Fri. Jul 5th, 2024

US Bank Cash+ Secured Credit Card Review<!-- wp:html --><p class="headline-regular financial-disclaimer">Our experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/personal-finance-editorial-standards" class="not-content-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here's how</a>). In some cases, we receive a commission from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/our-partners" class="not-content-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our partners</a>; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.</p> <p>The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Product Name Only is one of the best secured credit cards for earning cash back. You'll earn up to 5% cash back on eligible categories that you choose, giving you the potential to earn several hundred dollars in cash back each year. That's a higher earning potential than you'll find on <em>most</em> cash back credit cards — let alone other secured credit cards.</p> <h2>Review: Is the US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card the Best Credit Card for You?</h2> <p>If you're looking for a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/what-is-a-secured-credit-card">secured credit card</a>, it likely means one thing — your credit score isn't where you'd like it to be. There are a few reasons you might find yourself in this situation:</p> <p>You're new to credit and therefore have no credit historyYou've made some mistakes with your credit in the past (paying bills late, defaulting on loans, etc.)You're new to the country and do not have a FICO credit score</p> <p>If one of these scenarios describes you, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Annual Fee-annual-fee U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Product Name Only is a perfect fit. It's got surprisingly high earning rates for a secured credit card, it's advantageous for travelers, and its rewards are super easy to redeem.</p> <p>If you're looking to build your credit with a secured card that competes with some of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/best-cash-back-credit-cards">best cash back credit cards</a>, this is one to consider. However, you might also look at a card like the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/discover-it-secured-credit-card-review">Discover it® Secured Credit Card - Product Name Only</a>, which earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter (then 1%) and 1% back on all other eligible purchases. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/discover-cash-back-match-program">Discover will match</a> all the cash back you've earned during your first 12 billing cycles, effectively boosting your earnings to 4% and 2%, respectively, during your first year of card membership.</p> <h3>How Does the US Bank Cash Plus Secured Card Work?</h3> <p>To open the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Product Name Only, you must deposit a minimum of $300 or a maximum of $5,000 in cash to a U.S. Bank secured savings account. You'll receive a credit line equal to your deposit — meaning if you want a credit line of $500, you'll have to hand over $500 when opening your account.</p> <p>If you choose to cancel your card,  you'll get your deposit back. U.S. Bank holds these funds in case you're unable to pay your card bill.</p> <p>As you use your secured card, U.S. Bank will watch your activity and report to the three major <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-bureau-experian-equifax-transunion">credit bureaus</a> (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian). After a streak of good habits, you may eventually be eligible to "graduate" to the non-secured <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/us-bank-cash-plus-card-review">U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card - Product Name Only</a>. You'll then receive your security deposit back.</p> <p class="headline-regular financial-disclaimer">We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.</p> <h2>How to Earn Rewards With the US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card</h2> <p>The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Product Name Only has a better cash back earning rate than you'll find on most credit cards — making it a screaming deal for a secured credit card.</p> <p>You'll earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter in two categories of your choosing. Eligible categories include:</p> <p>Fast foodTV/internet/streamingCell phone providersHome utilitiesDepartment storesElectronic storesSporting goods storesMovie theatersGyms/fitness centersFurniture storesGround transportationSelect clothing stores</p> <p>You'll also earn an uncapped 5% cash back on prepaid airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals booked through the U.S. Bank Rewards Travel Center.</p> <p>Next, this card earns 2% cash back on purchases in one category of your choosing. Eligible categories are:</p> <p>Grocery stores/grocery deliveryRestaurantsGas stations/EV charging stations</p> <p>You'll earn 1% cash back on everything else.</p> <h2>How to Use Rewards</h2> <p>Because you're earning cash back, you're not relegated to using it in a certain way. There are three easy ways to redeem — either directly into a U.S. Bank checking or savings account, as a U.S. Bank Rewards Card (a sort of cash gift card), or as a statement credit. You must have at least $25 in cash back to redeem — which you can easily achieve after spending just $500 in eligible 5% bonus categories.</p> <h2>US Bank Cash Plus Secured Benefits and Features</h2> <h3>Choose your payment due date</h3> <p>To help you ensure you've got the funds to pay your card bill each month, this card lets you decide which day you'd like for your bill to be due. A smart choice would be shortly after your pay period ends, as you're guaranteed to have money in the bank to throw toward your balance.</p> <h3>Autopay</h3> <p>If you focus on achieving just one good credit habit, let it be paying your bills on time. You don't even have to pay them in full (though you really shouldn't be meddling with credit if you're spending above your means). As long as you make the minimum payment each month, you'll remain on good terms with your credit issuer.</p> <p>This card gives you the ability to link your bank account to automatically pay your bill each month — ensuring that you'll never have a late payment. You can set your autopay for the minimum payment or the full balance.</p> <h3>Zero fraud liability</h3> <p>If your card is stolen or misplaced, you won't be on the hook for transactions you didn't make. You must contact U.S. Bank immediately upon realizing your card is gone.</p> <h2>Fees and Costs</h2> <p>The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Product Name Only is a U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Annual Fee-annual-fee card. Aside from that, you'll be charged for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/best-credit-cards-no-foreign-transaction-fees">foreign transaction fees</a> (spending outside the US) and for balance transfers, cash advances, late payments, and returned payments.