The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured is one of the more rewarding secured credit cards on the market, offering cash back in customizable categories and flexibility in how you earn rewards. If you're rebuilding credit and want meaningful rewards, it's worth a closer look. (For a broader strategy on growing your score without ever paying interest, see our guide on how to build credit without going into debt.)
Deposit, Credit Limit & Features
The U.S. Bank Secured card requires a cash security deposit between $300 and $5,000, which becomes your credit limit. There's no annual fee, making it an affordable choice for credit building. Your deposit is held in a secured savings account and can be returned when you graduate to an unsecured card.
The card is backed by Visa, so it works everywhere Visa is accepted. You get access to U.S. Bank's mobile app, online account management, and customer service. The card design looks like a regular credit card, so you won't feel singled out when using it.
Cash Back & Rewards Structure
What makes this card stand out is the 5% cash back on your choice of two categories each quarter, on up to $2,000 in combined eligible net purchases per quarter (then 1%). You also earn 2% cash back on one everyday category you choose each quarter (such as gas, groceries, or streaming services), and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
You must enroll in your chosen categories each quarter through the U.S. Bank app or website before the quarter starts. If you forget to select categories, all purchases earn no more than 1% back. Popular selections include restaurants, groceries, streaming services, gas, home utilities, and cell phone bills.
Credit Bureau Reporting & Building
U.S. Bank reports to all three major credit bureaus, so your on-time payments directly help your credit score. Regular, responsible use—keeping your balance low and paying on time—will show up in your credit reports within 30-60 days.
After 7-18 months of responsible use, U.S. Bank may review your account for graduation to an unsecured card. Graduation means your deposit gets refunded and you move to a regular U.S. Bank credit card without collateral.
Fees to Know
The card has no annual fee, which is a major plus. However, there is a foreign transaction fee of 3% on purchases made outside the U.S. Late payment and returned payment fees also apply. Read the full fee schedule before applying so there are no surprises.
U.S. Bank Secured vs. Alternatives
If you have $300 or more to put down and want rewards flexibility, U.S. Bank Secured is a strong option. The customizable cash back categories, high quarterly cap of $2,000, and no annual fee make it genuinely rewarding for credit builders. If you'd rather skip the deposit entirely and you can land an invitation, our SoFi Essential Credit Card review covers the no-deposit alternative SoFi is rolling out. Recent grads should also see our best credit cards for recent graduates roundup for student-friendly options that often beat secured cards on rewards.
If you don't have a deposit available, or prefer building credit without locking up cash, alternatives like OpenSky or Firstcard offer different approaches. Firstcard reports your everyday spending and rent payments to credit bureaus at no cost and with no deposit required.
Bottom Line
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured is a solid choice if you can meet the deposit requirement and want strong, flexible cash back rewards. The ability to choose your earning categories, a generous $2,000 quarterly cap on 5% categories, zero annual fee, and a clear path to unsecured credit make it a legitimate credit-building tool. Compare your options, but if you have the deposit and want rewards alongside credit building, this card deserves serious consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum deposit for the U.S. Bank Secured credit card? The minimum security deposit is $300, which becomes your credit limit. The maximum deposit is $5,000. Your deposit is held in a secured savings account. You can increase your credit limit by adding more funds to your deposit account up to the $5,000 maximum.
Does the U.S. Bank Secured card charge an annual fee? No. The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured has a $0 annual fee. Other fees include a 3% foreign transaction fee and standard late payment fees. The lack of annual fee means your deposit is the only upfront cost to get started.
How long until I can graduate to an unsecured card? U.S. Bank typically reviews secured card accounts for graduation after 7-18 months of responsible use. Factors considered include on-time payment history, account age, and overall credit profile improvement. If you qualify, your deposit is fully refunded and your account converts to an unsecured U.S. Bank credit card.
How does the 5% cash back work on the U.S. Bank Secured card? You earn 5% cash back on two categories you choose each quarter, on up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases per quarter (then 1%). You must enroll in categories each quarter through the U.S. Bank app or website. If you forget to select categories before the quarter begins, all purchases earn no more than 1% back. You also earn 2% on one chosen everyday category.
Does the U.S. Bank Secured card report to all three credit bureaus? Yes. U.S. Bank reports your payment history and account status to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion each month. Consistent on-time payments and low utilization will positively impact your credit score at all three bureaus—the most important feature of any credit-building card.
