Cash back credit cards enable you to receive a percentage of your spending back each month. Among the leading options in today’s market are the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card provides bonus cash back in specific spending categories, while the U.S. Bank Cash+ card features rotating bonus cash back categories. Both cards offer welcome bonus offers, introductory APR offers on purchases and balance transfers, and do not charge an annual fee.
In this comparative analysis, we will examine the rewards, benefits, fees, and other card details of both cards to assist you in determining the optimal choice for your needs.
Main details
| Cards | U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card | Chase Freedom Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | $200 rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening | $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first 3 months of account opening |
| Rewards rate | 5% cash back in two eligible categories of your choice (on up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1% back) 5% cash back on prepaid airfare, hotel stays and car rentals through the Rewards Travel Center 2% cash back on one choice everyday category 1% cash back on all other purchases | 5% cash back on activated bonus category purchases each quarter (on up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1% back) 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards 5% cash back on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025) 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases 1% cash back on all other purchases |
| Intro APR | 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening (19.74% to 29.74% variable APR thereafter); balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) of each transfer applies | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (20.49% to 29.24% variable APR thereafter); intro balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) of each transfer applies to balances transferred in the first 60 days |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
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Chase Freedom Flex vs. U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card highlights
Welcome bonus winner: Chase Freedom Flex
The U.S. Bank Cash+ provides a $200 cash bonus when you make $1,000 in eligible purchases within the initial 120 days of opening your account. In contrast, the Chase Freedom Flex offers a $200 cash bonus upon spending $500 within the first three months of account activation.
While the welcome bonuses offered by these cards are quite comparable, the Chase Freedom Flex comes out ahead in this aspect due to its slightly more accessible bonus requirements. To earn the bonus, you’ll only need to spend approximately $167 per month over three months. Conversely, with the U.S. Bank Cash+, you’d need to spend around $250 per month for four months to qualify for the bonus.
Rewards rate winner: Tie
The rewards structures of these two cards are closely aligned, yet each has its own strengths. The U.S. Bank Cash+ stands out with its broader range of 5 percent cash back categories and higher cap on these categories. Conversely, the Chase Freedom Flex gains an edge by offering more bonus categories, including a higher cash back rate on dining purchases.
With the U.S. Bank Cash+, you can earn 5 percent cash back on purchases in two categories of your choice, up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1 percent back. Categories to choose from include ground transportation, select clothing stores, cellphone providers, electronics stores, TV, internet and streaming services, gyms and fitness centers, home utilities, fast food, sporting goods stores, department stores, furniture stores, and movie theaters. Additionally, you’ll earn 2 percent cash back on purchases in one everyday category, such as grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and EV charging stations. Plus, you’ll receive 5 percent cash back on prepaid airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals through the Rewards Travel Center, and 1 percent back on all other purchases.
The Chase Freedom Flex offers 5 percent cash back on activated bonus category purchases that change quarterly, up to $1,500, then 1 percent back. Common 5 percent categories include grocery stores, gas stations, select streaming services, and popular retailers. Additionally, you’ll earn 5 percent cash back on Chase Ultimate Rewards travel purchases, 5 percent cash back on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025), 3 percent cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. It’s worth noting that cash back earned technically comes in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Annual fee winner: Tie
Both cards do not impose an annual fee, resulting in a tie in this category.
Foreign transaction fee winner: Tie
Both the Chase Freedom Flex and U.S. Bank Cash+ cards apply a 3 percent foreign transaction fee.
Which card earns the most?
Here’s a breakdown detailing the potential earnings from fully utilizing the capped bonus categories of each card, along with expenditures on everyday purchases such as groceries, dining, and other essentials.
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card vs. Chase Freedom Flex spending example
U.S. Bank Cash+
The U.S. Bank Cash+ offers 5 percent cash back in two selected categories of your choice, up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1 percent back. By maxing out the bonus category and spending $2,000 per quarter, you can earn $400 in cash back annually. Additionally, if you spend an extra $500 per month in the 2 percent cash back category (one everyday choice category), you’ll receive $120 in cash back per year.
Suppose you also spend $100 monthly on miscellaneous items not covered by bonus categories and $1,000 annually on travel through the Rewards Center. This yields $12 and $50 in cash back each year, respectively. When combined, you’ll earn a total of $582 in cash back annually. Adding the welcome bonus, your total cash back rewards at the end of the first year will amount to $782.
