In a Nutshell
The U.S. Bank FlexPerks rewards program features strong value for travel redemptions, but a lack of flexibility in some cases. You’ll get a great value when you redeem your points for flights, hotels or car rentals booked through the FlexPerks portal. But you can’t transfer your points to other reward programs for a potentially higher value.The U.S. Bank FlexPerks rewards program offers an excellent value for travel redemptions and a simple, straightforward process for using your points.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways to earn and redeem your points earned through the U.S. Bank FlexPerks rewards program.
- Who is the U.S. Bank FlexPerks program good for?
- What are your FlexPerks points worth and how can you use them?
- Earning U.S. Bank FlexPerks points
Who is the U.S. Bank FlexPerks program good for?
The U.S. Bank FlexPerks rewards program is great for travelers who appreciate the value of simple travel redemptions.
You don’t have to figure out how to transfer your points for the best value, because U.S. Bank doesn’t have any transfer partners. Instead, you can get a fantastic value simply by redeeming your points for airfare, hotel stays, car rentals or other forms of travel directly through U.S. Bank. It’s like setting your rewards strategy on autopilot.
But if you prefer having more control over how you use your points, this might not be the best credit card rewards program for you. People who don’t mind putting in the extra time to maximize their credit card rewards might be disappointed they can’t transfer their points to airline and hotel programs to redeem them for an even better value.
What are your FlexPerks worth and how can you use them?
| Method of redemption | Point value (cents) |
|---|---|
| Airfare | 1.5 |
| Hotels | 1.5 |
| Car rentals | 1.5 |
1. There are no transfer partners, but that’s not always bad
Despite its name, U.S. Bank FlexPerks isn’t a flexible rewards program.
That means you must redeem your FlexPoints directly through U.S. Bank and can’t transfer them to the rewards systems of partner airlines or hotels.
This might sound like a disadvantage, but trying to find a good deal with a transfer partner can take a lot of time, and figuring out what value you’re getting for your points might also prove to be confusing for some. So if you prefer simplicity, U.S. Bank FlexPerks will spare you the hassle of transferring your points while still offering a great value.
2. Travel redemptions will provide strong value
The points you earn through the U.S. Bank FlexPoints rewards program offer the best value when you redeem for travel directly through the FlexPerks portal.
3. Other redemption options might not offer the best value
You can also redeem your points for statement credits, gift cards and merchandise rewards.
U.S. Bank doesn’t say how much your points are worth when you redeem for these particular perks, but rewards programs typically offer a lower redemption value.
Earning U.S. Bank FlexPerks points
U.S. Bank FlexPerks® Gold American Express® Card
The U.S. Bank FlexPerks® Gold American Express® Card can offer more earning potential if you like dining out.
Welcome bonus: 30,000 FlexPoints after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first four months after account opening.
Rewards rate: Five points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked in the FlexPerks Rewards Center; three points for every $1 spent at restaurants; two points for every $1 spent with airlines and at gas stations; and one point for every $1 on all other purchases.
Annual fee: $85
Read more: The best U.S. Bank credit cardsAnother U.S. Bank card that earns rewards points
What we consider the U.S. Bank’s most powerful rewards credit card isn’t part of the FlexPerks rewards program.
The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card offers a bigger sign-up bonus — 50,000 points after spending $4,500 on purchases during the first 90 days of account opening — and more perks than the FlexPerks cards. You’ll also earn five points for every eligible $1 spent on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards Center, plus three points for every eligible $1 you spend on other travel and purchases made through a mobile wallet. And you’ll get reimbursed up to $325 each year for eligible travel expenses as well as takeout, food delivery and dining purchases.
But the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card doesn’t participate in the FlexPerks rewards program. Instead, this card has its own rewards program — and the points have the same 1.5-cent value for travel redemptions as the FlexPerks rewards program.
The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card requires an existing eligible relationship with U.S. Bank to apply. If you’re interested in learning more, you can read our review of the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card.