How to choose a category for the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature Card

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card remains a popular choice among cardholders with its flexibility with cash back categories. It offers 5% cash back on your first $2000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of your choice (then it’s 1% cash back), 2% cash back on one everyday category and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. 

As a result, it may be difficult for some cardholders to decide which categories to choose for higher cash back rates.

The categories offered for the 5% cash back include home utilities, ground transportation, select clothing stores, cell phone providers, electronics stores, gyms/fitness centers, fast food, sporting goods stores, department stores, furniture stores, movie theaters, and TV, internet and streaming services. 

Since the 5% cash back is offered for only your first $2000 per quarter, the categories you choose are unimportant as long as you choose categories in which you regularly spend at least $2000 combined each quarter. However, if you do not regularly spend that amount in any two of those categories combined, you should pick the categories in which you spend the most money. This will vary with your priorities.

For example, if you eat at fast-food restaurants often, you may want to consider picking the fast-food category as one of your 5% categories. Similarly, if you commute regularly using ground transportation, you may want to consider picking that category instead.

It is also a good idea to pick a category in which you know you will be making a big purchase soon ― for example, if you’re moving houses and know you’ll need new furniture, or if you’re about to buy a new cell phone.

The categories offered for the 2% cash back include gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores. Picking one of these categories, again, will depend on your priorities. 

If you like to eat at fancy restaurants often, it may be a wise choice to pick the restaurant category. However, people often refuel their cars and buy groceries more regularly, so it depends on the individual.

Overall, the best way to decide on categories would be to track your spendings in each category each quarter and pick the categories in which you spend the most for the next quarter. As your spending changes over time, you can switch your categories for the next quarter. That way, you know you are making the most of this unique feature of this card.