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

In-Depth Review: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature is an exciting offering in the U.S. Bank Altitude credit card roster. The no annual fee card provides sky-high rewards for consumers who like to get the most for their money.

How to Get the Card

Credit Needed

To be eligible for most US Bank credit cards, including the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card, it is essential to have a minimum credit score of 700. This requirement ensures that applicants have a very good or excellent credit score, which demonstrates their responsible credit management and financial stability. By maintaining a high credit score, individuals increase their chances of being approved for the credit card and accessing its benefits and rewards.Top of Form

No Pre-Qualify Before Applying

US Bank does not offer a pre-qualification portal prior to applying. This means that potential applicants cannot check their eligibility for a US Bank credit card or loan before submitting an application.

 Instead, the bank sends preapproval offers by mail. These offers will contain specific details about the credit card or loan product and an offer code that can be used during the application process.

This approach may be disappointing for individuals who were hoping for a more streamlined and convenient pre-qualification process, especially for those who do not have an existing banking relationship with US Bank.

0% APR

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card offers two extended promotional interest periods:

0% APR for 12 Months On Purchases

New accounts benefit from a 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases. After the introductory period, a competitive rate applies. The card’s broad reward categories make it an excellent choice for financing significant purchases.

0% APR for 12 Months On Balance Transfers

In addition, new accounts enjoy a 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers. To qualify for this financing bonus, you must transfer your existing balance within the first 60 days of opening an account. US Bank charges a balance transfer fee of either 3% of the transfer amount or a $5 minimum, whichever is greater.

No Fees

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature features no annual fee. No yearly charge is great, especially as cards like the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card feature a $95 annual fee.

The card also charges no foreign transaction fee, making it the perfect companion for your next business trip, vacation, or any other expedition abroad. And while the card does have fees for transactions like balance transfers and cash advances, these are well within the average for such types of charges.

How to Earn Rewards with Altitude Go

Welcome Bonus

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers a straightforward sign-up bonus. New accounts can earn 20,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. This bonus is valued at approximately $200 when redeemed for statement credits or award travel through U.S. Bank.

While this welcome offer may not be as large as some other cards, such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited, it is still an attainable goal. With an average monthly spending of around $333, you can easily meet the requirements.

How to Earn Reward Points

Cardholders earn up to 4X points per $1 spent on purchases, with that rewards rate breaking down as follows:

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

Consider using your U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Credit Card whenever you dine out or order food to get maximum value with the card. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at your favorite restaurant or having a fancy dinner at a five-star establishment, every dollar you spend will earn you four points.

Additionally, using the Altitude Go when grocery shopping can also help you accumulate points faster. Whenever you visit your local supermarket or purchase groceries online, remember to use your U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Credit Card to earn double the points. This is an excellent way to make the most out of your everyday spending and enjoy the rewards that come with it.

Bonus Categories Defined

Like other issuers, U.S. Bank has precise definitions of what does – and does not – qualify as an “eligible streaming service.” Currently more than a dozen streaming apps qualify for the 2X points, including the following options:

Remember that U.S. Bank consistently updates its list of eligible services. Still, not seeing apps like Paramount+, Peacock, or HBO Max is frustrating.

Other Ways to Earn Rewards

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card also offers bonuses for shopping through the issuer’s online portal, called the Rewards Center Earn Mall. The Rewards Mall lets you earn additional points on purchases from tons of top-shelf retailers

While this feature may provide more points for your spending, it does require the extra step of going to the online mall before making a purchase. Still, it’s worth considering if you want to maximize the value of your Altitude Go Card by increasing the rewards you earn on every purchase.

How to Redeem Rewards

Redeeming rewards with the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card is straightforward. Altitude points can be exchanged for various options such as merchandise, gift cards, rewards prepaid cards, or discounted travel bookings. While the card offers travel perks, it functions more like a cash back credit card than a travel rewards card.

Travel might be your best redemption option, despite the availability of multiple one-to-one points transfer options. Points can be used to book airfare with major airlines, reserve rooms at thousands of hotels, rent cars, go on cruises, or participate in activities categorized as travel. Moreover, when you book through the rewards portal, you can still earn points or qualifying nights towards elite status or rewards travel.

Even if you don’t have enough points for a reward, you can still use them to reduce the cost of your next trip. U.S. Bank allows cardholders to shop with points and cash in the rewards portal, giving you the flexibility to use as few or as many points as you’d like. There is no limit on the number of points you can use.

You can redeem your points immediately after making a purchase with your U.S. Bank Altitude Go card. With Real-Time Rewards, you will receive a notification on your mobile device when you have enough points to cover your spending. Simply reply with a confirmation, and your points will be immediately applied to that purchase.

