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The Smartly is a points rewards card from U.S. Bank that carries a no annual fee on the visa network. At its core it earns 1.0X cash back on everyday purchases, making it straightforward for cardholders who want predictable, consistent returns.
Points enthusiasts will find the most flexibility with the Smartly. cash back can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or transferred to loyalty partners. Cardholders who maximize transfer partners often extract 1.5–2+ cents per point, well above face value.
With no annual fee, there is virtually no downside to keeping this card long-term even as a backup. It adds to your credit history and earns rewards at zero ongoing cost.
The Smartly has no annual fee, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants rewards without a yearly cost. There is no break-even spending threshold to worry about — every dollar of rewards is pure value.
Financial disclaimer: PointsPick is not a financial advisor. Credit card terms, APRs, and fees are set by U.S. Bank and subject to change. Verify all information on the issuer's website before applying.
You can apply for the Smartly directly through U.S. Bank's website. The application takes about 5 minutes and requires your Social Security number, annual income, and housing payment information. Most applicants receive an instant decision.
Before applying, check if you are pre-approved on U.S. Bank's website — a pre-approval uses a soft pull and does not affect your credit score.
Most successful applicants have a credit score of 670 or higher. Higher scores significantly improve approval odds.
Does the Smartly have a foreign transaction fee?
No. The Smartly does not charge a foreign transaction fee, making it a good option for international purchases and travel abroad.
Can you transfer Smartly rewards to airlines?
No. The Smartly does not offer transfer partners. Rewards are typically redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or gift cards.
Smartly vs Blue Business Plus: which is better?
Both cards compete in the same category. The Smartly and Blue Business Plus each have strengths depending on your spending patterns. See our detailed comparison for a side-by-side analysis.
Methodology
This review draws on data from 35+ independent sources including official product pages, the CFPB Credit Card Agreements Database, community approval datapoints, expert point valuation sources, and our proprietary MCC verification database. Rankings are data-driven with no affiliate influence on placement. Card terms were last verified on March 08, 2026. Full methodology: www.pointspick.com/methodology.
