U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card Review: Reward Rates Foodies Will Love [2023]

Find out why some people consider the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card to be one of the best no-annual-fee cards around.
Last updated March 23, 2023 | By Kevin Payne

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The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is not your typical $0-annual-fee credit card. Rewards credit cards with no annual fee often lack the high-powered rewards earning ability of other credit cards. They also tend to be less versatile on how you can use those rewards.

But the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card comes with bonus rewards rates in several popular spending categories, most notably dining. The Altitude Go card's 4X rewards rate on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery rivals premium credit cards with high annual fees. And that's only the beginning of this card's perks.

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.

Impressive Rewards on Food Delivery & Dining

Current Offer

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery; 2X points on grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, streaming services, and EV charging stations; and 1X points on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

  • Introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
  • Earn 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery
  • No foreign transaction fees

Drawbacks

  • No rewards on entertainment spending
Card Details
  • Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
  • 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
  • 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
  • 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
  • 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 19.49% - 28.49%.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Points never expire
  • Terms and conditions apply.

In this U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card review

Key takeaways

  • The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature has excellent rewards rates for a $0-annual-fee card, particularly on dining.
  • Foodie cardholders can earn 4X points for every dollar spent on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery. That’s higher than some premium credit cards.
  • The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature has a decent welcome bonus. Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
  • This card is made of metal.

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 for a $0 annual fee. It’s also a foodie’s dream credit card because of its high dining rewards rate.

The credit card earns extra points on spending in popular bonus categories such as dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, as well as grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, streaming services, and EV charging 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. And did you know the card's made of metal? 

Along with its impressive rewards rates, the Altitude Go card also offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 billing cycles (then 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)) and a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles (then 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)). 

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.

Credit 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 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
Reward rate 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery; 2X points on grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, streaming services, and EV charging stations; and 1X points on all other eligible purchases
Recommended credit score Excellent
Intro APR 0% APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases, then 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
0% APR for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers, then 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Foreign transaction fee None

Why we like the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: benefits and perks

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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 most other rewards cards.
  • Earns rewards for EV charging: The U.S. Bank Altitude Go earns 2X points per dollar spent on grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, streaming services, and EV charging stations. 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: $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
Dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery 4X
Grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, streaming services, and EV charging stations 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 open and in good standing.

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.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card FAQ

Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card metal?

Yes, the U.S. Bank Go Visa Signature Card is a metal credit card, which is somewhat rare for a $0-annual-fee 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. 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.


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% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash back 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 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, and 1% cash back on other eligible 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 (waived first year)

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: 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.

Impressive Rewards on Food Delivery & Dining

Why We Like It

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening

See rates and fees

See how these cards compare:

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
  • Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases, on up to $20,000, in the first year
  • Bonus rewards on travel, dining, and drugstores
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
  • 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services
  • 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and eligible transit
  • Introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers
  • Annual fee of $95 (waived first year). Terms apply.
  • See rates and fees

Author Details

Kevin Payne Kevin Payne is a freelance writer specializing in student loans, credit cards, personal finance, and travel. He is a regular contributor to Club Thrifty, Millennial Money, and Student Loan Planner. As the budget and family travel expert behind FamilyMoneyAdventure.com, Kevin recently turned his writing side hustle into his full-time career. He lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife and four kids.