The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is not your typical no-fee rewards credit card. Finding a rewards credit card with no annual fee often means it lacks the high-powered rewards earning ability of other credit cards. It also typically means less versatility on how you can use those rewards.
Yet, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card comes with bonus rewards rates in several popular spending categories, especially ones that appeal to foodies.
With all its earning, though, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go may not be right for everyone. Keep reading our U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card review to learn more about the card, as well as how to earn and redeem its rewards points.
Who should get the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card?
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is ideal for individuals with excellent credit who want to earn rewards for everyday spending without paying an annual fee. It’s also a foodie’s dream credit card because of its many dining-related spending categories.
This U.S. Bank Altitude Go card earns extra points on spending in popular bonus categories such as takeout, food delivery, and dining purchases, as well as grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, and gas stations. It’s an excellent option for those who spend money on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and more. In addition to earning bonus points, it comes with an annual credit for eligible streaming service purchases.
This card also comes with 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 billing cycles (then 16.49% to 25.49% (variable)) and a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles (then 16.49% to 25.49% (variable)), though the best balance transfer cards may come with promo periods longer than that. You'll also want to compare balance transfer fees if you're looking for a card specifically for that purpose.
Since you need excellent credit to qualify for the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card, it’s not a good option for individuals who don’t currently meet its high credit requirements. There are other no-annual-fee cards that might be a better fit if that describes you.
Card basics
Card type | Travel/Cash Back |
Credit card issuer | U.S. Bank |
Credit card network | Visa |
Annual fee | $0 |
Intro bonus | Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months |
Reward rate | 4X points on takeout, food delivery, and dining purchases; 2X points on grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, and gas stations; and 1X points on all other purchases |
Recommended credit score | Excellent, Good |
Intro APR | 0% APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases, then 16.49% to 25.49% (variable) 0% APR for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers, then 16.49% to 25.49% (variable) |
Foreign transaction fee | None |
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card benefits and perks
- Generous welcome offer: Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening.
- $0 annual fee: The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card carries a $0 annual fee, so having this card won’t cut into the value of the rewards you earn each year.
- Great rewards rate on dining: This U.S. Bank card earns an impressive 4X points for every dollar spent on takeout, food delivery, and dining purchases.
- Annual streaming services credit: The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card comes with a $15 yearly credit for streaming service purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees: This card is an excellent addition to your wallet if you travel outside the U.S. frequently as there are no foreign transaction fees charged on international purchases.
- Real-Time Rewards: Your U.S. Bank card gives you access to Real-Time Rewards. This feature sends you a text message any time you make a qualifying purchase that’s eligible for a statement credit. You have the option to claim a statement credit for the purchase right away rather than waiting until the end of the billing cycle like other rewards cards.
Drawbacks to this card
- No rewards on travel spending: The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card rewards many types of spending, but it doesn’t reward travel purchases.
- Requires excellent credit: Only individuals with excellent credit scores are likely to qualify for the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card. For context, an excellent FICO score is a score of 800 or higher.
Earning & redeeming points
Potential earnings in years one and two
Here's a look at how your points can add up with the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card. To calculate these values, we used a point valuation of 1 cent per point.
Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.
Year one earnings: $784
Year two earnings: $584
These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model which takes a look at points earned via spending, the sign-up bonus, and the annual fee. The totals do not include the annual streaming credit, so if you take advantage of that perk your earnings will be even higher.
Best ways to earn
You can earn tons of U.S. Bank Altitude points by using your U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card for your everyday spending.
Categories | Rewards rate |
Takeout, food delivery, and dining purchases | 4X |
Grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, and gas stations | 2X |
All other purchases | 1X |
Don’t forget the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card comes with a sizable welcome bonus with a low spend requirement. It’s an easy win that you can turn into a host of redemption options. You’ll earn 20,000 points after you spend $1,000 on new purchases in the first 3 months after opening the account. This one-time welcome bonus is only for new cardholders who’ve never had a U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature card.
Maximizing your redemptions
Points earned with your U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card are worth one cent each regardless of redemption option, similar to a cashback card. Altitude points are redeemable for:
- Merchandise
- Gift cards
- Cash back
- Travel
Cardholders can redeem Altitude points by heading to the U.S Bank’s online rewards center in their online account and mobile app. There’s also a travel portal where you can book flights and hotels directly using points.
Cashback rewards come in the form of a statement credit or a deposit to a linked U.S. Bank savings or checking account. There’s also a 2,500 minimum redemption for cash back. U.S. Bank points never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa also gives you access to its Real-Time Rewards program. With Real-Time Rewards, U.S. Bank texts you anytime you make a purchase in select spending categories. You will then have the option to respond with the text “REDEEM” and receive a statement credit for the qualifying purchase within three business days.
Enrollment is required to participate in Real-Time Rewards, which is done through your U.S. Bank online account and not available via mobile banking.
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card FAQs
Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card metal?
Yes, the U.S. Bank Go Visa Signature Card is a metal credit card. For other options, you can check out our list of the best metal credit cards.
How do I redeem my U.S. Bank Altitude points?
You can redeem U.S Bank Altitude points through the online rewards center within your U.S. Bank online account and the mobile app. Altitude points are redeemable for merchandise, gift cards, cash back, or travel.
Does U.S. Bank give instant approval?
Like most card issuers, U.S. Bank sometimes offers instant approval on their credit cards. There are also cases where more time is required for U.S. Bank to verify the information the applicant provided, which can take up to seven to 10 business days.
What is the difference between a Visa card and a Visa Signature card?
Visa Signature cards come with extra perks and benefits. The specific benefits available are at the discretion of the card issuer, so they vary between different cards but can include additional travel perks, emergency travel assistance, extended warranty protection on eligible purchases, cell phone protection, and more.
Other cards to consider
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card’s rewards structure is so good that it makes our list of the best no annual fee credit cards. But if this card doesn’t appear to be a smart fit for you, there are other credit card offers for you to check out.
You might want to consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited® if you're looking for a card that is basically a cashback and a travel rewards card. It’s another top $0-annual-fee credit card with a longer intro APR offer on purchases. Where the Chase Freedom Unlimited card excels is higher cashback earnings: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases. Additionally, if you have one of the Chase Sapphire cards, you can transfer your cashback earnings as Chase Ultimate Rewards to your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® account where they gain even more value.
If the bulk of your spending is on groceries instead of dining out, you might be better off with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express card. This Amex card earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1X) and on U.S. streaming services, 3% at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, and 1% on other purchases. Instead of points, you earn cash rewards good for statement credits. The card also features some extra benefits not found with the U.S Bank Altitude Go, such as return protection on select card purchases and secondary car rental insurance. The annual fee is $95 (See rates and fees).