Our take: The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is one of the best 0% APR cards for anyone who is seeking to accommodate large purchases or who is looking to consolidate previous debt with a balance transfer.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Intro Bonus
Extended 0% introductory APR period for purchases and balance transfers.| 0% balance transfer term | 21 months |
| Balance transfer fee | 3% |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Regular APR | 18.74%–29.74% variable |
- Exceptionally long 21 month 0% introductory APR period for purchases and balance transfers.
- Other perks: Cell phone protection, ID theft protection, Pay over time with a U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
Pros
- Higher APY than other savings vehicles
Cons
- Foreign transaction fee
- No Rewards
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card Overview
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card is catered to anyone in the market for a 0% APR card. It has one of the longest introductory 0% APR periods out there, coming in at 21 billing cycles, allowing cardholders the ability to take their time to repay particularly large purchases made with the card or any balance transfers brought into this account.
This card’s value proposition is to save cardholders money, and it does that not just with its 0% intro APR but also a $0 annual fee. But since it is a no frills card, it doesn’t offer any other valuable perks, particularly in the way of rewards or benefits.
Who is the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card good for?
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card is one of the best credit cards for anyone looking to make a large purchase and give themselves the longest possible timeline to pay the balance down without accruing interests, thanks to its extra-long 0% introductory period APR. Since the same intro APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers, this card is also suited for those seeking to consolidate debt acquired through other credit cards into this one to enjoy the 0% APR and to simplify from numerous payments into one.
Who shouldn’t get the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card?
If you’re seeking a credit card that both comes with a 0% introductory APR period and also helps you earn rewards —whether cash back, miles or points— this is not the card for you, as it provides no opportunities to earn rewards.
Credit cards similar to the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
While this is one of the cards with the longest 0% introductory APR period and that in itself can be very valuable, the card offers no other perks. Here are other options that combine a great balance of a long introductory APR along with other fringe benefits.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers another 0% intro APR option with a $0 annual fee that still allows you to earn cash back with every purchase. While the intro period is slightly shorter, at just 15 months from account opening, it makes up for it by offering a welcome bonus of additional 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year), worth up to $300 cash back.
The card earns 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠,5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through March 2025),4.5% cash back on dining including takeout and eligible delivery service, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases ,and 3% cash back on all eligible purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card vs. U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
U.S. Bank also offers another Visa that retains almost all of the great things from the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum -like a $0 annual fee and a 0% intro APR, although for just 15 billing cycles- but throws in both a $200 rewards bonus after you apply online and spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening, as well as the ability to earn cash back with your purchases.
The card earns 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose, 2% cash back on one everyday category, like gas stations and EV charging stations, grocery stores or restaurants and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. You can redeem the cash back you earn as a statement credit, a rewards card or have it direct deposited into your checking or savings account.
Is the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card right for you?
If you’re looking for a 0% introductory APR card for both purchases and balance transfers, this is one of the best options out there considering its very generous 21 billing cycle duration for that intro APR. If you instead are interested in a card with both 0% intro APR period and the ability to earn rewards, you’d be better served by other cards.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a balance transfer to take effect?
Most balance transfers are processed within 14 days but because processing times do vary, you should always continue making payments to the account you’re transferring from to prevent defaulting on your account while the transfer is ongoing.
Does it make sense to transfer balances?
Generally, transferring a balance to a 0% intro APR card will make sense provided the amount of the balance is large enough that you wouldn’t be able to repay your debt in a few billing cycles. If you need a long period to ensure you can slowly repay your debt before the introductory period runs out, you’ll find value in a balance transfer even after you consider any of the balance transfer fees involved in the process. However, for smaller amounts that could be paid off quickly, the balance transfer fees may outweigh any savings from a 0% APR.
What credit score is needed to be approved for the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card?
Many factors play a role when credit card applications are being evaluated -such as payment history, your debt-to-income ratio and your income- however, U.S. Bank lists the necessary credit score to be considered for this card in the range from good to excellent.
Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.
About the contributors
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea covers credit cards and luxury travel. With more than a decade of experience with points and miles, Ben brings his expertise as a freelance travel writer breaking down complex rewards programs with easy-to-understand writing. He has a background in linguistics and languages, and loves traveling in first or business class all over the world.
Dia Adams is the senior editor leading the credit cards team at Fortune Recommends. Previously, Dia was a managing editor on the credit cards and travel rewards team at Forbes Advisor. She has been featured on national television, radio, print, and online media as an expert in the realms of credit cards, points and miles, Disney and family travel.
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.
