The U.S. Bank Business Shield™ Visa® Card is built for business owners who prioritize financing large purchases and managing cash flow over maximizing rewards. The card has no annual fee and offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12–18 billing cycles* (afterward a variable APR of 16.24%–25.24% applies). Its value is mainly interest savings, cash-flow tools and select travel protections rather than broad rewards or big welcome offers. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
Overview
Formerly the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card, the Business Shield focuses on short-term financing. The refresh adds travel-focused cash back and purchase protections, making it more useful for businesses that occasionally book travel. Approved applicants typically have a credit score of at least 670.
Key terms
– 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12–18 billing cycles* (then variable APR 16.24%–25.24%)
– No annual fee
– Balance transfers must be made within 30 days and carry a 5% transfer fee
– To receive the 18-billing-cycle 0% APR offer, you must apply in-branch
Pros and cons
Pros
– 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12–18 billing cycles*
– No annual fee
– 5% cash back on eligible travel booked in the U.S. Bank Travel Center
– Built-in purchase and travel protections
Cons
– No welcome offer
– Limited rewards outside the Travel Center
– Long-term value declines after the intro APR period
– Balance transfers carry a 5% fee
Welcome offer
There is no traditional welcome bonus. The main incentive is the 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12–18 billing cycles*. Applying in-branch can yield the longer 18-cycle term. Balance transfers must be completed within the first 30 days and are subject to a 5% fee.
Benefits
– 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotels and car rentals booked directly in the U.S. Bank Travel Center
– $50 annual statement credit after $5,000 in Travel Center purchases
– Purchase protections including extended warranty, purchase protection, cellphone protection and auto rental collision damage waiver
– U.S. Bank Spend Management tools for receipt capture, accounting integration and business analytics
– U.S. Bank ExtendPay Plan to pay balances in fixed monthly installments without interest; new cardholders receive a $0 fee offer on ExtendPay Plans each year (three months)
– Free employee cards for primary account holders
Earning and redeeming rewards
The card earns 5% cash back on eligible travel booked in the U.S. Bank Travel Center. Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited to a U.S. Bank account, or used through real-time rewards to pay charges.
Who should consider this card
This card is best for businesses that need short-term interest relief to finance large purchases or consolidate balances. It’s especially useful if you plan to pay down big expenses during the 0% APR window. Once the introductory period ends, most businesses will be better served by a rewards-focused card for everyday spending.
Competitive alternatives
– Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card — 1.5% cash back on all purchases; no annual fee.
– Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards — 3% cash back in a chosen category and 2% on dining (on up to $50,000 combined purchases per year); no annual fee.
– Ink Business Cash® Credit Card — Bonus rewards on common business categories; no annual fee.
Bottom line
The U.S. Bank Business Shield Visa Card is a practical choice for small businesses that need to finance purchases without interest and prefer no annual fee. It offers a strong introductory APR period and select travel protections, but limited long-term rewards. Use it during the 0% APR term for major expenses, then shift regular spending to a stronger rewards card once the promotional period ends.
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.
