Citi Double Cash® Card
vs. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Shield Insurance

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Both the Citi Double Cash Card and the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card offer enticing cash back rewards and share the benefit of no annual fee, making them strong contenders for your wallet. The Citi Double Cash edges ahead with its straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases, which simplifies earning rewards.

However, the U.S. Bank Cash+ has higher cash back rates in selected categories. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prefer simplicity or the potential for higher rewards in chosen categories.

Credit Card logo for Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
Credit Card logo for U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
3.9/ of 5
On Issuer's Site
On Issuer's Site

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Citi Double Cash if you value a straightforward cash back program with a consistent return on all purchases. Its longer balance transfer introductory APR period also makes it suitable for those looking to manage existing debt more effectively.

You might prefer the U.S. Bank Cash+ if your spending aligns with its customizable cash back categories, allowing you to earn higher rewards in areas where you spend the most. Additionally, the introductory APR on purchases can provide financial flexibility for new cardholders planning significant expenditures.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and additional features will illuminate the strengths and limitations of the Citi Double Cash and U.S. Bank Cash+. Use this section to pinpoint which card aligns with your spending habits and whether you prioritize simple cash back strategies or customized reward categories.

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    Regular APR: Citi Double Cash

    Citi Double Cash card is slightly better, offering a lower starting APR of 19.24% compared to the U.S. Bank Cash+ card's starting APR of 19.74%.

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    Annual Fee: Tie

    Both the Citi Double Cash and the U.S. Bank Cash+ have no annual fee, making them equally attractive for those looking to avoid extra costs.

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    Introductory 0% APRs: U.S. Bank Cash+

    The U.S. Bank Cash+ is better for introductory 0% APRs. It offers a 0% rate for the first 15 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers, coupled with a lower balance transfer fee compared to the Citi Double Cash.

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    Rewards: Citi Double Cash

    The Citi Double Cash card is better for consistent rewards across all purchases, offering 2% cash back on everything — 1% when you buy plus another 1% as you pay. The U.S. Bank Cash+ card offers higher rates of 5% cash back in chosen categories but with a quarterly cap, and 2% in one everyday category.

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    Welcome Offers: U.S. Bank Cash+

    The U.S. Bank Cash+ offers a better welcome bonus, providing a $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 120 days, compared to the Citi Double Cash's $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months.

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    Recommended Credit Score: Tie

    Both the Citi Double Cash and U.S. Bank Cash+ require a credit score of 670 to 850, indicating they are accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit.

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    Penalties and Fees: U.S. Bank Cash+

    The U.S. Bank Cash+ is slightly better for penalties and fees, primarily because it does not apply an APR penalty, unlike the Citi Double Cash which has an APR penalty up to 29.99% (variable). Both cards charge up to $41 for late payments and have a 3% fee for foreign transactions. Cash advance fees are similar, with Citi Double Cash charging either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater, and U.S. Bank Cash+ charging either 5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater.

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    Issuer Satisfaction: Citi Double Cash

    Citibank has a higher issuer satisfaction, with a rating of 4.1 compared to U.S. Bank National Association's 3.5.

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    Other Features & Perks: Tie

    Citi Double Cash provides an innovative cash back structure and special travel booking benefits. U.S. Bank Cash+ allows for customizable cash back categories and rewards for direct bookings.

Rewards Comparison

The Citi Double Cash leads with its simplicity, offering a flat 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you buy and another 1% as you pay. This consistent rate applies across the board, without the need to track spending categories

The U.S. Bank Cash+, allows you to tailor rewards to your spending habits. With the ability to select two 5% cash back categories each quarter and a 2% category for everyday purchases, it caters to those who don't mind putting in a bit more effort for potentially higher returns in chosen areas. However, outside of these selected categories, the card only offers 1% cash back.

For the U.S. Bank Cash+, eligible 5% cash back categories include fast food, cell phone providers and department stores, among others, while the 2% category choices cover gas stations, grocery stores or restaurants.

Following this section, you'll find a detailed table of bonus categories to help you compare the rewards programs of both cards.

Category
Citi Double Cash
U.S. Bank Cash+

Everyday Category

1%

5% on first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter/1%

Travel

5% if purchased through portal/1%

5% on prepaid bookings through Rewards Center/1%

All Other Purchases

2% (1% when you buy + 1% as you pay)

1%

Redeeming Rewards

Transitioning from how rewards are earned to how they can be used, both the Citi Double Cash and U.S. Bank Cash+ cards offer cash back redemption options. With the Citi Double Cash, you can redeem your cash back as a direct deposit, statement credit, or check, and your rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open. On the other hand, the U.S. Bank Cash+ allows for redemption via statement credit or direct deposit into a U.S. Bank account, requiring a minimum of $25 in cash back. However, it's important to note that cash back with U.S. Bank Cash+ expires after 36 months, adding a time constraint to your redemption process.

Methodology

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like Citi Double Cash and U.S. Bank Cash+ based on their performance in various use cases. For this comparison, both cards are assessed for their cash back potential. The largest factors in determining their scores are the value of rewards earned through purchases and the benefits of promotional offers. To ensure transparency and aid in your decision-making, you can review our comprehensive ranking methodology. Remember, the right card for you depends on how these factors align with your spending habits and financial goals.

FAQ: Citi Double Cash vs. U.S. Bank Cash+ Card

What are the cash back rewards for each card?
Do either of the cards have an annual fee?
Which card offers a better introductory APR deal?
How do the balance transfer terms compare between the two cards?
What credit score is needed for each card?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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