U.S. Bank Altitude Go card basics
Card type | Travel/Cash Back |
Credit card issuer | U.S. Bank |
Annual fee | $0 |
Reward rate | 4X points on first $2,000 each quarter on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery; 2X points on streaming services, grocery stores, and gas stations/EV charging stations (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded); and 1X points on all other eligible purchases |
Welcome offer | Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening |
Recommended credit score | Excellent |
Intro APRs | Purchases: 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases, then 18.24% to 28.24% (Variable) Balance transfers: 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on balance transfers, then 18.24% to 28.24% (Variable) |
Foreign transaction fee | 3% of each foreign transaction |
Who should get the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card?
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card could be nearly perfect for you if:
- You're a foodie who spends a lot on meals and takeout.
- You see your spending habits reflected well in this card's bonus categories (such as streaming).
- You want to avoid interest on new purchases and/or a balance transfer after opening.
This card was built for people with excellent credit who want to earn rewards for everyday spending for a $0 annual fee. It's also a foodie's dream credit card because of its high dining rewards rate. And if you already have an account with U.S. Bank, this is one of the best U.S. Bank credit cards.
The credit card earns extra points on spending in popular bonus categories such as dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery (for the first $2,000 spent each quarter), as well as streaming services, grocery stores, and gas stations/EV charging stations (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded). 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.
Along with its impressive rewards rates, the Altitude Go card also offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles (then 18.24% to 28.24% (Variable)) and a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles (then 18.24% to 28.24% (Variable)).
Who the U.S. Bank Altitude Go isn't ideal for
Some of the best balance transfer cards come with promo periods longer than the U.S. Bank Altitude Go's, but it's still a decent card for consolidating debt or planning out big purchases. Keep in mind that, like with other balance transfer credit cards, you'll have to pay a balance transfer fee if you move other credit card balances over to the Altitude Go.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card won't work for people with less-than-stellar credit. There are other no-annual-fee cards that might be a better fit if that describes you.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card benefits
- Great rewards rate on dining: This U.S. Bank card earns an impressive 4X points for every dollar spent on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery (for the first $2,000 spent each quarter).
- Generous welcome offer (for a $0-annual-fee card): Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of 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.
- Annual streaming services credit: The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card comes with a $15 yearly credit for streaming service purchases. That's pretty low for an annual amount, but it's still a nice perk for this level of credit card.
- 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 most other rewards cards.
- Earns rewards for EV charging: The U.S. Bank Altitude Go earns 2X points per dollar spent on streaming services, grocery stores, and gas stations/EV charging stations (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded). Many credit cards earn rewards on gas purchases, but the Altitude Go's rate for EV charging is a nice addition.
What we don't like about the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® 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.
- Likely requires excellent credit: Individuals likely need excellent credit scores to qualify for the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card (and there are no guarantees). 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: $1,000
Year two earnings: $800
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 |
Dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery (for the first $2,000 spent each quarter) | 4X |
Streaming services, grocery stores, and gas stations/EV charging stations (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded) | 2X |
All other eligible purchases | 1X |
Don't forget the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card comes with a decent 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 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on new purchases in the first 90 days 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, but, unlike some cards, you don't get a higher redemption rate on travel.
Cashback rewards come in the form of a statement credit or a deposit to a linked U.S. Bank savings or checking account. If you don't have a U.S. Bank account, then plan to stick with statement credits if you don't want to use the online rewards center. U.S. Bank points never expire as long as your account is active.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature 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 (assuming you have enough points banked to cover it).
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.
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.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited technically earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, rather than straight cash back, and these points are known for offering higher value and more flexibility than points with other credit card issuers.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
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 in eligible purchases, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout). 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. This card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter.
FAQs
Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card metal?
No, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is made of recycled plastic. If you're looking for a metal credit card, 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. You'll need a U.S. Bank checking or savings account if you want to transfer cashback redemptions to your bank account, but you can get statement credits regardless.
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.
Bottom line
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is a great choice for people who qualify, regardless of whether or not you're an existing U.S. Bank customer. Despite having a $0 annual fee, this card has an exceptional rewards rate on dining and also has some decent perks for streaming services.
If you want to check out other credit cards that might work for you, then read our best credit cards page.