US Bank Real Time Rewards devalue

[longtimelurker]

Didn't see any posts on this but possibly missed it!  Email today on cash +.   Among other things:

Reward redemption changes
You'll get the most value when you redeem your Cash Rewards as a statement credit or deposit to an eligible U.S. Bank account.

When redeeming Cash Rewards for Real-Time Rewards and U.S. Bank Rewards Card, the Cash Rewards values and redemption minimums may vary over time, and will be disclosed upon redemption.

I don't use RTR on Cash+ (only useful for redeeming below standard mins, though that is changing).  Just hope it doesn't spread to AR, which would reduce a key value.

[G2244]

Got an email on this as well. I didn't use it for this, but also a nerf:
"IMPORTANT CHANGE: Effective April 14, 2025, grocery store and supermarket purchases at discount stores/supercenters such as Target and Walmart and wholesale clubs will only earn 1% cash back. Gas station and electric vehicle charging station purchases at discount stores/supercenters, wholesale clubs and grocery stores/supermarkets will only earn 1% cash back."

I am almost certain they will be coming after the Altitude Reserve next. They are making changes to practically every card. Considering from the above that they are not liking spend at wholesale clubs, they can't be happy that the AR is basically giving 4.5% cash back if used via mobile wallet. I am hoping whatver the damage, that they announce it sooner than later. I am trying to decide 2025 card mix and it would be nice to know if they are nerfing AR which is far and away my most heavily used card.

[NoHardLimits]

I received the Cash+ email earlier today, and just now received the same type of email regarding the Shoppers Cash Rewards.  

The following rewards program updates will take effect April 14, 2025.

Updated rewards earning

3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases on your choice of one everyday category (like wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations,^ bills and utilities).

You will continue to earn 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose, 6% cash back on prepaid hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center. And 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.1 ^ Excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs.

Reward redemption changes You'll get the most value when you redeem your Cash Rewards as a statement credit or deposit to an eligible U.S Bank account. When redeeming Cash Rewards for Real-Time Rewards and U.S. Bank Rewards Card, the Cash Rewards values and redemption minimums may vary over time, and will be disclosed upon redemption.

[IntegerIntrovert]

Got the email also on my GO card.

This is a clear signal that there will be an upcoming devaluation on RTR, in my novice opinion. Directly affecting AR holders.

[NoHardLimits]

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@IntegerIntrovert wrote:

This is a clear signal that there will be an upcoming devaluation on RTR, in my novice opinion. Directly affecting AR holders.

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I'm hoping that closing the AR to new applications will stem the tide enough to grandfather existing customers into the 4.5x RTR rate for travel and mobile wallet.  If devaluation comes to AR, that card will probably leave my portfolio.

[longtimelurker]

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@NoHardLimits wrote:

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@IntegerIntrovert wrote:

This is a clear signal that there will be an upcoming devaluation on RTR, in my novice opinion. Directly affecting AR holders.

---

I'm hoping that closing the AR to new applications will stem the tide enough to grandfather existing customers into the 4.5x RTR rate for travel and mobile wallet.  If devaluation comes to AR, that card will probably leave my portfolio.

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Hope it stays!   As I only have the AR and Cash+ not so familiar with the way it works on the Go/Connect/Shopper.   Is there any real advantage except for bypassing minimums (and of course getting the charge reversed right away)?   On the AR, it allows (travel) redemptions at 1.5cpp, which otherwise would require booking and redeeming through the portal.

[NoHardLimits]

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@longtimelurker wrote:

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@NoHardLimits wrote:

---

@IntegerIntrovert wrote:

This is a clear signal that there will be an upcoming devaluation on RTR, in my novice opinion. Directly affecting AR holders.

---

I'm hoping that closing the AR to new applications will stem the tide enough to grandfather existing customers into the 4.5x RTR rate for travel and mobile wallet.  If devaluation comes to AR, that card will probably leave my portfolio.

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Hope it stays!   As I only have the AR and Cash+ not so familiar with the way it works on the Go/Connect/Shopper.   Is there any real advantage except for bypassing minimums (and of course getting the charge reversed right away)?   On the AR, it allows (travel) redemptions at 1.5cpp, which otherwise would require booking and redeeming through the portal.

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I have AR, Cash+, and Shoppers.  I use RTR with Cash+ and Shoppers to bypass the minimum redemption amount at a value of 1 cent per point.  For AR, I strictly use RTR for the 1.5x premium to offset travel expenses (usually hotel stays booked directly through the hotel website).