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U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card 5% Cash-back Categories [Detailed Guide]

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Jarrod West

Jarrod West

Senior Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 21U.S. States Visited: 24

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
Edited by: Jessica Merritt

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A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca...
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The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is a compelling cash-back rewards card with flexible bonus categories. This flexibility allows each cardholder to use it in a way that earns as much cash-back as possible.

While many other 5% cash-back credit cards have predetermined bonus categories, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card lets you choose which categories are best for you each quarter.

Here is a look at how these 5% cash-back categories work, how you can make the most out of them, and everything else you’ll want to know about rewards on the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card Details

Here is a quick overview of what the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card can offer new cardholders:

  • 5% cash-back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on 2 categories you choose
  • 5% cash-back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the U.S. Bank Rewards Center
  • 2% cash-back on 1 everyday category, like gas stations/EV charging stations, grocery stores, or restaurants
  • 1% cash-back on all other purchases

Hot Tip: For more details, you can read through our full review of the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card

U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card 5% Cash-back Bonus Categories

Image Credit: Upgraded Points

Each quarter, you’re able to select any 2 categories from the list of 12 options below that will allow you to earn 5% cash-back on the first $2,000 of combined spending across both selected categories for the quarter:

  • Cell phone providers
  • Department stores
  • Electronics stores
  • Fast food
  • Furniture stores
  • Ground transportation
  • Gyms/fitness centers
  • Home utilities
  • Movie theaters
  • TV, internet, and streaming services
  • Select clothing stores
  • Sporting goods stores

Keep in mind that you can only select 2 each quarter, and the $2,000 threshold is combined between the 2 categories. Still, this would allow you to earn $100 in cash-back on these purchases each quarter.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card 2% Cash-back Bonus Categories

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card also gives you the option to choose 1 everyday category where you can earn uncapped 2% cash-back from the following options:

  • Gas stations and EV charging stations
  • Grocery stores and grocery delivery
  • Restaurants

While the cash-back rate is lower, many people find that they spend quite a bit on gas, groceries, and dining, so earning 2% cash-back here can be lucrative for cardholders.

How Do the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card Bonus Categories Work?

After you’re approved for the card, you’ll be able to go ahead and select the 2 categories that you’ll earn 5% cash-back on and your everyday category that you’ll earn 2% cash-back on.

You will need to change or reactivate your categories each quarter in order to continue earning rewards. U.S. Bank allows you to select your categories for the upcoming quarter as soon as 45 days before its start date.

You’ll want to ensure that you remember to set these each quarter because if you forget, you will not retroactively receive any rewards for purchases you’ve already made.

How To Change Your U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card Bonus Categories Each Quarter

The easiest way to change your quarterly categories is to navigate to the landing page on the U.S. Bank website, where you will enter your zip code, the last 4 digits of your card number, and your last name.

Once you are signed in you can then select your categories for the upcoming quarter, click Confirm, and then you will be all set.

If you prefer, you can also call the number on the back of your card and have a U.S. Bank representative set your upcoming categories manually for you.

Final Thoughts

If you use it strategically, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card can be a great card option. Allowing you to switch your 5% cash-back bonuses categories each quarter allows you to plan ahead and optimize for any large upcoming expenses you might have, so you can make sure you’re always earning as much cash-back as possible.

The information regarding the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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8 comments

sue wester

February 16, 2023

Can we get 5% on upcoming hotel reservations in April?

Jarrod West

February 16, 2023

Hi Sue,

Earning 5% back on hotel stays is limited to hotels you book through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center.

zak

April 25, 2023

Does the 5% category include online shopping, such as amazon or just any online shops?

Jarrod West

April 26, 2023

Hi Zak,

Amazon is not one of the 5% categories. Online shopping may apply but only if the merchant is within one of the 12 eligible categories.

Logan

June 15, 2023

Hi, do you know if Home Improvement Stores like Lowes, Home Depot and Menards fit into the 5% cash back “Department Store” category?

Jarrod West

June 16, 2023

Hi Logan,

As far as I know, they do not qualify.

Andy

July 21, 2023

Where can I find full list of categories before applying for the card. I want to make sure its worth it for me.

Jarrod West

July 21, 2023

Hi Andy,

All of the 5% back categories are detailed in this post. They include: Cell phone providers, Department stores. Electronics stores, Fast food, Furniture stores, Ground transportation, Gyms/fitness centers, Home utilities, Movie theaters, TV, internet, and streaming services, Select clothing stores. and Sporting goods stores.

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