</p> <p>You'll also pay U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Regular APR APR, reinforcing the fact that you should strive to pay your balance in full each month. Interest fees can swallow you up if you're not careful.</p> <h2>Compare US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card vs Other US Bank Secured Credit Cards</h2> <p> </p> <p>U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Product Name Only</p> <p>U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card - Product Name Only</p> <p>U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card - Product Name Only</p> <p><strong>Annual fee</strong></p> <p>U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Annual Fee</p> <p>U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card - Annual Fee</p> <p>U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card - Annual Fee</p> <p><strong>Rewards rate</strong></p> <p class="headline-regular">5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined spending each quarter in two categories you choose*</p> <p class="headline-regular">5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked through the Rewards Travel Center</p> <p class="headline-regular">2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one category**</p> <p class="headline-regular">1% cash back on all other eligible purchases</p> <p>N/A</p> <p>4x points on dining, including takeout</p> <p>2x points with grocery stores, gas stations, and streaming services</p> <p>1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases</p> <p><strong>Minimum security deposit</strong></p> <p>$300$300$300</p> <p><strong>Benefits</strong></p> <p class="headline-regular">Choose your payment due date</p> <p class="headline-regular">Zero fraud liability</p> <p class="headline-regular">Contactless payments</p> <p class="headline-regular">Refundable security deposit</p> <p>Free credit score check</p> <p>Choose your payment due date</p> <p>Zero fraud liability</p> <p>Contactless payments</p> <p>Refundable security deposit</p> <p>$15 annual credit toward qualifying streaming services</p> <p>No foreign transaction fees</p> <p>Zero fraud liability</p> <p>Contactless payments</p> <p>Refundable security deposit</p> <p><strong>Review</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/us-bank-secured-visa-card-review">US Bank Secured Visa card review</a></p> <p class="headline-regular"><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/us-bank-altitude-go-secured-credit-card-review">US Bank Altitude Go Secured credit card review</a></p> <p>*Eligible 5% categories include fast food, home utilities, TV/internet/streaming, department stores, cell phone providers, electronic stores, sporting goods stores, gyms/fitness centers, ground transportation, movie theaters, furniture stores, and select clothing stores.</p> <p>**Eligible 2% categories include grocery stores and grocery delivery, restaurants, and gas stations/EV charging stations.</p> <h2>US Bank Cash+ Secured Visa Card vs Other Secured Credit Cards</h2> <p> </p> <p>U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Product Name Only</p> <p>Discover it® Secured Credit Card - Product Name Only</p> <p>Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card - Product Name Only</p> <p><strong>Annual fee</strong></p> <p>U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Annual FeeDiscover it® Secured Credit Card - Annual FeeCapital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card - Annual Fee</p> <p><strong>Rewards rate</strong></p> <p class="headline-regular">5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined spending each quarter in two categories you choose*</p> <p class="headline-regular">5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked through the Rewards Travel Center</p> <p class="headline-regular">2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one category**</p> <p class="headline-regular">1% cash back on all other eligible purchases</p> <p class="headline-regular">2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%)</p> <p class="headline-regular">1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit</p> <p class="headline-regular">5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel</p> <p class="headline-regular">1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases</p> <p><strong>Minimum security deposit</strong></p> <p>$300</p> <p>$200</p> <p>$200</p> <p><strong>Benefits</strong></p> <p class="headline-regular">Choose your payment due date</p> <p class="headline-regular">Zero fraud liability</p> <p class="headline-regular">Contactless payments</p> <p class="headline-regular">Refundable security deposit</p> <p class="headline-regular">No foreign transaction fees</p> <p class="headline-regular">Automatic consideration for credit line increases</p> <p class="headline-regular">Refundable security deposit</p> <p class="headline-regular">No foreign transaction fees</p> <p class="headline-regular">Automatic consideration for credit line increases</p> <p class="headline-regular">Refundable security deposit</p> <p><strong>Review</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/discover-it-secured-credit-card-review">Discover it Secured Credit Card review</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/capital-one-quicksilver-secured-card-review">Capital One Quicksilver Secured card review</a></p> <h2>US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)</h2> <h3 class="faq-question">Is the US Bank Cash Plus Visa Secured Card worth it?</h3> <p class="faq-answer">The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Product Name Only is a U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card - Annual Fee-annual-fee credit card, so there's no financial risk to opening it and trying it out to see if it's a good fit for your lifestyle.</p> <p class="faq-answer">The card has the ability to earn 5% back on common purchases such as fast food, TV, internet and streaming services, and electronics stores — so it's quite easy to earn hundreds of dollars per year in cash back.</p> <h3 class="faq-question">What credit score do I need to open the US Bank Cash Plus Visa Secured Card?</h3> <p class="faq-answer">Even if your credit score is poor (think the 500s), you may still be approved for this card. In fact, below average credit scores are the demographic this card is targeting. You'll have to make a refundable cash deposit to qualify, but that's well worth it to strengthen your credit.</p> <h3 class="faq-question">What credit limit will I get with the US Bank Cash Plus Secured Card?</h3> <p class="faq-answer">Because this is a secured credit card, you'll receive a credit line equal to the amount of money you deposit upon account opening. You must deposit between $300 and $5,000 — meaning your largest credit limit is $5,000.</p> <div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/us-bank-cash-plus-secured-credit-card-review">Business Insider</a></div><!-- /wp:html -->

