Credit cards with cash back rewards programs are a popular choice for many consumers looking to earn rewards on their spending. The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers a strong cash back rewards structure across common spending categories, with especially generous earnings rates on dining and travel purchases. This makes it an excellent option for maximizing rewards.
In addition, the Altitude Go stands out for its lack of foreign transaction fees. This provides significant savings on all overseas purchases, making it a great travel companion. By understanding the card’s rewards program and benefits, you can take full advantage of all it has to offer.
Diving Into the Altitude Go’s Rewards Earnings Rates
The Altitude Go aims to provide accelerated rewards earnings in areas of common expenditure. Below is a comprehensive analysis of the potential earnings you can expect to earn:
- 4% cash back on dining – This generous rate applies broadly to restaurants, cafes, bars, bakeries, lounges, fast food joints, and other eateries. It also covers food delivery services like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Postmates. One of the highest dining rewards rates among any cash back card, this can quickly add up with routine food and beverage expenditures.
- 2% cash back at grocery stores – The 2% earnings includes supermarkets, warehouse clubs, convenience stores, specialty food shops like butchers and bakeries, and more. Buying groceries is a necessity, so the boosted rate helps offset rising food costs.
- 2% cash back on gas – You’ll earn 2% back when purchasing gas, fuel, and at gas stations in general. This provides relief when prices at the pump are high.
- 2% cash back on streaming services – Popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Audible, and HBO Max all qualify for 2% cash back. A nice perk as streaming becomes a bigger part of everyday life.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases – Any purchases outside of the bonus categories still earn an unlimited 1% back as a baseline rewards rate. So you’ll never be without cash back.
As you can see, the Altitude Go targets common spending categories where consumers tend to spend heavily. By swiping the card as your primary payment option for dining, groceries, gas, and entertainment streaming, the rewards can really add up quickly. Across different ages and stages of life, these bonus categories remain relevant for earning.
The Powerful Benefits of No Foreign Transaction Fees
In addition to its stellar rewards earnings rates, a major advantage of the Altitude Go card is that it charges no foreign transaction fees on overseas purchases. This stands out because many credit cards impose foreign fees of around 3% per transaction when used abroad. These fees can really take a bite out of your travel budget. Avoiding them with the Altitude Go puts more money back in your pocket.
For example, on a typical 10-day trip to Europe with $5,000 of purchases on dining, hotels, trains, tours, shopping, and more, a card with standard 3% foreign fees would tack on an extra $150 in costs. The Altitude Go provides the same purchasing convenience abroad without this unnecessary 3% surcharge. The savings quickly add up if you travel overseas routinely.
You’ll also save on common cross-border transactions like:
- International online shopping at foreign retailers
- Paying for international services or digital downloads
- Withdrawing foreign cash from international ATMs
- Currency exchanges when traveling
So wherever your adventures take you across the globe, the Altitude Go lets you make purchases seamlessly without worrying about foreign transaction fees. This flexibility makes it a great primary card to keep in your wallet for all scenarios.
Top Destination Picks for Fee-Free Spending
The Altitude Go is a great companion on trips worldwide, but it’s especially convenient in popular destinations where you expect heavier spending. Here are some top picks for where to take advantage of its lack of foreign fees:
Europe
Dining, culture, history, and architecture – Europe has so much to experience. Use the Altitude Go for meals at cafes and bistros, train fare across different countries, tours of historic sites, and shopping on cobblestone streets without incurring fees. Popular stops include London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Prague.
Mexico & the Caribbean
Sunny getaways to Mexico and the Caribbean islands call for beachfront relaxation. The Altitude Go lets you swipe freely at resorts, restaurants, spas, cabanas, and duty-free shops without worrying about foreign transaction fees tacking on. Enjoy the sand and surf without the surcharges.
Asia
From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to ancient temples in Thailand, adventures in Asia deserve fee-free payment flexibility. Use the Altitude Go for multifaceted trips across this diverse region, enjoying authentic dining, fascinating history, and culture shock without fees or hassles.