Streaming Statement Credit

One notable perk is the $15 annual statement credit for streaming services. To take advantage of this offer, you’ll need to use the Altitude Go Card to pay your monthly streaming subscription. After 11 consecutive payments in a calendar year you’ll earn a $15 credit.

This credit can be used towards popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of entertainment options while on the go. Whether you’re in the mood for catching up on the latest movies, binge-watching your favorite TV shows, or listening to your favorite music, this travel perk ensures that you can stay entertained during long flights or when unwinding in the comfort of your hotel room.

US Bank Benefits

The US Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers a range of benefits provided by US Bank. These benefits include:

Shipt

Cardholders can enjoy three months of free Shipt membership, followed by nine months of membership at a 50% discount. Additionally, they receive free delivery on orders of $35 or more. Shipt delivers from various local stores, such as Target, CVS, and Walgreens, with new options being added regularly. To take advantage of this perk, a separate enrollment is required.

NortonLifeLock

ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock provides cardholders with access to multiple tools designed to enhance their safety. These tools include Dark Web monitoring, stolen wallet assistance, data breach notifications, and more. To determine eligibility for this service, please visit www.cardbenefitidprotect.com.

Online and Mobile Access

Manage your Altitude Go Visa Signature® Card at your convenience with our online and mobile access service. This service offers cardholders a range of tools for managing their cards and accounts, including:

• Contactless payments with EMV contactless chip technology
• Adding authorized users to your account
• Access to financial education tools
• Linking your card to PayPal or other mobile wallets
• Complimentary access to your FICO Score upon free enrollment

Visa Signature® Benefits

Beyond the streaming services credit, the Go comes with the typical U.S. Bank and Visa Signature credit card features, which include:

Comparison

Altitude Comparison

Tips for Maximizing Rewards with the Altitude Go

To make the most out of your U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Credit Card, here are some tips to help you maximize your rewards:

• Use your card for dining and grocery purchases: These categories offer the highest earning potential, so make sure to use your U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Credit Card whenever you eat out or buy groceries.
• Take advantage of the sign-up bonus: Meet the spending requirement within the specified timeframe to earn the bonus points. This can give your rewards balance a significant boost right from the start.
• Pay your balance in full every month: To avoid interest charges, it’s crucial to pay your credit card bill in full and on time. This way, you can enjoy the rewards without any extra costs.
• Keep track of your points: Regularly check your rewards balance to stay updated on the number of points you’ve earned. This will help you plan your redemptions and take advantage of any limited-time offers.
• Explore redemption options: Don’t limit yourself to one type of reward. Take the time to explore the different redemption options available and choose rewards that align with your interests and goals.
• Utilize the travel perks: Make use of the $15 credit for annual streaming services and the travel insurance coverage provided by the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Credit Card. These additional benefits can enhance your overall experience and save you money.

What We Like About the Altitude Go Card

No Fees

The Altitude Go Visa Signature card offers a great feature – no fees. There is no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees when using the card abroad, and no over-the-limit fee or penalty APR for missed payments.

Intro APR

Another great feature of the card is the 12-month introductory APR. While this period may not be as long as other cards like the Citi Double Cash or the Freedom Unlimited, which offer longer intro APRs on balance transfers and purchases respectively, having a full year of no interest charges is still a nice feature.

Things to Consider

Lacking Entertainment Features

The Altitude Go Card offers a simple streaming credits and rewards, but it lacks additional entertainment features. Its main focus is on appealing to food enthusiasts who prefer not to cook. For those individuals, a card like the previously mentioned Savor Rewards from Capital One or Chase Freedom Unlimited might make more sense.

US Bank Ratings

How does US Bank rate as a credit card issuer? Here is a selection of ratings for US Bank, from consumers and financial experts:

Should You Apply for the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature® Card?

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature is a solid rewards card for people that prefer to use their credit card on everyday life instead of occasional splurge purchases. The 4X points on dining makes it one of the most valuable dining rewards cards on the market today, while the additional of 2X points on groceries, gas, and streaming makes it the perfect accessory to your daily commute – or a night enjoying movies on the couch. 

The Go compares very favorably with its rivals, with it comparing favorably with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Citi Premier® Card, and Amex offerings rather handily. The streaming service statement credit is the one notable disappointment with the card – especially as American Express and others have been quick to add statement credits for these services to some of their best premium cards.  

Fortunately, there’s more than enough here to compensate for this shortcoming. No foreign transaction fees, a generous introductory bonus, and 0% APR for 12 months on both purchases and balance transfers are the three most noteworthy examples. 

Overall, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature is a great rewards card that hits all the right notes to make the budget-conscious cardholder sing. The card blends entertainment and everyday rewards seamlessly, making it a solid choice for your next credit card.