U.S. Bank launches Business Essentials
U.S. Bank has introduced two new business credit cards offering tiered cash back rewards and integrated financial tools, alongside naming Jessica Alba as a
U.S. Bank launched the Business Essentials Visa Card and Business Essentials Plus Visa Signature Card on September 28, 2026. The new cards offer unlimited 2% cash back on eligible purchases, with rewards redeemable into a qualifying business checking account or as a statement credit.
Courtney Kelso, a U.S. Bank executive, stated the bank's rationale. "Our new Business Essentials cards offer small business owners straightforward, easy-to-use benefits that help simplify their spending, banking and expense management."
Rewards Structure and Cash Back Details
The cards provide tiered cash back rewards designed to maximize savings on different types of spending. The core offer is unlimited 2% cash back on everyday business purchases, a feature confirmed for both cards. Additional cash back is available when cardholders maintain a qualifying balance in a linked U.S. Bank business checking account.
| Card | Base Cash Back | Max Cash Back with Qualifying Balance | Top Category Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Essentials Visa Card | 2% unlimited | 2.5% total | Not specified |
| Business Essentials Plus Visa Signature Card | 2% unlimited | 3.5% total | 5% on top spend category (up to $200,000 annually) |
The Business Essentials Plus Visa Signature Card also provides a 5% cash back bonus on the business’s top annual spend category, applicable on up to $200,000 in purchases each year.
Key Features and Tools
Beyond rewards, both cards grant access to U.S. Bank’s award-winning Spend Management platform. This tool helps business owners track and categorize expenses. Cardholders also get access to the ExtendPay fixed-fee payment plan, which allows for spreading the cost of large purchases over time.
The Business Essentials Plus Visa Signature Card carries a $295 annual fee. The annual fee for the standard Business Essentials Visa Card was not disclosed.
Marketing and Celebrity Endorsement
Actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba was named U.S. Bank’s new small business spokesperson. She will appear in digital and television advertisements promoting the Business Essentials card line. This move aligns the bank's products with a well-known figure in the entrepreneurial community.
The launch follows the bank's ongoing effort to build resources for small business owners. In July 2025, U.S. Bank introduced Business Resources Central, a free online hub providing educational materials and guidance.