Our experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Product Name Only is one of the best secured credit cards for earning cash back. You’ll earn up to 5% cash back on eligible categories that you choose, giving you the potential to earn several hundred dollars in cash back each year. That’s a higher earning potential than you’ll find on most cash back credit cards — let alone other secured credit cards.

Review: Is the US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card the Best Credit Card for You?

If you’re looking for a secured credit card, it likely means one thing — your credit score isn’t where you’d like it to be. There are a few reasons you might find yourself in this situation:

You’re new to credit and therefore have no credit historyYou’ve made some mistakes with your credit in the past (paying bills late, defaulting on loans, etc.)You’re new to the country and do not have a FICO credit score

If one of these scenarios describes you, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Annual Fee-annual-fee U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Product Name Only is a perfect fit. It’s got surprisingly high earning rates for a secured credit card, it’s advantageous for travelers, and its rewards are super easy to redeem.

If you’re looking to build your credit with a secured card that competes with some of the best cash back credit cards, this is one to consider. However, you might also look at a card like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card – Product Name Only, which earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter (then 1%) and 1% back on all other eligible purchases. Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned during your first 12 billing cycles, effectively boosting your earnings to 4% and 2%, respectively, during your first year of card membership.

How Does the US Bank Cash Plus Secured Card Work?

To open the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Product Name Only, you must deposit a minimum of $300 or a maximum of $5,000 in cash to a U.S. Bank secured savings account. You’ll receive a credit line equal to your deposit — meaning if you want a credit line of $500, you’ll have to hand over $500 when opening your account.

If you choose to cancel your card,  you’ll get your deposit back. U.S. Bank holds these funds in case you’re unable to pay your card bill.

As you use your secured card, U.S. Bank will watch your activity and report to the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian). After a streak of good habits, you may eventually be eligible to “graduate” to the non-secured U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card – Product Name Only. You’ll then receive your security deposit back.

We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.

How to Earn Rewards With the US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Product Name Only has a better cash back earning rate than you’ll find on most credit cards — making it a screaming deal for a secured credit card.

You’ll earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter in two categories of your choosing. Eligible categories include:

Fast foodTV/internet/streamingCell phone providersHome utilitiesDepartment storesElectronic storesSporting goods storesMovie theatersGyms/fitness centersFurniture storesGround transportationSelect clothing stores

You’ll also earn an uncapped 5% cash back on prepaid airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals booked through the U.S. Bank Rewards Travel Center.

Next, this card earns 2% cash back on purchases in one category of your choosing. Eligible categories are:

Grocery stores/grocery deliveryRestaurantsGas stations/EV charging stations

You’ll earn 1% cash back on everything else.

