Smartly or Us Bank Cash Plus? Here’s What Most Reviews Won’t Tell You
You’ve got two cashback cards in front of you: Smartly and US Bank Cash Plus. You’re looking for the one that maximizes your rewards without complicating your life. Let’s break down which one deserves a spot in your wallet.
| Feature | Smartly | US Bank Cash Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 12 months | 0% for 15 months |
| Cashback Rate | 1.5% flat | 5% on two categories, 2% on gas, 1% others |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | ✓ 3% | ✗ |
| Bonus Offer | $200 after $500 spend | $200 after $1,000 spend |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 3% | 3% |
✅ Smartly Pros
- No annual fee, making it easy to keep long-term.
- Simple 1.5% cashback on all purchases, no need to track categories.
- Lower spending requirement for the bonus offer.
❌ Smartly Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee limits its use abroad.
- No boosted cashback categories, limiting earning potential.
✅ US Bank Cash Plus Pros
- 5% cashback on two chosen categories, perfect for strategic spenders.
- No foreign transaction fees, great for travelers.
- 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
❌ US Bank Cash Plus Cons
- Higher spend requirement for the bonus.
- Requires active management to maximize categories.
Cashback Performance
Smartly offers a straightforward 1.5% cashback rate on everything, which is perfect if you want simplicity and don’t want to fuss over which card to use. Meanwhile, US Bank Cash Plus gives you the opportunity to earn 5% cashback on two categories you select each quarter. If you’re someone who can stick to categories like groceries or streaming services, this card could significantly boost your cashback game. But if you can’t be bothered with remembering which categories you’re using each quarter, Smartly might be the better fit.
Foreign Use and Fees
Smartly loses points with its 3% foreign transaction fee. That’s a dealbreaker if you travel internationally often. US Bank Cash Plus, in contrast, waives foreign transaction fees entirely. If you’re a frequent traveler, this alone could save you a bundle. For domestic use, both cards are equally competitive, but if your life involves a passport, US Bank Cash Plus takes the win.
Introductory Offers
Both cards offer a $200 bonus, but they come with strings attached. Smartly requires you to spend just $500 in the first three months to get the bonus. It’s a low bar, making it an enticing offer if you’re not planning any big purchases soon. US Bank Cash Plus demands twice the spend, $1,000, to earn the same bonus. This could be a stretch unless you have upcoming expenses that fit the bill.
Most people overlook the impact of the foreign transaction fees until they’re hit with unexpected charges. Even if you don’t travel much now, consider your future plans. Also, cashback categories can be a hassle to manage if you’re not naturally organized. Smartly’s flat rate might seem dull but could be just what you need to keep things simple.
Our Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For the set-it-and-forget-it type who hates juggling categories, Smartly is your go-to card. Its straightforward 1.5% cashback on everything makes it a reliable choice. If you’re more strategic and don’t mind managing categories to earn big rewards, US Bank Cash Plus is your best bet. Plus, it’s a traveler’s friend with no foreign transaction fees.
Can I change my cashback categories with US Bank Cash Plus?
Yes, you can change your 5% cashback categories once per quarter, allowing you to adapt based on your spending habits.
Does Smartly offer any purchase protection benefits?
Yes, Smartly includes standard purchase protection, covering new purchases against damage or theft within 90 days.
How does the US Bank Cash Plus category selection work?
You select two categories each quarter to earn 5% cashback. You need to choose them proactively, or else you’ll default to 1%.