Chase Freedom Flex
The Chase Freedom Flex provides 5 percent cash back on activated bonus category purchases every quarter, up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1 percent back. By fully utilizing the capped 5 percent category, you can earn $300 annually. Additionally, suppose you spend $125 monthly on Lyft rides, $300 on dining, $50 on drugstore purchases, and another $50 on all other purchases, along with $1,000 per year on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. That equates to an extra $257 in rewards for the year. Considering this total spending, you would accumulate $557 in rewards annually. Including the welcome bonus, your total cash back at the end of the first year would amount to $757.
Ultimately, the amount you earn with each card depends on your spending habits. If your spending habits align better with the Chase Freedom Flex, for instance, you’ll likely earn more with that card than with the U.S. Bank Cash+.
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Why should you get the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card?
The U.S. Bank Cash+ provides an opportunity to earn 5 percent cash back on purchases in two selected categories, up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1 percent. You have a diverse array of categories to choose from, including less common options such as home utilities, cellphone providers, and various specialty stores. However, it’s essential to note that you must activate your chosen categories each quarter. You can easily do this by logging into your account. Additionally, you have the option to sign up for email or text message reminders to ensure you never overlook category enrollment.
Additional benefits
While the U.S. Bank Cash+ may not offer as extensive benefits as the Chase Freedom Flex, it still provides access to:
- U.S. Bank’s ExtendPay Plan, enabling you to split eligible credit card purchases into fixed monthly payments for a nominal fee.
- Rewards Center Shopping Deals, which allow you to earn a higher cash back rate on purchases made with specific merchants.
- Visa Signature benefits, encompassing features like zero fraud liability, reporting for lost or stolen cards, pay-per-use roadside dispatch, and additional perks.
Redemption options
Cash back rewards are redeemable for a statement credit, direct deposit into an eligible U.S. Bank account, or a prepaid U.S. Bank Rewards Card (with a minimum cash back redemption of $25). It’s important to keep in mind that cash rewards expire 36 months after the billing cycle in which they were earned.
Recommended credit score
The recommended credit score range for the U.S. Bank Cash+ is considered good to excellent, typically falling between 670 to 850.
Why should you get the Chase Freedom Flex?
Opting for the Chase Freedom Flex over the U.S. Bank Cash+ is advantageous primarily because the former earns rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, renowned as one of the most valuable credit card loyalty programs available today. Additionally, the Chase Freedom Flex provides an extensive range of benefits for a no-annual-fee card and offers more diverse options for redeeming rewards.
Additional benefits
The Chase Freedom Flex offers a multitude of benefits, including:
- Three complimentary months of DoorDash DashPass, followed by automatic enrollment in DashPass for 50 percent off for nine months (activation required by December 31, 2024).
- Mastercard World Elite benefits, featuring perks such as a complimentary ShopRunner membership and a $5 Lyft credit for every three or more rides taken within a calendar month.
- Security, item, and travel protections including zero fraud liability, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, cellphone protection (terms apply), trip cancellation/interruption insurance, 24/7 fraud monitoring, fraud alerts, auto rental collision damage waiver, and travel and emergency assistance services.
- Access to Chase Offers and Shop Through Chase, providing exclusive limited-time deals with select retailers.
Redemption options
Your rewards from Chase can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits, travel and event bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards, gift cards, merchandise, or shopping with points on Amazon.com or via PayPal. Unlike the U.S. Bank Cash+, Chase rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
Recommended credit score
The recommended credit score range for the Chase Freedom Flex is considered good to excellent.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q.1 What is the minimum credit limit for Chase Freedom Unlimited®?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is available in either a Signature or Platinum Visa variant, depending on creditworthiness. The Signature version carries a minimum credit limit of $5,000, whereas the Platinum version comes with a minimum credit limit of $500.
Q.2 What is the credit limit for the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card?
The credit limit for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card typically ranges from $300 to $20,000 or higher.
Q.3 What is a Visa Signature Card?
“Visa Signature” denotes a bundle of benefits and privileges provided on specific cards bearing the Visa brand. Visa provides three tiers of benefits, which differ depending on the card.