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U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card – 4X Dining Rewards, $0 Fee
February 6, 2025
A no-annual-fee rewards card that dishes out 4X points on dining – essentially best in class for fee-averse foodies. It also offers solid cash-back rewards on groceries, streaming, and gas, making it a simple “one-and-done” card for everyday spenders.
Key Features and Rewards
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is designed to maximize rewards on the things you love without charging a yearly fee. Here’s what stands out:
Generous Rewards on Dining & More
- 4× points on dining: Earn 4 points per $1 on restaurants, takeout, and food delivery. For context, the average U.S. household spends about $269 a month dining out – that could net ~1,076 points monthly just on eating out!
- 2× points on everyday categories: Groceries, gas and EV charging stations, and streaming services all earn double points.
- 1× point on everything else: All other purchases earn 1 point per $1, so you’re always getting rewarded.
Translation: 4X points equals roughly 4% back when redeemed for cash, since points are worth $0.01 each. Few no-fee cards match this across so many categories at once. And unlike some rotating-category cards, these bonus categories are fixed, so there’s no quarterly activation hassle.
Welcome Bonus and Extra Perks
- Sign-up bonus: 20,000 bonus points for new cardholders who spend $1,000 in the first 90 days. That’s a nice head start for your rewards balance.
- $15 streaming credit: Got Netflix, Spotify, or Disney+? Charge one of these services on your Altitude Go every month, and after 11 consecutive months, you’ll get a $15 annual statement credit toward streaming. It’s a small but fun perk that effectively covers a month or two of your subscription each year.
- Intro APR: Enjoy 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. This can help if you need to finance a big purchase upfront.
- No fees, no surprises: There’s no annual fee (ever) and no foreign transaction fees either. Feel free to dine out abroad or shop online internationally without that extra 3% surcharge many cards impose.
Kudos Tip: If you’re juggling multiple cards, the free Kudos smart wallet can help you pick the best card for each purchase. For example, at an online checkout, Kudos will suggest using your Altitude Go for a takeout order (to snag 4× points) or another card if it could earn you more – ensuring you maximize your rewards effortlessly.
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Drawbacks to Consider
No card is perfect. Here are a few Altitude Go limitations to keep in mind:
- Dining rewards cap: The hallmark 4× dining category now has a quarterly cap. Starting April 14, 2025, you earn 4× on the first $2,000 each quarter, then 1× thereafter. Casual diners won’t likely hit this limit (it’s ~$667/month), but big spenders or large families might.
- Limited travel rewards: Despite the “Altitude” branding, this isn’t a travel card. You earn no bonus on travel purchases, and points can’t be transferred to airline or hotel programs. Essentially, your points are redeemable for cash back at about 1¢ value. That’s straightforward, but if you’re looking to squeeze outsized value for travel, this card won’t provide that.
- Modest redemption options: Cash back via bank deposit or statement credit is the best use (1¢ per point). Other redemptions like gift cards or merchandise may yield less. There is a handy Real-Time Rewards feature that lets you redeem points via text to offset purchases on the fly, but again, value per point stays roughly 1¢.
- Points expiration: U.S. Bank points now expire after 12 months of no activity. This clock resets every time you earn or redeem points, so it’s only a concern if you stop using the card for a year. Still, it’s good to know.
- No entertainment category: Unlike some rivals, the Altitude Go doesn’t reward concert tickets, sporting events, or other entertainment purchases. If those are a big part of your budget, you might earn more overall with a different no-fee card.
Comparing U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card with Other Credit Cards
When considering the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the cashback credit card category:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases
- Standout feature: Flexible redemption options including cash back, travel, and gift cards
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores
- Standout feature: No foreign transaction fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Welcome offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% cash back up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
- Standout feature: This card offers a generous intro of APR on purchases and balance transfers
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Comparing U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card with Other Credit Cards excels in helping customers maximize rewards without an annual fee
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers diverse category bonuses
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card rewards dining and entertainment spending
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express provides strong rewards on everyday purchases
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Is the Altitude Go Card Right for You?
Yes – if you’re a foodie or all-around rewards lover. The Altitude Go is perfect for those who spend a lot on dining out and want robust rewards without paying an annual fee. It also covers common everyday categories at 2×, making it an excellent one-card solution for many. Families and busy professionals who just want simple, automatic cashback on their biggest spend areas will find this card extremely appealing.
It’s also a great starter rewards card. With a recommended credit score around “good”, it’s within reach if you have solid credit history. And if you’re still building credit, U.S. Bank offers a secured version of this card that can graduate to the Altitude Go over time – a nice pathway to eventually enjoy these rewards.
Maybe not – if you crave travel perks or super-high rewards in specific niches. This card lacks travel-oriented benefits, and it won’t earn bonus points on flights or hotels. Dedicated travelers might be better served by a travel card with transfer partners or higher travel multipliers. Likewise, if you spend heavily in categories like entertainment or want 5% rotating category rewards, other cards could outperform Altitude Go.
That said, Altitude Go can play well in a team: Pair it with a premium travel card or a flat 2% card for non-bonus spending, and you’ll cover all your bases. But even as a standalone, it’s hard to beat for everyday value.
Conclusion
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card proves that you don’t need to pay an annual fee to get premium-level rewards. It’s a top pick for foodies and everyday spenders who want simple, automatic cash back. Between the 4X dining rewards, no-fee flexibility, and a dash of streaming credit, the Altitude Go offers a recipe for savings that’s hard to resist.
If you’re looking for a dependable rewards card to fuel your next dinner out or Netflix binge, Altitude Go has you covered. Kudos (literally) if you pair it with tools like the Kudos smart wallet – you’ll ensure every purchase is on the perfect card, maximizing your rewards with zero extra effort.
FAQ
Does the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card have an annual fee?
No, this card has no annual fee – you can earn rewards year-round at no cost.
Is there a foreign transaction fee on the Altitude Go?
No, U.S. Bank does not charge foreign transaction fees on this card. It’s travel-friendly in that sense, despite being a “cash-back” card.
Do Altitude Go rewards points expire?
Yes. Starting April 2025, points expire after 12 months of inactivity on your account. As long as you make a purchase or redemption at least once a year, your points will remain active.
What is the current sign-up bonus for the Altitude Go?
Yes, there is a bonus. New cardmembers can earn 20,000 points (worth $200) after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. This one-time offer gives you a nice early reward.
Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card worth it?
Yes – for many people it is absolutely worth it. If you enjoy dining out or streaming and want solid cash-back without paying a fee, this card delivers terrific value. However, if you rarely eat out or prefer travel rewards, you might find better value in a different card. It all depends on your spending habits.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
