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

When it comes to credit cards, finding the right one can be a daunting task, especially given the myriad of options available in the market. However, if you’re a foodie or someone who enjoys dining out, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card might just be the perfect fit for you. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various aspects of this credit card, exploring its benefits, key features, rates, fees, and more. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether this card aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle.

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

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a look at some of the key takeaways of the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card:
1. Rewards Structure: This card offers a robust rewards program with 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 points on all other eligible purchases.
2. Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. This is equivalent to a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel, and more.
3. Introductory APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers (if transferred within 60 days from account opening).
4. Annual Fee: $0 annual fee, making it an affordable option for those looking to maximize rewards without the burden of extra costs.
5. Credit Score Requirement: Requires an excellent credit score (740-799), ensuring that the card is targeted towards individuals with strong credit profiles.
Now that we’ve covered the key takeaways, let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card Pros and Cons

Every credit card has its strengths and weaknesses, and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is no exception. Let’s break down the pros and cons to provide a balanced view of what this card has to offer.

Pros:

1. No Annual Fee: One of the standout features of this card is the absence of an annual fee. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to earn rewards without incurring additional costs.
2. No Foreign Transaction Fees: For frequent travelers, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a significant advantage, allowing you to use your card abroad without worrying about extra charges.
3. Introductory APR Period: The 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers provides a great opportunity to make large purchases or transfer existing balances without accruing interest.
4. High Rewards for Foodies: With 4x points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, this card is a fantastic choice for food enthusiasts who want to earn substantial rewards for their culinary adventures.
5. Sign-Up Bonus: The 20,000 bonus points offer a generous sign-up bonus, providing a $200 value that can be redeemed for various rewards.

Cons:

1. High Variable Purchase APR: The variable APR for purchases ranges from 18.24% to 29.24%, which can be quite high for those who carry a balance. It’s essential to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid hefty interest charges.
2. Excellent Credit Score Required: The card requires an excellent credit score (740-799), making it inaccessible to individuals with lower credit scores.
Having examined the pros and cons, let’s move on to a detailed overview of the benefits offered by the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card.

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

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers a range of benefits that cater to different needs and preferences. Let’s explore these benefits in detail:

1. Robust Rewards Program

The rewards program is one of the primary attractions of this card. Here’s a breakdown of the rewards structure:
– 4x Points: Earn 4x points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery. This is one of the highest rewards rates available for dining-related expenses, making it an excellent choice for food lovers.
– 2x Points: Earn 2x points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations, and EV charging stations. These categories cover essential everyday expenses, allowing you to accumulate points quickly.
– 1x Points: Earn 1x points on all other eligible purchases. While not as generous as the higher categories, it ensures that every purchase contributes to your rewards balance.
The points earned can be redeemed for various rewards, including merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel, and more. This flexibility ensures that you can make the most of your rewards based on your preferences.

2. $15 Credit for Annual Streaming Service Purchases

In addition to the rewards program, the card offers a $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases. This benefit is particularly appealing for those who subscribe to popular streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Spotify®. It’s a small but valuable perk that adds to the overall value of the card.

3. 0% Introductory APR

The 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers is a significant advantage. It allows you to make large purchases or transfer existing balances without accruing interest during the introductory period. This can be especially useful for managing expenses or paying off high-interest debt.

4. No Annual Fee

The absence of an annual fee is a major selling point of the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. It ensures that you can enjoy all the benefits and rewards without worrying about an additional yearly cost. This makes the card an affordable option for those who want to maximize their rewards.

5. No Foreign Transaction Fees

For frequent travelers, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a notable benefit. You can use your card abroad without incurring extra charges, making it a convenient option for international travel.

6. Sign-Up Bonus

The 20,000 bonus points offer a generous sign-up bonus, equivalent to a $200 value. To qualify, you need to spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. This bonus provides a great incentive to start using the card and earning rewards right away.

7. Payment Flexibility

The card offers payment flexibility, allowing you to manage your payments in a way that suits your financial situation. By paying your entire balance, or Plan Adjusted Balance if you have any Fixed Payment Program balance(s), in full by the due date each month, you can avoid interest charges on new purchases.

8. Access to Visa Signature® Benefits

As a Visa Signature® cardholder, you gain access to a range of additional benefits, including:
– Travel and Emergency Assistance: Provides help with travel-related emergencies, such as medical and legal referrals, lost luggage assistance, and more.
– Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Offers coverage for damage due to collision or theft when you rent a car using your card.
– Purchase Security and Extended Protection: Protects eligible purchases against damage or theft and extends the manufacturer’s warranty.
– Concierge Service: Provides 24/7 access to a personal concierge who can assist with various tasks, such as making dining reservations, booking travel, and more.
These additional benefits enhance the overall value of the card, providing peace of mind and added convenience.

Rates and Fees

Understanding the rates and fees associated with a credit card is crucial for making an informed decision. Let’s take a closer look at the rates and fees for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card:

Purchase APR

– 0% Introductory APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases.
– Variable APR: After the introductory period, the APR ranges from 18.24% to 29.24% based on your creditworthiness.

Balance Transfer APR

– 0% Introductory APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles for balances transferred within 60 days from account opening.
– Variable APR: After the introductory period, the APR ranges from 18.24% to 29.24% based on your creditworthiness.

Cash Advance APR

– Variable APR: The APR for cash advances is 29.99%, which is relatively high. It’s advisable to avoid cash advances unless absolutely necessary.

Fees

– Annual Fee: $0
– Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
– Cash Advance Fee: Either 5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater.
– Return Payment Fee: Up to $41
– Late Payment Fee: Up to $41

How to Avoid Paying Interest

Your due date is 24 to 30 days after the close of each billing cycle. To avoid paying interest on new purchases, ensure that you pay your entire balance, or Plan Adjusted Balance if you have any Fixed Payment Program balance(s), in full by the due date each month.

Conclusion

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is a compelling option for individuals who enjoy dining out and want to earn substantial rewards for their spending.