US Bank U.S. Bank National Association U.S. Bank National Association ND Old webpage used to lure in customers for less than promised Fargo, Arizona, Nationwide

I opened a checking account with US Bank and was sent a check card (debit card).  When I did a websearch about US Bank check cards/debit cards, I found a page about Flex Perks US Bank check/debit cards which offer rewards for debit card purchases. 

View the webpage here: https://www.usbankrewards.com/Prospect.aspx?programName=USBD0000400010793412

The debit card I received didn't offer any rewards so I called and asked how I could get one of the rewards debit cards.  The sales representative asked me where I had seen that and I told her online.  She told me that US Bank had discontinued the rewards program for their debit cards, but that I could get good rewards with the US Bank Cash+ Credit Card.  I didn't want a credit card, but she told me that I could get 5% cash bank on the two categories I choose so I went ahead and applied because I like the idea of being able to choose where to get 5% cash back.  The sales rep gave me her email because I asked other banking questions.

While the sales rep collected my information, I read the fine print.  It says:

If you do not qualify for the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card, you will automatically be considered for the U.S. Bank Cash Rewards Visa Card that earns 1% cash back on all net purchases, but does not offer the 5% and 2% Cash+ Categories or the $25 Cash+ Bonus once per calendar year.

https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/cash-plus-signature.html

I asked the sales rep about this and she said that customers are sent those when they don't qualify for the Cash+ Visa Signature card. After the application questions, I was told that I was approved with a credit limit of $6,500. The credit card arrived in the mail but it didn't include anything about how to select the 5% categories.  I emailed the sales rep and she gave me directions on how to choose the 5% categories, but the options weren't there and when I examined the card I discovered that it was a Cash Rewards card, that just gives 1%, not the 5%. 

The sales rep didn't respond when I emailed her telling her I was disappointed and when I called the 800-285-8585 number on the back of the card, I didn't even get to talk to a live person.  It said their call volume was high, wait time was high and to call back in a couple of hours.  US Bank has poor customer service after applying, yet has people standing by when you want to apply.

This is a ripoff.  I already  get 1% back from Discover Card and they have 5% categories, but you don't get to choose them.  The benefits are much better on the Discover Card.  My credit dropped about 25 points after apply for this card which provides less than the one that I already have.  I didn't want another 1% cash back Visa card.  You can get those anywhere.

My credit dropped and I got a nothing special card after calling to inquire about getting a cash rewards debit card.  The check card listing and the Cash+ Visa Signature Card appear to be bait and switch methods by US Bank to lure you in and offer you less than promised.

Beware, you won't get what you wanted and your credit score will drop significantly for a card offer less than Discover.  If you want 1% cash back, go with a Discover It card, not a US Bank credit card.