Review of the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature credit card: A no-fee option for food lovers

Note from the editor: This is an ongoing article, consistently refreshed with the latest details and promotions.

Overview of the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card stands out as a reliable no-annual-fee credit card with an impressive rewards scheme — especially for those who enjoy dining. You can earn a remarkable 4 points per dollar spent on takeout, food delivery, and dining experiences. However, points are valued at a fixed rate of 1 cent each, making this card effectively a cash-back option. Additionally, rewards are not available on travel expenditures — a key concern for many TPG readers. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating reflects the views of TPG's editors and is not swayed by the card issuer.

Currently, I possess seven credit cards in my wallet and I’m eyeing at least three more to add this year. However, that's not the case for everyone—especially newcomers and busy families. For many, the aim is to secure one (or perhaps two) credit cards with a reasonable annual fee that generates rewards in most, if not all, of their key spending categories.

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card stands out as an excellent choice for those looking for a straightforward "one-and-done" rewards credit card. It comes with no annual fee and requires a suggested credit score of 670.

Let’s explore the details further.

The information regarding the U.S. Bank Altitude Go has been gathered independently by Dinogo. The card specifics presented here have not been assessed or endorsed by the card issuer.

Advantages and disadvantages of the U.S. Bank Altitude Go

Welcome offer for the U.S. Bank Altitude Go

At present, the card provides 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. Each point holds a fixed value of 1 cent, which translates this welcome bonus into $200 usable for gift cards, travel, statement credits, or cash back.

Although this may not rival the bonuses offered by leading travel credit cards, it aligns well with other no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards. Additionally, cardholders enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the initial 12 billing cycles (after which a variable APR of 18.24%-29.24% applies).

Advantages of the U.S. Bank Altitude Go

As it doesn't impose an annual fee, you shouldn't anticipate an extensive list of benefits with this card.

Nonetheless, there is one standout advantage: a $15 annual streaming credit. If you use your U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card to pay for at least one of your monthly streaming service bills for 11 consecutive months, you'll earn a $15 annual statement credit for your streaming subscriptions. Eligible services include Spotify, Netflix, Apple TV+, and more.

Admittedly, $15 per year isn't particularly impressive, and the requirement of 11 months of using a streaming service on your card is a notable hurdle to access this benefit. However, it still represents $15 a year that you wouldn’t need to spend on streaming services if you don't already possess a card that offers more than 2% back on those transactions.

This card features contactless technology and imposes no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, as a Visa Signature card, it comes with its own set of benefits.

Earning rewards with the U.S. Bank Altitude Go

The standout feature of this card is its rewards structure. You will earn 4 points for every dollar spent on dining (including takeout and delivery) and 2 points per dollar on groceries (which covers grocery delivery services), streaming services, and gas stations/EV charging stations. Note that discount stores, supercenters, and wholesale clubs do not qualify for bonus points.

Additionally, the card accrues 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

This card covers many popular spending categories—dining, groceries, gas, and streaming—without any annual fee or earning limits. While other cards may offer higher rewards in one or two categories (often with elevated annual fees), it's challenging to find a no-annual-fee credit card that yields more points across all these categories simultaneously.

The primary category that’s absent is travel, but if you only embark on one or two trips each year or if you’re a budget traveler who only books trips when you have enough rewards to offset part of the expense, the absence of a travel category may not be a significant issue.

If you’re in search of a straightforward credit card that rewards you on most of your daily expenses, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card is the perfect fit.

Using points with the U.S. Bank Altitude Go

While the card allows you to earn points, they are fixed-value points. This positions it more like a cash-back credit card rather than traditional points-earning cards that can be leveraged to optimize travel expenditures through various reward systems.

You can redeem points at a value of 1 cent each for gift cards, merchandise, travel, statement credits, or cash back—ideal if you prefer straightforward rewards like TPG writer Augusta Stone. If you opt for cash back, you can have the rewards deposited directly into your U.S. Bank savings or checking account (minimum redemption of 2,500 points).

U.S. Bank also has a feature called Real-Time Rewards, allowing you to enroll and redeem points as you shop. Essentially, you’ll receive a text message each time you make a purchase that meets your predefined preferences.

You can respond to that text message with a "yes" to automatically apply the necessary points to cover the purchase as a statement credit (provided you have enough points available). You can manage your preferences through your online account, including opting in or out.

What are the competing cards to the U.S. Bank Altitude Go?

Numerous cash-back cards rival the fixed-value redemption features of the U.S. Bank Altitude Go.

• If you seek higher earning rates: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express provides 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, and 1% cash back on other purchases. It has a $95 annual fee ($0 introductory fee for the first year; see rates and fees). Cash back is given in Reward Dollars, redeemable as statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout. For more details, see our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred card.
• If you prefer more options for your rewards: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) has no annual fee and earns 2% on all purchases—1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay it off. You can cash out these points or utilize them with hotel and airline programs for travel. For more details, check our full review of the Double Cash Card.
• If you want flexible rewards and bonus categories: The Chase Freedom Flex® has no annual fee and earns 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining, 3% on drugstore purchases, and 1% on other purchases. You’ll also earn 5% on up to $1,500 in purchases from rotating categories each quarter you activate. You can redeem your earnings for cash back or convert them into points if you have specific Chase travel cards. For more details, see our full review of the Freedom Flex card.

For more choices, check out our complete list of the best cash-back credit cards.

Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card worth considering?

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card presents strong earning categories, straightforward redemption options, and a generous welcome bonus—all without an annual fee. However, if you're looking for travel rewards and benefits, this card may not be suitable as it earns bonus points on nearly every major spending category except travel, with points redeemable only at 1 cent each. If the bonus categories and redemption flexibility appeal to you, this card is a valuable addition to your wallet.

Conclusion

For beginners exploring rewards or busy families in need of simplicity, a straightforward credit card like the U.S. Bank Altitude Go—offering no annual fee and rewards across most key spending categories—might be the ideal choice. This card is definitely worth considering if you're after uncomplicated rewards.