Canada
Our neighbor to the north shares shopping malls, hotels, attractions, and entertainment, but cards often impose foreign fees. With the Altitude Go you can swipe seamlessly across the border, whether sightseeing in Montreal, whale watching in Vancouver, or cheering at a hockey game in Toronto.
The bottom line is that the Altitude Go gives you one less thing to worry about when crossing borders and experiencing new places. Focus on creating memories and enjoying new cultures without foreign transaction headaches.
Smooth Sailing With Chip-and-PIN and Other Tips
To ensure seamless payments and card security during international trips using your Altitude Go, keep these tips in mind:
- Use chip-and-PIN format when making purchases abroad, especially at unmanned terminals. This technology provides enhanced security with an encrypted pin.
- Check current exchange rates before your trip for context on what foreign charges will look like. Rates fluctuate frequently.
- Notify U.S. Bank of any upcoming travel plans to prevent false fraud alerts or frozen transactions while abroad.
- Carefully review statements after foreign trips to ensure all charges are legitimate and no unauthorized activity occurred while traveling.
- Act promptly on any fraudulent charges to have them removed by the card issuer in a timely manner.
By taking a few proactive steps and leveraging chip-and-PIN, you can avoid headaches and safely unlock the benefits of fee-free foreign spending. Enjoy the journey!
Perks Beyond Rewards and No Foreign Fees
On top of its stellar rewards earning rates and lack of foreign transaction fees, the Altitude Go also boasts some nice additional perks:
No annual fee – There is no annual fee to use the card, so you get access to rewards, benefits, and fee-free travel all with no annual cost. This is rare for a travel rewards card.
$200 sign-up bonus – New Altitude Go cardholders can earn a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. Instant cash just for meeting minimum spend.
Cell phone protection – When you use the Altitude Go to pay your monthly cell phone bill, you get up to $600 per claim in protection against damage or theft of your device, with just a $25 deductible.
Free credit monitoring – Cardholders get free access to their TransUnion VantageScore credit score. You also get alerts to monitor your credit and protect your identity against fraud.
Visa Signature benefits – You’ll also enjoy other Visa Signature perks like travel and emergency assistance services, exclusive dining access, and special rental car privileges.
The combination of accelerated rewards, fee-free foreign spending, and cardholder perks makes the Altitude Go a well-rounded product.
Tips to Maximize the Altitude Go and Unlock Value
To ensure you get maximum value from the U.S. Bank Altitude Go, here are some best practice tips:
- Use it as your primary card for dining, groceries, gas, and streaming to maximize bonus rewards rates. Set it as the default payment method with merchants and services.
- Leverage contactless payments through services like Apple Pay for quick, easy, secure purchases in stores. Can also simplify usage abroad.
- Use the card for monthly bills like cable, internet, cell phone, utilities, and subscriptions to earn additional cash back.
- Pay down the balance promptly each month to avoid interest charges which can negate rewards earned.
- Redeem rewards frequently for statement credits or travel to maximize their value over time rather than letting them sit.
- Use chip-and-PIN terminals, notify issuers, and check statements when traveling internationally to prevent issues.
Adopting some best practices goes a long way towards unlocking this card’s full potential both at home and while traveling. Enjoy the journey wherever it takes you!
An Ideal Card for Saving on Daily Life and Travel Adventures
With its unique combo of high cash back earnings rates and no foreign transaction fees, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go can provide significant value as a primary spending card. It enables you to maximize rewards on routine purchases at home on dining, groceries, gas, and more.
Comparing the Altitude Go to Other Top Cards
How does the Altitude Go compare to other leading cash back credit cards? Here is a brief overview:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited: Also has no annual fee and sign-up bonus, but lower base rewards rate of 1.5% back on all purchases rather than 4% dining and 2% bonus categories with the Altitude Go.
