The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card offers a rewarding mix of benefits for those seeking to earn points without paying an annual fee. With lucrative rewards on dining, groceries, gas, and streaming, along with a generous welcome bonus, this card can be an excellent choice for people who want to maximize their spending. However, it may not be the best fit for frequent travelers or those who prefer hotel and airline rewards, as it lacks transfer partners and bonus points for travel-related purchases.
Summary: TIME’s Take
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card stands out if you’re looking for significant rewards in categories like dining, groceries, gas, and streaming. It also offers a solid sign-up bonus and no annual fee. However, compared to some other no-annual-fee cards, it doesn’t offer the highest rewards in every category, and its lack of travel transfer partners limits its appeal for those who travel frequently. Additionally, U.S. Bank’s customer service is often cited as subpar, which may be a drawback for some.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 4 points per dollar on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery
- 2 points per dollar on groceries, streaming services, gas, and EV charging
- No annual fee
- Access to Visa Signature perks such as concierge services and travel benefits
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months
Cons:
- No hotel or airline transfer partners
- No bonus rewards for travel-related purchases
- Minimum redemptions apply for certain rewards
Rewards Breakdown
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card offers an excellent rewards structure for a no-annual-fee card:
- 4 points per dollar on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery
- 2 points per dollar on groceries, streaming services, gas stations, and EV charging
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Additionally, you can earn extra points through online shopping deals and other promotions when using your card.
Welcome Bonus
The card offers a 20,000 points welcome bonus when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days. Since points are worth 1 cent each, the bonus is worth $200 in cash or travel rewards.
Points Redemption
Points can be redeemed for:
- Cash back or statement credits
- Gift cards and merchandise
- Travel bookings through U.S. Bank’s rewards portal
- Real-Time Rewards, which allows you to redeem points instantly at participating retailers for statement credit
One downside is that the card doesn’t offer transfer partners, meaning you can’t transfer your points to airline or hotel programs to boost their value. Points are capped at 1 cent each, limiting the potential for maximizing redemption value.
Additional Benefits
- $15 annual streaming credit for services like Netflix and Spotify
- ID Navigator from NortonLifeLock for identity protection
- Visa Signature luxury hotel benefits and rental car privileges
- Lounge access via Priority Pass at over 1,300 locations worldwide
- Zero liability protection for unauthorized purchases
- Extended warranty protection on eligible items
- Trip delay reimbursement for delays over 12 hours
- Cellphone protection for phones paid with the card
Who Should Get This Card?
This card is ideal for individuals who spend frequently on dining, streaming, and everyday purchases like groceries or gas. It’s also a good option for people who want a no-fee card that still offers valuable perks like access to airport lounges and identity theft protection. If you’re seeking a card with a solid rewards structure but no annual fee, this card fits the bill.
Who Might Want a Different Card?
If you travel frequently or stay in hotels often, you may want to look for a card with more travel-related perks, such as points transfer to hotel or airline partners. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Gold card offer higher rewards for travel-related spending and transfer opportunities, making them better suited for those looking to maximize travel rewards.
Additionally, if you’re primarily interested in earning high rewards on groceries or gas, other no-annual-fee cards may provide better returns, like the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, which offers 3% cash back on groceries (up to a cap).
How It Stacks Up
- U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card: 4x points on dining, 2x points on groceries, streaming, gas, and EV charging
- Chase Freedom Flex: 5% cash back on rotating categories, 1% on all other purchases
- Citi Double Cash Card: 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I transfer balances from other credit cards to the U.S. Bank Altitude Go card? Yes, you can transfer balances. There’s an introductory 0% APR for the first 12 months on both purchases and balance transfers, with a 3% balance transfer fee.
Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Go card made of metal? Yes, the card is partially metal, providing a premium feel while maintaining its functionality.
What makes this card different from other no-annual-fee cards? The Altitude Go stands out for its 4x points on dining, which is higher than most other no-fee cards. Its comprehensive Visa Signature benefits and introductory 0% APR for purchases and balance transfers are other notable perks.
In conclusion, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is a solid, no-annual-fee option for those who spend on dining, groceries, and entertainment. While it lacks some features that frequent travelers may need, it offers valuable rewards and useful benefits for everyday spenders.
