U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card Review
A Dining Rewards Powerhouse with No Annual Fee
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is making waves among rewards credit cards, especially for those who enjoy dining out. With an impressive 4X points per dollar spent on dining and no annual fee, this card is hard to ignore. But is it the right card for you? In this detailed review, we’ll break down the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you decide.
Key Features
Rewards and Bonus Offers
- 4X Points on Dining: Earn 4 points per dollar on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
- 2X Points on Essentials: Earn 2 points per dollar at grocery stores, gas stations, EV charging stations, and eligible streaming services.
- 1X Points on Other Purchases: Earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
- Introductory Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days. This is equivalent to $200 in value.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card abroad without worrying about extra charges.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers |
| Regular APR | 18.24%-29.24% Variable APR |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.99%, Variable |
Redeeming Points
Points earned with the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card are straightforward and flexible. You can redeem your points for:
- Cash Back
- Travel
- Gift Cards
- Merchandise
One point is worth one cent, making it easy to calculate your rewards. However, note that there are minimum redemption requirements (e.g., you need at least 2,500 points to redeem for cash back).
Benefits and Perks
Dining Rewards
This card stands out for its 4X rewards on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery. For frequent diners, this is a significant benefit, especially considering the lack of an annual fee.
Streaming Service Credits
Cardholders also enjoy a $15 annual credit for eligible streaming services. To receive this credit, you must charge 11 consecutive months of streaming service expenses to your card. This perk adds extra value for those who subscribe to services like Netflix, Spotify, or Apple Music.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Travelers will appreciate that the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card has no foreign transaction fees. This makes it an excellent choice for use abroad, especially since it’s a Visa Signature card, which is widely accepted internationally.
Introductory APR
The card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. This can be particularly useful if you’re planning a big purchase or need to transfer a balance from another card.
Drawbacks and Considerations
Limited Bonus Categories
While the card excels in dining rewards, it falls short in other areas. For example, it does not offer bonus rewards on entertainment spending, such as movies, concerts, or sporting events. If you frequently spend in these categories, you might find better options elsewhere.
Grocery Rewards Could Be Better
Although the card offers 2X points at grocery stores, some competitors provide higher rewards rates for groceries. For instance, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), which might be more attractive if you do most of your dining at home.
Points Value
While points are easy to redeem, their value is fixed at one cent each. This means you can’t squeeze extra value out of your points through strategic redemptions. Some other rewards systems, like Chase Ultimate Rewards® or American Express Membership Rewards, allow you to transfer points to travel partners for potentially higher value.
Comparison with Other Cards
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
| Feature | U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $95 |
| Dining Rewards | 4X points | 4% cash back |
| Entertainment Rewards | None | 4% cash back |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 20,000 points ($200 value) | $300 cash back |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
| Feature | U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Dining Rewards | 4X points | 2% cash back |
| Grocery Rewards | 2X points | 3% cash back (up to $6,000/year) |
| Streaming Service Rewards | 2X points + $15 annual credit | 1% cash back |
| Intro APR | 0% for 12 billing cycles | 0% for 15 months |
FAQ
What is the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card?
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is a rewards credit card that offers significant points for dining and other essential purchases without an annual fee.
How do I earn points with this card?
You earn points by making eligible purchases: 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, 2X points at grocery stores, gas stations, EV charging stations, and streaming services, and 1X point on all other purchases.
What can I redeem my points for?
Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, and merchandise. Each point is worth one cent, making it easy to calculate the value of your rewards.
Is there an annual fee for this card?
No, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card has no annual fee.
Does this card offer an introductory APR?
Yes, the card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR of 18.24%-29.24% applies.
Are there any foreign transaction fees?
No, there are no foreign transaction fees with this card, making it a good option for use abroad.
What are the downsides of this card?
The main downsides are the lack of bonus rewards for entertainment spending and the fixed value of points, which can’t be maximized for outsized value.
The Bottom Line
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is an excellent choice for foodies who don’t want to pay an annual fee. Its high rewards rate on dining, coupled with solid rewards for groceries, gas, and streaming services, makes it a standout option. However, if your spending leans more towards entertainment or if you want a card that offers higher grocery rewards, you might find better alternatives. As always, it’s essential to evaluate your spending habits and preferences before choosing a credit card.
This comprehensive review should give you a clear understanding of what the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers and help you decide if it aligns with your needs. Happy spending!