How to Use Rewards

Because you’re earning cash back, you’re not relegated to using it in a certain way. There are three easy ways to redeem — either directly into a U.S. Bank checking or savings account, as a U.S. Bank Rewards Card (a sort of cash gift card), or as a statement credit. You must have at least $25 in cash back to redeem — which you can easily achieve after spending just $500 in eligible 5% bonus categories.

US Bank Cash Plus Secured Benefits and Features

Choose your payment due date

To help you ensure you’ve got the funds to pay your card bill each month, this card lets you decide which day you’d like for your bill to be due. A smart choice would be shortly after your pay period ends, as you’re guaranteed to have money in the bank to throw toward your balance.

Autopay

If you focus on achieving just one good credit habit, let it be paying your bills on time. You don’t even have to pay them in full (though you really shouldn’t be meddling with credit if you’re spending above your means). As long as you make the minimum payment each month, you’ll remain on good terms with your credit issuer.

This card gives you the ability to link your bank account to automatically pay your bill each month — ensuring that you’ll never have a late payment. You can set your autopay for the minimum payment or the full balance.

Zero fraud liability

If your card is stolen or misplaced, you won’t be on the hook for transactions you didn’t make. You must contact U.S. Bank immediately upon realizing your card is gone.

Fees and Costs

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Product Name Only is a U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Annual Fee-annual-fee card. Aside from that, you’ll be charged for foreign transaction fees (spending outside the US) and for balance transfers, cash advances, late payments, and returned payments.

You’ll also pay U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Regular APR APR, reinforcing the fact that you should strive to pay your balance in full each month. Interest fees can swallow you up if you’re not careful.

Compare US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card vs Other US Bank Secured Credit Cards

 

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Product Name Only

U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card – Product Name Only

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card – Product Name Only

Annual fee

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Annual Fee

U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card – Annual Fee

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card – Annual Fee

Rewards rate

5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined spending each quarter in two categories you choose*

5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked through the Rewards Travel Center

2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one category**

1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

N/A

4x points on dining, including takeout

2x points with grocery stores, gas stations, and streaming services

1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Minimum security deposit

$300$300$300

Benefits

Choose your payment due date

Zero fraud liability

Contactless payments

Refundable security deposit

Free credit score check

Choose your payment due date

Zero fraud liability

Contactless payments

Refundable security deposit

$15 annual credit toward qualifying streaming services

No foreign transaction fees

Zero fraud liability

Contactless payments

Refundable security deposit

Review

 

US Bank Secured Visa card review

US Bank Altitude Go Secured credit card review

*Eligible 5% categories include fast food, home utilities, TV/internet/streaming, department stores, cell phone providers, electronic stores, sporting goods stores, gyms/fitness centers, ground transportation, movie theaters, furniture stores, and select clothing stores.

**Eligible 2% categories include grocery stores and grocery delivery, restaurants, and gas stations/EV charging stations.

US Bank Cash+ Secured Visa Card vs Other Secured Credit Cards

 

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Product Name Only

Discover it® Secured Credit Card – Product Name Only

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card – Product Name Only

Annual fee

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Annual FeeDiscover it® Secured Credit Card – Annual FeeCapital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card – Annual Fee

Rewards rate

5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined spending each quarter in two categories you choose*

5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked through the Rewards Travel Center

2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one category**

1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%)

1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit

5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel

1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Minimum security deposit

$300

$200

$200

Benefits

Choose your payment due date

Zero fraud liability

Contactless payments

Refundable security deposit

No foreign transaction fees

Automatic consideration for credit line increases

Refundable security deposit

No foreign transaction fees

Automatic consideration for credit line increases

Refundable security deposit

Review

 

Discover it Secured Credit Card review

Capital One Quicksilver Secured card review

US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the US Bank Cash Plus Visa Secured Card worth it?

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Product Name Only is a U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card – Annual Fee-annual-fee credit card, so there’s no financial risk to opening it and trying it out to see if it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.

The card has the ability to earn 5% back on common purchases such as fast food, TV, internet and streaming services, and electronics stores — so it’s quite easy to earn hundreds of dollars per year in cash back.

What credit score do I need to open the US Bank Cash Plus Visa Secured Card?

Even if your credit score is poor (think the 500s), you may still be approved for this card. In fact, below average credit scores are the demographic this card is targeting. You’ll have to make a refundable cash deposit to qualify, but that’s well worth it to strengthen your credit.

What credit limit will I get with the US Bank Cash Plus Secured Card?

Because this is a secured credit card, you’ll receive a credit line equal to the amount of money you deposit upon account opening. You must deposit between $300 and $5,000 — meaning your largest credit limit is $5,000.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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