- Citi Double Cash: Offers a flat 2% back on all purchases, with 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay it off. No bonus categories though, and has foreign transaction fees.
- Capital One SavorOne: 3% back on dining and entertainment versus Altitude Go’s higher 4% dining rewards rate. But SavorOne has no bonus rewards for grocery, gas, or streaming.
- Wells Fargo Active Cash: 2% back on all purchases, similar to the Citi Double Cash. No bonus categories or travel perks though.
- Discover It Cash Back: Rotating 5% bonus categories each quarter to activate, but regular earn is just 1% back, with no dining or travel bonuses.
Compared to other options, the Altitude Go stands out for its high fixed rewards rates on common purchases like dining alongside unique benefits like no foreign transaction fees – a rare combination.
Estimated First Year Returns with the Altitude Go
To demonstrate the potential earnings power of the Altitude Go, here is a sample first year returns estimate:
- $400 cash back from the $200 signup bonus after meeting minimum spend
- $240 cash back from $6,000 in annual dining spend at 4%
- $120 cash back from $6,000 in annual grocery spend at 2%
- $48 cash back from $2,400 in annual gas purchases at 2%
- $24 cash back from $1,200 in annual streaming services at 2%
- $182 cash back from $18,200 in other annual purchases at 1%
Total estimated first year cash back: $1,014
This example illustrates how the 4% and 2% bonus category rewards rates can quickly add up on common purchases we make regularly. The value is further boosted by taking advantage of the signup bonus. Your actual earnings will depend on your spending profile.
Transferring Altitude Points to Travel Partners
While the Altitude Go is marketed primarily as a cash back card, cardholders can also transfer points to a handful of U.S. Bank’s airline and hotel partners to redeem for travel. Partners include:
- British Airways Executive Club
- Choice Privileges
- Wyndham Rewards
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Transfers are at a 1:1 ratio in 1000 point increments. This option opens up additional redemption possibilities beyond cash back, like booking partner award flights and hotel stays. Good flexibility to have.
Customer Service and Account Management
U.S. Bank provides helpful online account management features and customer service if any issues arise with your Altitude Go account:
- Check cash back balances and redemption history in online portal
- Set up account alerts by email, text, or push notification
- Access virtual card number for secure online shopping
- Live chat, email, and 24/7 phone support
Maintaining strong digital account management tools and customer service helps ensure a smooth cardmember experience.
Conclusion
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go offers a compelling package with its generous cash back rewards program in key categories and lack of foreign transaction fees. By spending strategically, being mindful while traveling, and redeeming rewards, you can really maximize the value this card provides. For everyday spending and travel alike, the Altitude Go is a top choice for cash back and purchase savings.
FAQs
1. What are the best categories to maximize points with the Altitude Go Card?
This card shines in everyday spending: you earn 4x points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, and 2x points on groceries, streaming services, gas stations, and EV charging stations. Focus your spending on these categories to rack up points quickly.
2. How much is a point worth with the Altitude Go Card?
Points can be redeemed for various rewards, including travel, statement credits, gift cards, and charitable donations. Each point holds a fixed value of 1 cent, so 10,000 points equal $100. You can also choose to redeem points instantly for statement credits at a slightly lower rate of 0.9 cents per point.
3. Does the Altitude Go Card have an annual fee?
No, the Altitude Go Card does not have an annual fee, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious cardholders seeking rewards without upfront costs.
4. What is the welcome bonus offer for the Altitude Go Card?
Currently, the card offers a welcome bonus of 20,000 points after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. This equates to $200 in travel statement credits or gift cards.
5. Are there any foreign transaction fees with the Altitude Go Card?
Yes, the Altitude Go Card charges a 2% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S. This is something to consider if you travel internationally frequently.
6. How can I track my points and rewards with the Altitude Go Card?
You can easily track your points balance and manage your rewards online through U.S. Bank’s online banking platform or mobile app.