U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card
2% base with up to 4% for U.S. Bank customers
Practical Recommendation
If you already bank with U.S. Bank and keep meaningful cash in checking or savings, Smartly can beat plain 2% cards: the up-to-4% tier (on the first $10,000 per billing cycle) is real value—but only when you redeem into a U.S. Bank deposit account. There's no welcome bonus, so it's a long-game play.
If you do not bank with U.S. Bank, this is basically a $0-fee, 2%-back card with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate window. That's fine, but there are simpler 2% options without the banking hoops. Bottom line: choose it to boost rewards on everyday spend if you're already inside the U.S. Bank ecosystem.
Perks
- Earning structure – 2% base on everything, with potential to earn up to 4% on the first $10,000 each billing cycle if you bank with U.S. Bank. Read more below for the full earning structure details.
- U.S. Bank Travel Center bump – Earn an extra +4% on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the U.S. Bank Travel Center. Heads-up: rewards cannot be redeemed toward Travel Center bookings. Compare prices before you prepay.
- Real-Time Rewards (text-to-redeem) – Opt in and get a text after eligible U.S. merchant purchases; reply to redeem cash back instantly. It's handy for small wins without logging in.
Protections
- Auto rental collision damage waiver – Coverage for damage or theft of a rental car when you pay with the card and decline the rental counter's collision damage waiver. Typically secondary coverage in the United States (can act as primary outside your country of residence or if you lack personal auto insurance). Excludes liability and certain vehicle types; max rental length and country restrictions apply.
- Zero Liability – You are not responsible for unauthorized purchases reported promptly.
Other gotchas to know: Smartly "points" can expire after 12 consecutive statement cycles with no purchase, reward, or balance activity.
Higher Rewards with a U.S. Bank Account
- Base earn: 2% back on everything, no cap.
- How to boost it: Open Smartly Savings and keep money in Smartly Checking or Safe Debit. Your 30-day average balance in checking/Safe Debit sets your tier on the first $10,000 of purchases each billing cycle:
2.5% cash back
3% cash back
4% cash back
The rest of your spend still earns 2%.
- Redemption catch: You only get those headline rates when you deposit rewards into a U.S. Bank account; statement credits/gift cards can be worse value.
- Quick math: Spend $12,000 this cycle with $20k in checking? You'll get 2.5% on $10k and 2% on $2k.
- Other gotchas to know: Smartly "points" can expire after 12 consecutive statement cycles with no purchase, reward, or balance activity.
Bottom line: It's great if you already bank there and park real cash in checking or savings—otherwise, treat it as a simple 2% card and compare against other no-hassle options.