as a Visa Platinum card holder, you have other benefits that still make it worthwhile. Using the mobile app or online banking, you can view your credit score for free anytime, anywhere.
So if you've done a balance transfer and want to see how the new arrangement affects your score, the card has you covered. Also, you could receive up to $1,200 in annual cellphone coverage for damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card.
Additionally, you can select your due date and auto-pay choices to fit in with your budget schedule to avoid late fees and compounding interest.
Also read: Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card – How to Apply
Fees and Interest
With this card, you'll make free balance transfers, but there are other fees to pay, such as those detailed in this section.
- APR for Purchases - 0% introductory APR for the first 20 billing cycles. After that, 18.99% to 28.99%
- APR for Balance Transfers - 0% introductory APR for the first 20 billing cycles for balances transferred within 60 days from account opening. After that, 18.99% to 28.99%
- APR for Cash Advances - 30.49%
- Balance Transfer - Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance - Either 5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction - 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in US Dollars
- Late and Returned Payment - Up to $41
Application Process and Eligibility Criteria
A successful Visa Platinum credit card applicant must first be 18 years or older and be a US resident with government-issued identification documents to prove it. You also need to have a good to excellent credit score.
To apply, visit the application page and enter all the required information. Once you submit it, it will take less than 10 minutes to receive a decision.
US Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express Card
As the name goes, the FlexPerks Gold American Express card allows you to flex with the credit card's perks. It gives cardholders up to 5x points in rewards on eligible purchases.
As a new card holder, you receive an introductory offer of 30,000 bonus Flexpoints worth $450 when you spend $2,000 on car rental, airfare, and hotel stays within the first four months of account opening.
When you accumulate a minimum of 5,000 FlexPoints, you can redeem your cashback through a statement credit or a bank account deposit. You can use the rewards to pay off interest rates or annual fees.
Features of US Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express Card
At the basic level, you receive one FlexPoint for every $1 in eligible net purchases on everyday expenses. In addition, you'll earn an additional four points for every $1 in eligible net purchases on prepaid hotels and car rentals.
When you go out to dinner or need to eat in and order takeout or restaurant delivery, you'll receive an additional two FlexPoints for your net purchases. Then one extra point at airlines and gas and electronic vehicle charging stations.
Aside from FlexPoints, you can apply to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for free and connect to WiFi worldwide with Boingo WiFi. You also enjoy extra benefits from CONNECT by American Express, including travel insurance, concierge service, and shopping rewards at your favorite places.
Fees and Interest
Compared to the Cash+ and Visa Platinum cards, the FlexPerks Gold credit card is a more pricey credit card to maintain and use regarding membership fees.
- APR for Purchases - 18.99% to 28.99%
- APR for Balance Transfers - 18.99% to 28.99%
- APR for Cash Advances - 30.49%
- Annual membership fee - $85
- Balance Transfer - Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance - Either 5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction fee - None
- Late and Returned Payment - Up to $41
Application Process and Eligibility Criteria
If you want to apply for the FlexPerks Gold credit card, you must be 18 years or older and also a resident of the United States. You must also have government-issued identification documents to prove both facts.
To apply for the FlexPerks card, you'll need to go through the same process as the other two cards. If you want to apply, visit the US Bank website and fill out the FlexPerks online application form.
Also read: US Bank Personal Loan – How to Order Online
Cash+ vs. Visa Platinum vs. FlexPerks: Pros and Cons
When you compare all three, you'll get a feel of what each credit card offers and which trumps the other in specific categories. For example, if you need to make balance transfers, you'll need a card with a low intro APR like the Visa Platinum card. So, first, discover your purpose.
While the Visa Platinum card is excellent for managing your debt, it's not a very good option for travel. That's where the FlexPerks card comes in with its numerous points-earning opportunities and American Express card benefits.
On the other hand, if you're more of a homebody and spend more on everyday purchases, you'll fit better with the Cash+ credit card instead of a FlexPerks card for cashback rewards.
Contact Information
If you need help deciding or have questions, you can quickly contact a US Bank representative via phone or by visiting a branch.
To place a call, dial 8008722657. For a branch visitation, you'll have to book an appointment for faster service or find a branch and walk in at your convenience.
Conclusion
Whether you want the Cash+ cashback, FlexPerks reward points, or to restructure your debt with Visa Platinum from US bank, the card you choose should suit your needs perfectly.
Note: Consider the risks involved in using credit products before applying by consulting the issuing institution’s terms and conditions.
