Image courtesy of U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank’s credit card portfolio has a new addition, and it’s a doozy for anyone seeking a lengthy break from interest charges.
The $0-annual-fee U.S. Bank Shield Visa offers what’s now a market-leading 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers for the first 24 billing cycles after card opening. (After that, a variable APR will apply, currently 17.74% to 28.74%).
As of March 2025, that’s the longest promotional interest-free period you’re likely to find among major credit card issuers, outshining introductory APR offers from competitors like the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card. U.S. Bank’s other primary 0% intro APR card — the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card — is no longer available to new applicants, according to a U.S. Bank spokesperson.
To qualify for the 0% interest rate on balance transfers, Shield cardholders must initiate the transfer within 60 days of account opening. A 5% balance transfer fee applies, which is on the high end for such fees.
While the Shield card’s two-year interest-free period is the showstopper, it has some other notable features that aren’t typical of cards in its class. It offers:
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4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked in the U.S. Bank Travel Rewards Center.
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A $20 annual statement credit after making purchases with the card for 11 consecutive months.
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Cell phone insurance up to $600 of coverage if you pay your cell phone bill with the Shield card.
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Car rental insurance when you pay for the rental with the Shield card.