The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum card is an attractive option if you’re looking for a balance transfer card. It offers an exceptionally lengthy 0 percent introductory APR: 18 billing cycles on balance transfers and new purchases (variable APR 19.49 percent to 29.49 percent thereafter). That makes it a great addition to your wallet if you’re looking to pay down debt while avoiding expensive interest rates. Plus, you won’t have to worry about an annual fee, which will save you money in the long run.

However, while the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card does have a great 0 percent introductory offer, the card falls short in other ways: It has no rewards program or welcome offers, features that many other balance transfer cards include. Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not this card is right for you.

U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card benefits

While the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card doesn’t have as long a list of benefits as some other cards, its 0 percent intro APR is remarkable. If you need to pay off debt, you’ll find this card valuable.

0% intro APR on balance transfers

The 0 percent intro APR offer on balance transfers is easily the biggest benefit associated with the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card. For 18 billing cycles, you’ll have a 0 percent intro APR on all balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening the card. Afterwards, the ongoing variable APR is 19.49 percent to 29.49 percent, which is about average.

If you’re looking to pay down debt over an extended period of time while avoiding expensive interest rates, this is a good card to consider. It could end up saving you a large amount of money in the long run from the APR offer alone.

0% intro APR on new purchases

The 0 percent introductory APR offer also applies to new purchases, meaning you’ll avoid paying interest on new purchases made with the card for the first 18 billing cycles. This is a good opportunity to pay off a large purchase over time. Don’t spend more than you can afford, however, because after the 18 billing cycles are up, you’ll be subject to the 19.49 percent to 29.49 percent variable APR.

Cellphone protection

If you pay your cellphone bill each month with your U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card, you’ll be eligible to receive cellphone protection on phones associated with the bill. If your phone is stolen or damaged, you’ll be covered for up to $600 per eligible incident. You can claim the reimbursement twice a year, so, in total, you’ll could receive up to $1,200 in annual coverage (minus a $25 deductible).

No annual fee

With this card, you won’t have to worry about dishing out extra cash each year to cover an annual fee. Again, this is another way the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card will save you money in the long run.

Free credit score access

The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card also makes it easy to keep track of your credit score. With the card, you’ll receive free access to your VantageScore from TransUnion, and you’ll be kept informed of any major changes to your score.

Although most lenders use the FICO score to make loan decisions, this is still a good benefit as it helps you understand where your credit score stands.

Visa fraud protection

Another benefit you’ll receive through this card is fraud protection. Visa will monitor your account in real time and send you a notification if suspicious activity is detected. Stopping fraudulent activity in its tracks is easy with this standard Visa benefit.

Maximizing the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card

The best way to maximize U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card benefits is to use the card to pay off existing debt within the introductory period. The 0 percent introductory APR offer can help you pay off existing balances while avoiding expensive interest rates. However, you’ll have to pay off the balance within the first 18 billing cycles or you’ll be stuck with an ongoing variable APR of 19.49 percent to 29.49 percent. Keep in mind you will still have to pay a balance transfer fee of 3 percent ($5 minimum).

If you feel like the benefits of the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card won’t bring you the most value, there are plenty of other options to consider. For instance, the Citi® Double Cash Card offers 2 percent cash back on all purchases. Earn 2% on every purchase (unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases). Plus a 0 percent intro APR offer for balance transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99 percent to 28.99 percent, based on your creditworthiness.

The bottom line

Overall, the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card is a great card for paying down existing debt due to its lengthy intro APR offer. For 18 billing cycles, you’ll be able to cut down your existing balances. While the card is exceptional in this aspect, it is missing the rewards and benefits that other cards offer. Make sure to consider every aspect of a balance transfer card when deciding whether or not it’s worth it for you.