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U.S. Bank Smartly: Fee-Free Cash Back

Earn up to 4% cash back with the U.S. Bank Smartly Visa—no annual fee and extra rewards for qualifying clients.

The U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature Credit Card is built for consumers who value straightforward rewards, no fees, and the flexibility to enhance earnings through their relationship with U.S. Bank. With a flat 2% cash back on all purchases—and up to 4% for customers with qualifying bank balances—this card stands out as one of the most lucrative fixed-rate options on the market.

  • 2% Unlimited Cash Back: Automatically earn 2% cash back on every purchase—no rotating categories, no activation, no cap.
  • Up to 4% Back for Bank Clients: Earn higher rates based on qualifying deposit balances held with U.S. Bank:
    • 2.5% for balances of $10,000–$49,999
    • 3% for balances of $50,000–$99,999
    • 4% for balances of $100,000+
  • $0 Annual Fee: Keep more of your rewards without worrying about offsetting a yearly charge.
  • 0% Intro APR: Enjoy 12 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers—ideal for financing big expenses or consolidating.
  • Multiple Redemption Options: Redeem your cash back as statement credit, direct deposit to a U.S. Bank account, or as gift cards and travel rewards.
  • Cell Phone Protection: Pay your phone bill with the card and get automatic coverage for theft or damage.

This card is especially appealing for high-balance banking clients—but even without that status, the base 2% rate is strong.

  • U.S. Bank Account Holders: If you already bank with U.S. Bank and keep a sizable balance, this card lets you extract more value from your deposits.
  • Cash Back Maximizers: Prefer a fixed-rate card that requires no tracking or rotating categories.
  • People Who Want Simplicity: It’s perfect for anyone who wants consistent rewards without management headaches.
  • Big Spenders in All Categories: If your spending doesn’t fall neatly into categories, a 2% flat rate delivers across the board.
FeatureU.S. Bank SmartlyCiti Double Cash
Base Cash Back2%2% (1% when buying, 1% when paying)
Max Cash Back4% with U.S. Bank assets2%
Annual Fee$0$0
Intro APR0% for 12 months0% for 18 months
Redemption FlexibilityYesYes
Bank Account SynergyStrongNone

Citi Double Cash offers simplicity and slightly longer intro APR, but Smartly delivers double the cash back potential if you qualify for U.S. Bank’s upper tiers.

If you’re already banking with U.S. Bank—or willing to move funds to qualify for bonus rates—the Smartly Visa Signature is a top-tier cash back card. The 2% base rate is competitive, and the ability to earn 3% or 4% with no extra effort puts this card ahead of many so-called premium options.

It’s ideal for people who want consistent, easy-to-redeem rewards across all spending, with the added bonus of banking integration. Even without the boosted rates, the no-fee structure, APR intro period, and strong redemption options make this card worth considering for any user looking for dependable cash back.

👉 Curious how to qualify for the top 4% cash back tier or how to apply online? Turn to the next page for a complete guide.

A credit card expert, she utilizes her expertise to create informative content on credit cards, empowering others with financial knowledge.