BankAmericard vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Go Credit Card Comparison

Q: What are the main differences in rewards between BankAmericard and U.S. Bank Altitude Go?

BankAmericard does not have a rewards program , while U.S. Bank Altitude Go provides points on dining and other categories.

Q: Are there any annual fees associated with either card?

Both cards have no annual fee , making them cost-effective options.

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Both the BankAmericard® Credit Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offer appealing terms for those seeking to avoid annual fees and benefit from introductory APR offers. However, the BankAmericard edges ahead for its longer 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers, making it particularly suitable for those looking to manage debt over a more extended time. On the other hand, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go's generous dining rewards and flexible redemption options make it a strong contender for those who dine out frequently and value rewards over financing terms.

Although BankAmericard may be the better choice for balance transfers, reward-seekers should not overlook the U.S. Bank Altitude Go.

BankAmericard® Credit Card

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

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ of 5

Rates & Fees

MoneyGeek Rating

3.0/ of 5

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Regular APR
15.74% - 25.74% variable
17.49% - 28.49% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for the first 18 billing cycles
0% for the first 12 billing cycles
Intro Offer
-
Earn 20,000 bonus points
Rewards Summary
-
Earn 1X – 4X points
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for the first 18 billing cycles
0% for the first 12 billing cycles
Balance Transfer Fee
3% of the amount of each transaction
Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (good to excellent)
670-850 (good to excellent)*
Penalty APR
None
-
Not sure?
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go outperforms BankAmericard with its rewards program, offering up to 4X points on dining and additional points on other categories. While both cards have no annual fee and offer introductory APR periods, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go also provides a longer introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers. It does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a more versatile choice for travelers. The U.S. Bank Altitude Go is the better card for those seeking rewards and travel-friendly features, while the BankAmericard may be preferable for someone focusing solely on a longer introductory APR period for balance transfers.

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer BankAmericard if you're planning significant purchases or balance transfers and would benefit from a longer interest-free period. Its 18-month 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers can provide the breathing room needed to manage debt without accruing interest.

You might prefer the U.S. Bank Altitude Go if earning rewards on your spending is a priority. With its generous points on dining, groceries, gas and streaming services, it's a strong contender for those who frequently spend in these categories and enjoy redeeming points for various rewards.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card aligns with your financial landscape. Use this section to gauge how each card's features can meet your spending habits and financial goals, such as minimizing fees or maximizing rewards.

Regular APR: BankAmericard

For those prioritizing a lower regular APR, the BankAmericard is the better option, with a range of 16.24% to 26.24% variable. In contrast, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go has a higher APR range of 18.24% to 29.24% variable.

Annual Fee: Tie

Both the BankAmericard and the U.S. Bank Altitude Go have a $0 annual fee, making them equally attractive for users looking to avoid yearly charges.

Introductory 0% APRs: BankAmericard

For those prioritizing a longer introductory 0% APR period, BankAmericard is the better choice. It offers 0% introductory APR for the first 18 billing cycles for both purchases and balance transfers, compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude Go's 12 billing cycles.

Rewards: U.S. Bank Altitude Go

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go is better for rewards, offering 4X points on dining, 2X points on grocery, gas and streaming services and 1X points on all other spending. BankAmericard does not offer rewards.

Welcome Offers: U.S. Bank Altitude Go

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go is better for welcome offers, providing 20,000 bonus points for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.

Recommended Credit Score: Tie

Both BankAmericard and the U.S. Bank Altitude Go cater to individuals with credit scores ranging from 670 to 850, indicating good to excellent credit. There is no difference between the two cards in terms of accessibility based on credit requirements.

Penalties and Fees: U.S. Bank Altitude Go

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go edges out slightly in terms of penalties and fees, primarily because it does not charge foreign transaction fees. Both cards do not have a penalty APR, but the U.S. Bank Altitude Go has a slightly higher late fee of up to $41 compared to BankAmericard's up to $40. Cash advance fees are similar, with the U.S. Bank Altitude Go charging either 5% of the amount or $10 minimum, whichever is greater.

Issuer Satisfaction: BankAmericard

BankAmericard's issuer, Bank of America, has a higher issuer satisfaction rating of 4.5, while U.S. Bank, which issues the Altitude Go card, has a rating of 3.5.

Other Features & Perks: Tie

BankAmericard provides a $0 Liability Guarantee, protecting you from unauthorized transactions. It also allows you to access your FICO® Score for free. The U.S. Bank Altitude Go has a unique offer of a $15 credit for streaming services once a year.

Methodology

We have reviewed over 200 credit cards like the BankAmericard and U.S. Bank Altitude Go using a tailored scoring system. For balance transfer use cases, the most impactful factors include the quality of the balance transfer offer and the card's regular APR. These elements and other considerations, such as issuer satisfaction and penalty fees, contribute to a card's overall score.

FAQ: BankAmericard vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Go

What are the main differences in rewards between BankAmericard and U.S. Bank Altitude Go?

BankAmericard does not have a rewards program, while U.S. Bank Altitude Go provides points on dining and other categories.

Which card offers a longer introductory APR period?

BankAmericard offers a longer 0% APR introductory period of 18 billing cycles compared to U.S. Bank Altitude Go's 12.

Are there any annual fees associated with either card?

Both cards have no annual fee, making them cost-effective options.

Does either card offer bonuses for new cardholders?

Yes, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go offers 20,000 bonus points for new cardholders.

How do foreign transaction fees compare between the two cards?

BankAmericard charges a fee, while U.S. Bank Altitude Go has no foreign transaction fee.

About Doug Milnes, CFA

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.

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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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BankAmericard® Credit Card vs. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card