As a young woman who loves to travel, dine out, and earn rewards for doing so, choosing the right credit card can be a game-changer. The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is one such option that stands out, particularly for its appealing rewards structure and relatively low annual fee. This card is designed for those who want to earn big on everyday spending like dining, takeout, and even grocery purchases. But how does it compare to other popular credit cards? Let’s break it down, compare it with other top contenders, and see if it’s the right fit for you!
Key Features of the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card offers a solid set of features that make it ideal for people who want to maximize rewards on everyday expenses, especially in the dining and travel categories. Here’s a breakdown of its core features:
1. Sign-Up Bonus
New cardholders can earn a 20,000-point bonus after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days. This is worth around $200 in cash back or travel rewards, making it a relatively easy bonus to attain, especially for those with frequent daily expenses.
2. Rewards Structure
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card earns 4x points on dining, including restaurants, takeout, and food delivery, and 2x points on grocery store purchases, as well as 1x point on all other purchases. This makes it an excellent card for foodies who love to eat out or order in, and for anyone who regularly buys groceries.
- 4x points on dining: This includes restaurants, takeout, and food delivery, which is an attractive feature for anyone who loves dining out or ordering food.
- 2x points on grocery store purchases: A solid return for everyday grocery shopping, making it a versatile card for more than just dining.
- 1x point on all other purchases: While not as exciting as the 4x and 2x categories, this still allows you to earn rewards on all your spending.
3. Annual Fee
One of the highlights of this card is its $0 annual fee, making it a great option for those who want to earn rewards without paying a hefty fee. Many credit cards with high rewards rates come with significant annual fees, but the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card keeps it affordable.
4. Other Benefits
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: If you’re a traveler, you’ll appreciate that there are no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international purchases.
- Cell Phone Protection: This card offers cell phone protection when you pay your monthly phone bill with it, which can save you money in case your phone is lost or damaged.
- Travel and Purchase Protection: The card includes purchase protection and travel insurance, offering peace of mind while traveling or shopping.
Who Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card Ideal For?
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is ideal for:
- Foodies: Those who eat out frequently, order takeout, or use food delivery services will benefit most from the 4x points on dining.
- Frequent grocery shoppers: The 2x points on grocery store purchases make it a great option for those who buy groceries regularly.
- Travelers: With no foreign transaction fees and the ability to earn points for travel rewards, it’s perfect for anyone who travels abroad.
- Budget-conscious consumers: With no annual fee, it offers an affordable way to earn rewards on everyday purchases.
Comparing the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card with Other Top Credit Cards
To fully understand where the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card stands in comparison to other popular cards, let’s take a look at some of the top travel and rewards cards: the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, American Express Gold Card, and Citi Double Cash Card.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 in travel)
- Rewards Rate:
- 2x points on travel and dining
- 1x point on all other purchases
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a higher rewards rate on travel and dining (2x points), which is solid but not as high as the U.S. Bank Altitude Go’s 4x on dining. However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a larger sign-up bonus and provides more flexibility with point transfers to travel partners. If you’re a frequent traveler and are willing to pay an annual fee, this card might be better suited for you.
2. American Express Gold Card
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Rewards Rate:
- 4x points on dining
- 3x points on flights
- 1x point on other purchases
- Annual Fee: $250
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
The American Express Gold Card offers 4x points on dining, just like the U.S. Bank Altitude Go. However, it comes with a significantly higher annual fee of $250, which might not be ideal for those looking for a more affordable option. But if you’re someone who spends a lot on flights, this card’s 3x points on travel can make it a great choice.
3. Citi Double Cash Card
- Sign-Up Bonus: None
- Rewards Rate:
- 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
The Citi Double Cash Card is a simple, no-fee card that offers 2% cash back on all purchases. While it doesn’t offer the category bonuses that the U.S. Bank Altitude Go does, it provides a flat-rate reward, making it easy to earn on all spending. For those who prefer a simpler rewards structure, the Citi Double Cash might be the better option.
Comparison Table
| Feature | U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | American Express Gold Card | Citi Double Cash Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign-Up Bonus | 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in 3 months | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months | None |
| Rewards Rate | 4x points on dining, 2x points on groceries, 1x on all else | 2x points on travel & dining, 1x point on other purchases | 4x points on dining, 3x points on flights, 1x point on other purchases | 2% on all purchases |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $95 | $250 | $0 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None | None | 3% |
| Ideal For | Foodies, grocery shoppers, travelers on a budget | Frequent travelers, point optimizers | High spenders on dining and travel | Simplicity lovers |
Conclusion
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is a great option for young professionals who love dining out, order takeout often, and want to earn rewards on their grocery shopping. With 4x points on dining and 2x points on groceries, it’s one of the best cards for foodies and those who want to maximize their everyday spending. Plus, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it’s a budget-friendly option for those who don’t want to worry about hidden costs.
While other cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and American Express Gold Card offer higher sign-up bonuses and some additional travel benefits, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go offers more value for those focused on dining and everyday purchases, all without the high annual fees. If you’re looking for a simple and rewarding card for everyday expenses, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card could be a perfect match.