Chase Freedom Unlimited®
vs. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Shield Insurance

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The Freedom Unlimited and the U.S. Bank Cash+ both offer enticing cash back rewards and no annual fee, making them strong contenders if you’re looking to optimize your credit card benefits. The Freedom Unlimited edges ahead with its higher cash back score and a generous introductory offer that includes an additional 1.5% cash back in the first year.

However, the U.S. Bank Cash+ card's customizable rewards can be very appealing, especially with its welcome bonus. While the Freedom Unlimited may be the frontrunner, the U.S. Bank Cash+ card's tailored rewards could make it a worthy option if you value flexibility.

Credit Card logo for Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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 Freedom Unlimited if you value a simple rewards structure with consistent benefits. This card offers a variety of cash back rewards, including an extra 1.5% on all purchases in the first year, making it a strong contender for everyday spending without worrying about category limits.

You might prefer the U.S. Bank Cash+ if you enjoy tailoring your rewards to your spending habits. With the ability to choose two categories each quarter for higher cash back, this card can be highly rewarding if you're willing to manage your rewards actively and can stay within the quarterly limits.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if you frequently travel, the Freedom Unlimited's higher travel cash back might appeal to you, whereas the U.S. Bank Cash+ offers customizable rewards that could benefit those with specific spending patterns.

    discount icon

    Regular APR: U.S. Bank Cash+

    When comparing Regular APRs, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card edges out slightly with a starting APR of 19.74%, compared to Chase Freedom Unlimited®'s 20.49%. However, both cards cap their APRs in a similar range, making the difference minimal.

    annualFee icon

    Annual Fee: Tie

    Both the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card offer the benefit of a $0 annual fee, making them equally attractive for those looking to avoid extra costs.

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    Introductory 0% APRs: Tie

    Both the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card offer a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers. Each card imposes a balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater. Given these similarities, the choice between them on this feature comes down to other factors.

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    Rewards: Chase Freedom Unlimited

    Chase Freedom Unlimited offers better rewards, with higher cash back rates on dining, drugstore purchases, and travel through Chase Travel℠, plus 1.5% on all other purchases. U.S. Bank Cash+ allows customization of reward categories but has a $2,000 quarterly limit on its highest reward rate and cash back expires after 36 months.

    rewards icon

    Welcome Offers: Freedom Unlimited

    The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is better for welcome offers, featuring a higher return on investment (ROI) and a more lucrative cash back offer in the first year. With an additional 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent, it's worth up to $300 cash back, compared to the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card's $200 bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 120 days.

    creditApproved icon

    Recommended Credit Score: U.S. Bank Cash+

    Both cards require a credit score of 670–850, indicating they are targeted towards individuals with good to excellent credit. However, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card is slightly more accessible, as reflected by its higher internal rating for recommended credit.

    autopay icon

    Penalties and Fees: U.S. Bank Cash+

    Considering penalties and fees, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card edges out slightly due to its lack of a penalty APR, despite its late fee being marginally higher than that of the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Both cards impose a 3% foreign transaction fee and have comparable cash advance fees.

    points icon

    Issuer Satisfaction: Freedom Unlimited

    Chase leads in issuer satisfaction with a rating of 4.1, compared with U.S. Bank's 3.5. This suggests that customers generally have a more favorable experience with Chase.

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    Other Features & Perks: Tie

    Both cards offer unique perks that cater to different needs. The Freedom Unlimited provides benefits like extended warranty protection and purchase protection, enhancing shopping security. The U.S. Bank Cash+ offers perks such as cell phone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card. The best choice depends on which perks align more closely with your personal or financial priorities.

Rewards Comparison

The Freedom Unlimited leads with a higher expected reward value and a more generous effective reward rate. It shines with 5% back on travel through Chase and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, making it a strong contender for those who spend heavily in these areas.

While the U.S. Bank Cash+ doesn't quite match up overall, its customizable 5% categories can be a draw for users with specific spending patterns that align with the available choices.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Categories

The ability to choose two 5% cash back categories each quarter is a notable feature for the U.S. Bank Cash+ card. These categories include:

  • TV, internet & streaming services
  • Fast food
  • Cell phone providers
  • Department stores
  • Home utilities
  • Select clothing stores
  • Electronics stores
  • Gyms/fitness centers
  • Furniture stores
  • Ground transportation
  • Movie theaters
  • Sporting goods stores

Additionally, you can select one everyday category like gas stations or grocery stores to earn 2% cash back. This flexibility can be beneficial for those who plan their spending strategically.

The table provides a detailed view of the bonus categories for both cards.

Category
Freedom Unlimited
U.S. Bank Cash+

Travel

5% if purchased through portal

5% on prepaid bookings through Rewards Center

Dining

3%

1%

Drugstores

3%

1%

Grocery Stores

1.5%

2% or 5% if selected as a bonus category (up to $2,000 per quarter)

Gas Stations

1.5%

2% or 5% if selected as a bonus category (up to $2,000 per quarter)

Redeeming Rewards

Freedom Unlimited offers flexible redemption options without expiration, allowing for statement credits, direct deposits, and more, with no minimum required. By contrast, U.S. Bank Cash+ requires at least $25 to redeem and imposes a 36-month expiration on cash back, with redemptions limited to U.S. Bank accounts or statement credits.

Methodology

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like Freedom Unlimited and U.S. Bank Cash+ based on their performance in various use cases. This approach ensures that the score reflects the card's performance in the scenario where it provides the most value.

For cash back cards, the primary factors we consider are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements — along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction — contribute to a card's overall score. For a detailed understanding of our process, you can review our ranking methodology.

FAQ: Freedom Unlimited vs. U.S. Bank Cash+

What is the effective reward rate for each card?
How do the late fees compare between the two cards?
Do both cards offer a 0% intro APR on purchases?
Can I customize my cash back categories with either card?
What is the welcome bonus 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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