U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature Card

On paper a flat 2% on everything, climbing to 4% if you park enough in U.S. Bank Smartly Savings and Checking, which is the highest no-category flat rate around when you qualify. The catch is that 4% needs a large deposit and investment balance held at U.S. Bank, so without it this is just a 2% card competing with simpler options. Hit the top tier and $30,000 of annual spend returns $1,200 versus $600 at base, but tying up six figures in low-yield balances to get there can cost you more in foregone interest than the bonus is worth. No annual fee; confirm the exact balance thresholds and boost tiers on U.S. Bank's site, as they've shifted since launch.

U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature Card at a glance

Rewards & perks

• As much as 4% flat on all spending once balances are high enough
• Charges no foreign transaction fee
• Straightforward rewards with no categories to track

Pros

• Carries no annual fee
• A flat 4% rate is within reach
• Charges no foreign transaction fee

Cons

• Reaching the top rate calls for sizable U.S. Bank balances
• Without those balances the rate sits at just 2%
• The boost tiers are subject to change

Who should apply

• A credit score in the good-to-excellent range
• Qualifying U.S. Bank deposit or investment balances to earn the boost
• Income adequate to back the credit line

Before you apply: card terms change often. Confirm the current annual fee, APR, welcome offer and rewards on the official U.S. Bank site. CreditCardCompare is an independent comparison resource, not the card issuer, and this is not financial advice.