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U.S. Bank Business Shield Visa Card overview
The U.S. Bank Business Shield™ Visa® Card is a practical option for business owners focused on financing large purchases rather than earning maximum rewards. The card is a solid option with no annual fee and a 0% introductory annual percentage rate for 12-18 billing cycles* (then a variable APR of 16.24% to 25.24% applies). It’s ideal for a business managing cash flow with the trade-off of limited rewards and travel perks. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Formerly known as the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card, the U.S. Bank Business Shield Visa Card is designed to help business owners manage large expenses without paying interest.
The information for the U.S. Bank Business Platinum has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
While the card’s primary strength remains its 0% introductory APR for 12-18 billing cycles* (afterward, a variable APR of 16.24% to 25.24% applies), the refresh adds travel-focused cash-back rewards and purchase protections, making it more competitive than before, especially for businesses that book occasional flights or hotels.
There’s no annual fee, but you also won’t find a traditional welcome bonus or everyday bonus categories. Instead, the value comes from interest savings, cash flow management tools and targeted travel perks.
Approved applicants typically have a credit score of at least 670.
*In order to receive a 0% introductory APR offer for 18 billing cycles, you must apply in-branch.
Here’s what you should know about the U.S. Bank Business Shield before applying.
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U.S. Bank Business Shield pros and cons
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U.S. Bank Business Shield welcome offer
Unfortunately, one of the biggest downsides of the U.S. Bank Business Shield is the lack of a welcome offer.
Instead, its primary incentive is its introductory APR: 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for 12-18 billing cycles*. After that, a variable APR of 16.24% to 25.24% applies.
The length of your 0% introductory APR period will depend on whether you apply in-branch or online. Applying in-branch will likely provide a longer APR period.
Balance transfers must be made within the first 30 days of account opening, and all transfers are subject to a 5% transfer fee.
Related: Best business credit cards
U.S. Bank Business Shield benefits
A low-frills card overall, the Business Shield includes several useful benefits, including:
- $50 annual statement credit after making $5,000 in Travel Center purchases
- Business and purchase protections, including extended warranty, purchase protection, cellphone protection and auto rental collision damage insurance.
Cardholders can also access the U.S. Bank Spend Management platform, which monitors and helps manage business expenses. Its features include accounting, intuitive expense receipt capture and real-time business analytics.
Plus, cardholders have the ability to use the U.S. Bank ExtendPay Plan, so they can pay off balances in fixed monthly payments over time without incurring interest. New cardholders receive a $0 fee offer on ExtendPay Plans each year, offering three months of ExtendPay.
Primary cardholders can also request employee cards at no additional cost.
Related: How to get a business credit card
Earning and redeeming rewards on the U.S. Bank Business Shield
The U.S. Bank Business Shield earns 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotels and car rentals booked directly in the U.S. Bank Travel Center when using your card.
You can redeem the cash back you earn in a variety of ways, including for a statement credit, a deposit to a U.S. Bank savings account and through real-time rewards to pay for charges.
Related: How to avoid and reduce credit card interest
Which cards compete with the U.S. Bank Business Shield?
The U.S. Bank Business Shield is a great choice if you’re looking to finance large purchases. If its features don’t appeal to you, here are some other options:
For additional options, check out our list of no-annual-fee business cards.
Related: How to choose a credit card with 0% APR
Is the U.S. Bank Business Shield worth it?
If your priority is financing and not paying an annual fee, then the U.S. Bank Business Shield is right for you. Its lengthy 12-to-18-billing cycle* 0% introductory APR term (afterward, a variable APR of 16.24% to 25.24% applies) on purchases and balance transfers makes it stand out among its competitors.
Once the introductory APR period ends, most businesses will be better off shifting to a rewards-focused card, but as a short-term financing tool, this card does its job well.
We recommend using it for the introductory APR period and then shifting everyday spending to a business rewards card.
Bottom line
For business owners, the U.S. Bank Business Shield helps save interest on both purchases and balance transfers. While it offers limited rewards, this card can help smaller businesses struggling to finance necessary purchases.
Adding this card to your wallet makes sense for those who need to manage cash flow and reduce interest costs. After the first year, this card may not be as useful unless you’re targeted for another 0% APR offer.
But for new businesses or those needing a helping hand with expenditures, this card is a great tool.
Apply here: U.S. Bank Business Shield
*In order to receive a 0% introductory APR offer for 18 billing cycles, you must apply in-branch.
