U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card Full Review
Advantages
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Exceptional Meal Rewards
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Annual bonus for streaming services
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No annual fee and 0% introductory APR
The inconvenients
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Low base reward rate
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Less value than some annual fee cards
The benefits explained
- Exceptional Meal Rewards: The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card offers 4 points per dollar on restaurant, takeout, and food delivery services. That's tied for the best rewards rate on restaurant-related purchases among major credit cards. Other restaurant heavyweights include the Capital One Savor Cash Back Rewards Card and the American Express Gold Card. However, none of those cards offer bonus rewards on purchases created using food delivery services, that are specifically incorporated with that one. Both are available with expensive annual fees, with Savor charging $95 per year and American Express Gold charging $250.
- Annual bonus for streaming services: With this card, you will get $15 credit annually when you use it for eligible streaming services for 11 consecutive months. Options include Netflix, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and YouTubeTV.
- No annual fee and 0% introductory APR: Despite the card's solid rewards, it does not charge an annual fee, so you don't need to run the numbers to make sure you're getting enough value to warrant the upfront cost. It also provides a 0% initial APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles. This means you can make a sizable purchase or transfer an account balance from another card, and you will have one year to pay for them back without interest. The card does, however, charge a fee for balance transfer promotions: $5 or 3% from the transfer amount, whichever is larger.
Disadvantages Explained
- Low base reward rate: This card offers bonus rewards on many daily spend categories, but its base reward rates are only 1 point per dollar. As a result, many of your purchases will probably earn an average rewards rate. To increase your rewards, you may consider pairing this card having a card that offers a base reward rate of just one.5% or 2%, such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Citi Double Cash card.
- Less value than some annual fee cards: There's not much not to like about the US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card. But if you are seeking much more value, you might be able to get it from a yearly fee credit card. Some of those cards cash larger unique offers, more valuable rewards, along with other lucrative perks.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature card is most effective for those who spend a lot of money in restaurants, takeout, or have food delivered. The card's 4X multiplier on these purchases will make it simpler to accumulate rewards quickly.
On surface of that, additionally, you will get double points at supermarkets as well as on grocery delivery services, which is an uncommon bonus category. So whether you purchase food on your own or pay someone else to prepare your meals, you get extra points on the purchase.
This card could also be a great choice for those who spend a great deal on streaming services. Although its 2% reward rate on these purchases isn't the best in the company – American Express' Blue Cash Preferred card takes the crown with its 6% reward rate (however with a $95 annual fee) – its annual streaming credit offers an added bonus.
Unique offer for the US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card
You'll earn 20,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months on the card, a highly effective 25% return in your spend. The bonus is worth $200 when redeemed, which is solid value for any card without any annual fee. However, some similar cards offer one-time offers worth $150 or $200 after working only $500.
Reward Earnings Details
This card offers 4 points per dollar on takeout, food delivery and restaurant dining, in addition to 2 points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations and on grocery delivery and streaming services. Everything else earns 1 point per dollar.
The catering related bonus rewards are some of the best you can find. But if you are specifically searching for a card that offers extra points on groceries, gas, and streaming services, you might get better rewards rates along with other cards.
Reward Redemption Details
US Bank offers several redemption options, including cash back, gift cards, travel, and merchandise. Points count 1 cent each for all redemptions and they never expire.
How to maximise your rewards
The best way to maximize rewards using the US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is to pair it with another card that provides a high reward rate across all spend categories. If you use this card because of its bonus reward categories and also the second card for anything else, you will still get over 1% back on your purchases.
Also, make sure to spend enough in the first couple of months to qualify for the card's unique offer. You may not be able to do this on bonus spending alone, so plan to use the card for most of the purchases before you hit the $1,000 threshold, or about $333 monthly for that three months.
Cardholder experience
Of the 11 national issuers in JD Power's 2022 U.S. Charge card Satisfaction Study, US Bank ranked 10th, scoring underneath the average of 782 out of 1,000. The average score was of 860.
US Bank offers free access to your VantageScore credit rating, which could give you a wise decision of your creditworthiness. However, a number of other major card providers offer use of your FICO credit score, which is extensively used by lenders.
You can manage your bank account through internet banking or using the US Bank mobile app. If you need help, customer service can be obtained 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
Security functions
The US Bank mobile app enables you to lock and unlock your card, which may be useful if you have misplaced the credit card or think someone stole it and wish to prevent unauthorized purchases. US Bank also offers other standard security measures to safeguard cardholders.
Fees to watch
For probably the most part, US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature card fees are pretty standard. An exception is that the card does not charge foreign transaction fees. Most non-travel credit cards replenish to 3% on purchases made abroad.
Our opinion
The US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card provides a lot of value for a charge card with no annual fee. This is particularly worth taking into consideration should you frequently dine out or order. And the card's annual $15 streaming credit can make a modest contribution to your entertainment budget. However, the card's other rewards rates aren't the best available, therefore it might be best to pair it with another rewards credit card that can give you a high rate on all of your purchases.
