U.S. Bank Launches Cards to Meet Small Business Rewards Demand

U.S. Bank has introduced two new small business credit cards aimed at providing "straight-forward rewards" for everyday business purchases, according to a September 28 press release. The U.S. Bank Business Essentials Visa Card has no annual fee and offers unlimited 2% cash back on business purchases. When combined with a qualifying balance in a business checking account, it provides up to 2.5% total cash back.

The card also offers Visa Business benefits. The U.S. Bank Business Essentials Plus Visa Signature Card, with a $295 annual fee, provides enhanced rewards, including unlimited 2% cash back on business purchases, up to 3.5% total cash back when paired with a qualifying balance, 5% cash back on the business's top spend category (up to $200,000 annually), and Visa Signature Business benefits.

Both cards include a welcome offer, access to U.S. Bank's Spend Management platform, and ExtendPay fixed-fee payment plan for large purchases. U.S. Bank's senior executive vice president of payments, small business, Courtney Kelso stated that the new Business Essentials cards offer simplified benefits for small business owners. Actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba will serve as U.S. Bank's new small business spokesperson.

A PYMNTS Intelligence report revealed that 35.5% of small to mid-sized businesses consider "best rewards/cashback features" when choosing their primary card, with 14.1% citing it as the main reason. U.S. Bank launched Enhanced Payments in July to help small businesses move money faster and U.S. Bank Business Resources Central (BRC) in July 2025, a free online hub providing educational resources for small businesses.