u/SufficientError8932

Please only comment if you've had a POSITIVE or (if negative) RECENT (preferably in the last 6 months or so) experience with the U.S. Bank / U.S. Bancorp investing platform. I read somewhere that they recently revamped their investing platform, but I've only really seen feedback from pre-2026 (most of which is negative).

Looking for honest, useful, DETAILED, recent feedback. Things like:

• When did you last use it?
• What type of account(s) do you have? (e.g. taxable, retirement)
• Do you do self-directed?
• What do you LIKE or NOT LIKE about it? (e.g, fees, interface, tools, etc.)
• Why do you CHOOSE or NOT CHOOSE it over another platform like Fidelity/Schwab/Robinhood?
• How is it for beginner investors?
• How is it for advanced / experienced investors?

tbh, it is pretty clear to me that you can't go wrong with Fidelity, and I certainly don't expect anyone to say USB is better. However, USB's Smart Rewards make it pretty appealing to me because uninvested cash in savings currently earns 4.0% APY, which slightly edges out Fidelity CMA (currently 3.26% 7-day yield). The catch is you have to maintain a combined balance (savings + checking + IRAs + taxable investments) of at least $100k. Pretty steep, considering Fidelity CMA is far less strict (just doesn't earn quite as much). But also, it's achievable if you already keep all your funds within USB anyway.

Anyway, I can be swayed either way. Just looking for feedback on recent real-world experience.

Looking for the cleanest way to set up a card so my spouse can keep using it independently (with NO disruptions to autopay for critical bills) if I die. Authorized users have limitations. Joint ownership has become increasingly rare. Is a joint business card a viable option here?

I called my bank and they said this is a very niche question. But I'm not so sure it's niche as much as people just don't think to ask about it until it's too late. Curious to hear what others have done.

Note: This matters especially for cards tied to critical autopay: utilities, insurance, and key subscriptions like a password manager containing passwords we share for critical accounts. If I'm the sole owner of the card and the card issuer is notified of my death, my understanding is the card gets closed, causing serious payment disruptions for my spouse in an already very stressful time.

Goal

• I want my spouse to have uninterrupted access to a credit card after I'm gone (one that's used for critical autopay payments).
• Ideally: full ownership rights, not just authorized access.
• Ideally: my spouse would not have to switch payment methods at all after my death. What I'm interested in here is basically ZERO extra work for them.

What I've Researched So Far

• Authorized user: It's easy to add a spouse, but if the primary cardholder dies, continued use enters a legal gray area. Also the card could (would) get closed upon notification of my death. May not be right away, but still eventually.
• Joint personal cards: This would solve the problem (both spouses are equal owners) but most banks have stopped offering them. Sounds like FNBO may still offer them, but I'd have to switch to a card I'm less interested in.
• Joint bank account: My spouse and I already have one (equal owners), and I know we could just use it to pay critical bills directly, but that means giving up credit card perks. Contingency is more important to me, so I understand I may have to settle for this option.
• Business cards: Wondering if opening a business card with both of us listed as business owners would function like a joint personal card. We'd need an EIN and a legitimate business, but my understanding is that a small side operation like selling on eBay or Facebook Marketplace qualifies. Is that correct? And is this actually a clean solution, or does it have the same pitfalls as the authorized user setup?
• Lastly, get their own card: I understand my spouse can have their own card (which they already do), but this means they would have to login to all the different accounts and switch the payment method. It's an option, and it may be what a lot people end up doing, but in my opinion that's a big hassle for such a stressful time. Also if they forget to switch an account, they may not know until the service gets shut off. I'm looking for ZERO hassle and ZERO disruptions.

EDIT: Just wanna clarify that NO I’m not about to die and have no reason to believe I’m gonna die anytime soon. Just something that’s been on my mind lately and wanna plan accordingly for it now while I still have the chance.