The U.S. Bank Cash+ Secured brings an unusual amount of control to the building-credit space. Instead of a fixed rate or a single bonus category, it lets you choose categories where you earn a higher rate of cash back. It asks for a refundable security deposit and reports your payments to the three major credit reporting companies like any secured card, but the ability to steer your rewards makes it stand out for anyone rebuilding credit who wants their card to fit their spending.
Most secured cards keep rewards simple or skip them entirely. This one goes the other way, giving you a say in where you earn the most. For someone who knows where their money tends to go each month, that flexibility can make a secured card feel a lot more rewarding than usual.
Choose Where You Earn More
The signature feature of this card is the ability to select categories where you earn an elevated rate, from a list U.S. Bank provides, with everything else earning a base rate. The picks are made every three months: you sign in and choose again each quarter, and if you skip it, every purchase earns only the base rate. That means you can point your highest rewards at the areas you actually spend in, rather than accepting whatever a fixed card decides for you.
This kind of control is rare on a secured card, and it is the main reason to choose this one. If you like the idea of tailoring your rewards while you build, it delivers that in a way most building-credit cards cannot.
How the Secured Deposit Works
As with any secured card, a refundable deposit backs your account, which is why this kind of card is open to people whose credit is thin or has past setbacks. It is not a fee. U.S. Bank holds the deposit and returns it when you close the account in good standing or move up to a regular card with no deposit. The exact deposit and credit line are set by U.S. Bank’s review.
The deposit is what makes a flexible rewards card like this accessible while your credit is still developing, lowering the lender’s risk so you can get started.
Backed by a Major Bank
Coming from a major national bank, this card brings a strong app, dependable account management, and the option to build credit alongside other accounts you may already hold there. That backing gives the whole experience a polished, familiar feel while you establish your history.
The Cash+ Secured is one of several cards for building credit. See the full lineup and how they stack up.
The card includes the everyday tools you would expect from a big bank: contactless payments, full account management through the app, spending alerts, and simple mobile bill payment. Building credit here comes with a modern, capable experience.
A Path Toward a Card With No Deposit
Like the best secured cards, this one is built to be a stepping stone. U.S. Bank may review your account over time, and consistent, responsible use can lead to your deposit being returned and a move to the regular Cash+ card, with no deposit. That upgrade is the goal, and choosing your categories along the way makes the journey more rewarding.
The habits that get you there stay the same: pay on time and keep your balance low. Those two things drive your score more than anything else and signal you are ready for the next step.
Who This Card Is For
This card suits someone building or rebuilding credit who wants to shape their own rewards and has a clear sense of where their money goes. If you would get real value from choosing your top categories, the Cash+ Secured offers flexibility that few building-credit cards match.
If managing categories sounds like more than you want to deal with, a flat-rate secured card is simpler and still builds your credit just as well. The full review lays these options side by side so you can pick the approach that fits you.
Things to Keep in Mind
Secured cards generally charge a higher interest rate, so the goal is to pay in full each month and avoid interest entirely. The rewards only help if you pay the whole bill each month, and the real point of the card is building history rather than borrowing.
Approval, the deposit amount, and your credit line all depend on U.S. Bank’s review. A secured card improves your odds compared to a standard card, but approval is never guaranteed.
COMPARE BUILDING CREDIT CARDSGetting Your Category Picks Right
Because this card lets you steer your higher rate toward categories you choose, a little planning goes a long way. Look at where your money actually goes over a typical month and line your picks up with your largest recurring costs, so the rewards reflect real spending rather than guesswork.
It also helps to revisit your choices as life changes. Since you choose again every quarter, that check-in is built in, and it keeps your rewards aligned with your current habits. Paired with the core job of building credit, thoughtful category picks make the everyday use of the card more rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my cash back categories?
Yes, you select categories where you earn a higher rate from a list U.S. Bank provides, with a base rate on everything else. You choose again every quarter.
Is it a secured card?
Yes, it requires a refundable security deposit that backs your account.
Does it report my payments?
Yes, U.S. Bank reports to the three major credit reporting companies, so on-time payments help build your history.
How is it different from a fixed-category secured card?
This card lets you choose your higher-earning categories, rather than locking you into one preset category.
Can I get my deposit back?
Yes, the deposit is refundable, and U.S. Bank may review your account for an upgrade over time.
Is it worth the effort of choosing categories?
If you know where you spend most, yes. If you prefer simplicity, a flat-rate secured card may suit you better.
Should I pay my balance in full each month?
Yes, paying in full avoids the higher interest secured cards carry and keeps the rewards worthwhile.
Can I use this card for online purchases?
Yes, it works anywhere the payment network is accepted, including online and in stores.
How soon might I move to a card with no deposit?
There is no set timeline; U.S. Bank reviews accounts from time to time, and steady, responsible use is what moves you forward.
The Bottom Line
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Secured is one of the most flexible building-credit cards available, giving you a rare say in where you earn your highest rewards. It combines the accessibility of a secured card with choosable categories, the backing of a major bank, and a clear path toward a card with no deposit. For a rebuilder who wants their rewards to match their spending, it turns credit-building into something you can tailor to your life.