U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 0% intro for 24 billing cycles, then 17.74%–28.74% variable
• Rewards: 4% on travel booked through U.S. Bank Travel Rewards Center
• Bonus: None
• Best For: Balance transfers, large purchases, those needing extended interest-free period
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (700+)

Overview

The U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card stands out with the longest 0% introductory APR period in the industry—a full 24 months on both purchases and balance transfers. This two-year interest-free window makes it an exceptional choice for consolidating high-interest debt, financing large purchases, or managing cash flow without incurring interest charges.

Beyond its signature intro APR offer, the Shield card provides practical benefits including annual statement credits, comprehensive cell phone protection (up to $600 coverage), and purchase security features. While rewards are limited compared to dedicated cash back cards, the Shield's primary value lies in its extended interest-free financing capability.

For cardholders who need time to pay down significant balances without accumulating interest, the Shield card delivers unmatched value at no annual fee cost.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 0% intro for 24 billing cycles, then 17.74%–28.74% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro for 24 billing cycles, then 17.74%–28.74% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 17.74%–28.74% variable (no intro rate)
• Penalty APR: None

Note: The 24-month intro period is the longest available among major credit cards. Perfect for consolidating debt or financing large purchases over two years interest-free.

Benefits Overview

Financial Benefits

• $20 Annual Statement Credit: Automatically applied after 11 consecutive months of purchases
• ExtendPay Plan: Optional $0 3-month payment plan available after intro period
• No Penalty APR: Late payments won't trigger penalty interest rates

Protection Benefits

• Cell Phone Protection: Up to $600 coverage per claim (2 claims per 12-month period) when you pay monthly bill with card
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Secondary coverage for rental cars
• Extended Warranty Protection: Adds one year to manufacturer's U.S. warranty on eligible purchases
• Purchase Security: 90-day protection against theft or damage on covered purchases
• Zero Liability Protection: Full fraud protection on unauthorized purchases

Travel Benefits

• 4% Cash Back: On prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked through U.S. Bank Travel Rewards Center
• Travel and Emergency Assistance: 24/7 support for travel emergencies
• Emergency Card Replacement: Expedited replacement while traveling

Everyday Benefits

• No Annual Fee: Access premium benefits without yearly cost
• Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay enabled
• Digital Wallet Support: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay compatible
• Real-Time Alerts: Instant notifications for account activity

Rewards & Earning Structure

Limited Rewards Program

• 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked through U.S. Bank Travel Rewards Center
• No rewards on other everyday purchases

Note: The Shield card prioritizes interest savings over rewards. If you're seeking comprehensive rewards, consider the U.S. Bank Cash+® or Altitude® cards instead.

Statement Credit

• $20 annual credit automatically applied after 11 consecutive months with at least one purchase each month
• Offsets annual card usage and provides additional value

Welcome Bonus

None. The U.S. Bank Shield™ Card does not offer a sign-up bonus.

The card's value proposition centers on its extended 0% APR period rather than welcome bonuses or ongoing rewards.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: Standard rate applies (typically 3%)
• Balance Transfer Fee: 5% of transfer amount ($5 minimum)
• Cash Advance Fee: 5% of advance amount ($10 minimum)
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $41
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $41

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Balance transfer seekers consolidating high-interest credit card debt
• Large purchase planners who need 24 months to pay off major expenses
• Cell phone users wanting comprehensive phone protection
• Cash flow managers needing extended interest-free financing
• Those with good-to-excellent credit seeking debt consolidation without balance transfer cards' typical 12-18 month limits
• Budget-conscious consumers who prioritize interest savings over rewards

Not Good For

• Rewards maximizers (minimal earning potential outside travel booking)
• Welcome bonus hunters (no sign-up bonus offered)
• Those planning to carry balances long-term (high APR after 24 months)
• International travelers (likely foreign transaction fees)
• Low credit score applicants (requires good to excellent credit)

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• Industry-best 24-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
• No annual fee saves money while providing extended financing
• Valuable $20 annual statement credit (earned after 11 months)
• Comprehensive cell phone protection up to $600 per claim
• Purchase security, extended warranty, and auto rental coverage included
• No penalty APR for late payments
• ExtendPay option provides flexibility after intro period
• Two full years to pay off balances without interest

Cons

• High 5% balance transfer fee (though 24 months offsets this for many)
• Minimal rewards program (only 4% on travel booked through portal)
• No welcome bonus offered
• Potentially high variable APR after intro period (17.74%–28.74%)
• Limited appeal for rewards-focused users
• Requires good to excellent credit for approval
• Foreign transaction fees likely apply

Alternatives to Consider

How the Savings Add Up

Example Balance Transfer Scenario

Transferring $10,000 in credit card debt at 20% APR to the Shield card:

Note: Even with the 5% balance transfer fee, you save $1,664 over 24 months compared to keeping the balance on a 20% APR card.

Example Large Purchase Scenario

Financing a $5,000 appliance purchase:

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You're consolidating $5,000+ in high-interest credit card debt
• You need to finance a large purchase over 24 months
• You want the longest 0% intro APR period available
• You pay your cell phone bill and want comprehensive protection
• You have good to excellent credit (700+)
• You value interest savings over ongoing rewards
• You can pay off balances within the 24-month window

You Should Skip It If...

• You're seeking a high-rewards credit card for everyday spending
• You want a welcome bonus (this card offers none)
• You need rewards on purchases beyond travel bookings
• You plan to carry balances beyond 24 months without a payoff strategy
• You travel internationally frequently (foreign transaction fees likely apply)
• You prefer shorter intro periods with lower balance transfer fees

Apply Now

Apply for U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card

Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.