If you are looking for a balance transfer card, U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is certainly one to consider. The 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days (followed by 18.74%-29.74% variable APR) means that you can get an extended interest-free period to pay off debts or large purchases. Another key benefit with this card is the cell phone protection, which sets it apart from other balance transfer cards. However, for those looking for a card that will earn rewards, this may not be the card for you, as its ongoing value is limited.
MoneyGeek’s Take
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card Review
Updated: June 12, 2024
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U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Balance Transfer Offer
0% introductory APR for the first 21 billing cycle...Balance Transfer Fee
Either 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5 min...Annual Fee
$0Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card Overview
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is, first and foremost, a balance transfer card but also offers a long introductory APR period on purchases.
- Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for both purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days, then 18.74%-29.74% (variable)
- Regular APR: 18.74%-29.74% (variable)
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: 3% of each transfer amount or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
- Rewards rate: None
- Welcome offer: None
Important Card Details
It's important to consider the key features, rates and fees of this card in order to decide if it's right for you.
Above Average APR
This card has an above average APR for a balance transfer card, with 18.74%-29.74% APR (variable) applying to all purchases after the introductory period and any balance transfers made after the first 60 days. Before you apply, make sure you have a plan to pay off any large purchases or transferred balances within the intro APR period to avoid being subject to interest on any remaining balance.
Balance Transfer Fee
You will pay 3% of each transfer amount or $5 minimum, whichever is greater when you transfer your balances to U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card. This means that it is important to compare the balance transfer fee you will pay versus the potential interest savings to see if it makes sense to transfer your balance.
Cell Phone Protection
One of the standout features of the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is its cell phone protection coverage. If you pay your phone bills using this card, you will be covered for cellphone theft or damage up to $600. A $25 deductible and you're limited to two claims in a 12-month period.
No Annual Fee
There's no annual fee when you get this card, which is fairly typical for a balance transfer card. It means you can focus on paying down your new or transferred balance without having to pay for the privilege as well.
Lengthy Intro APR
You'll get 0% APR for the first 18 billing cycles on your purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days (followed by 18.74%-29.74% variable APR). This is a pretty long intro APR period - the longest available anywhere is 21 months - so it's a good option if you have a hefty balance or a large upcoming purchase. That said, the regular APR will kick in at the end of the intro offer, so make sure you have a payoff plan to make progress on your debt before your 0% APR window is up.
No Rewards Program
This card has no rewards program, meaning it has limited ongoing value beyond the intro APR period. It also does not have a welcome bonus, which is not unusual, although some balance transfer cards do offer moderate sign-up bonuses.
Below Average Customer Satisfaction
The U.S. Bank customer experience was rated below-average in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study.
How the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card Compares To Other Cards
If you are looking for a balance transfer card with zero annual fees and a long intro APR offer, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is a good choice. However, with no rewards programs and minimal additional cardholder perks, you may be able to find another balance transfer card with more to offer long term.
How This Card Compares
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
- Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for both purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days, then 18.74%-29.74% (variable)
- Regular APR: 18.74%-29.74% (variable)
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: 3% of each transfer amount or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
- Rewards rate: None
- Welcome offer: None
- Best for: paying down debt over a longer period
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
- Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers, and for 12 months on purchases, then 18.24%–28.99% (variable)
- Regular APR: 18.24%–28.99% (variable)
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: 5% of each transfer amount or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
- Rewards rate: None
- Welcome offer: None
- Best for: a balance transfer card with ongoing value
About Doug Milnes, CFA
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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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.