Updated: August 2, 2024
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Both the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offer enticing rewards and no annual fees, making them solid options. If cash back is your priority, the U.S. Bank Cash+ stands out with its potential for high returns in chosen categories.
However, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go's impressive dining rewards and introductory APR offer are more suitable for those who dine out frequently or seek a card with a solid balance transfer offer.
You might prefer the U.S. Bank Cash+ if you value flexibility in your rewards and spend across various categories. With the ability to choose two 5% cash back categories each quarter and one everyday 2% category, this card caters to strategic spenders who can maximize these options. The longer 0% introductory APR period can be particularly appealing if you're planning a large purchase or balance transfer.
You might prefer the U.S. Bank Altitude Go if you frequently dine out or order in, as it offers a generous 4X points on these purchases. Additionally, if you travel abroad, you'll benefit from no foreign transaction fees.
Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will determine which card best meets your financial needs. Pinpoint the differences, such as the U.S. Bank Cash+ card's longer introductory APR period or U.S. Bank Altitude Go's dining rewards, to inform your choice
Regular APR: U.S. Bank Altitude Go
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go is the better option for those who prioritize a lower regular APR. Its starting APR is 18.24%, compared to the U.S. Bank Cash+ card's 19.74%.
Annual Fee: Tie
Both the U.S. Bank Cash+ and the U.S. Bank Altitude Go have no annual fee, making them equally appealing to those looking to avoid extra costs.
Introductory 0% APRs: U.S. Bank Cash+
The U.S. Bank Cash+ is better for those seeking a longer introductory 0% APR period, offering 0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles on both purchases and transfers. The U.S. Bank Altitude Go provides 0% APR for 12 billing cycles.
Rewards: U.S. Bank Cash+
The U.S. Bank Cash+ card is better for rewards. It offers 5% cash back on two categories of choice and 2% on one everyday category, with the flexibility to change these each quarter. While Cash+ rewards expire after 36 months, its customizable rewards can help you maximize returns on specific spending patterns.
Welcome Offers: U.S. Bank Cash+
The U.S. Bank Cash+ offers a better welcome bonus, providing a $200 reward for spending $1,000 in the first 120 days. It showcases a higher return on investment than the U.S. Bank Altitude Go's 20,000 bonus points for the same spending requirement in 90 days.
Recommended Credit Score: Tie
Both the U.S. Bank Cash+ and the U.S. Bank Altitude Go require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are equally accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit. There is no difference in the credit score requirements for these cards.
Penalties and Fees: U.S. Bank Altitude Go
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go is more favorable in terms of penalties and fees due to its lack of foreign transaction fees. Both cards charge up to $41 for late payments and have the same cash advance fee structure. However, the U.S. Bank Cash+ imposes a 3% fee on foreign transactions, making the Altitude Go the better option for travelers.
Issuer Satisfaction: Tie
U.S. Bank issues both the Cash+ and the Altitude Go cards, resulting in the same issuer satisfaction score of 3.5.
Other Features & Perks: Tie
Both the U.S. Bank Cash+ and the U.S. Bank Altitude Go offer unique perks. U.S. Bank Cash+ allows you to earn additional cash back when you shop through the Rewards Center Shopping Deals. The Altitude Go provides a $15 streaming service credit annually, catering to those who enjoy digital content.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go card is a standout choice for dining enthusiasts. It offers generous 4X points on dining purchases, including takeout and delivery. It also offers 2X points per dollar on groceries, gas and streaming services, making it a solid choice for everyday spending. With no annual fee and various redemption options, this card caters well to those who prioritize food and entertainment in their budget.
For those who enjoy tailoring their rewards to their spending habits, the U.S. Bank Cash+ card offers the flexibility to choose two 5% cash back categories each quarter, up to a $2,000 purchase limit. You can also pick one everyday category that earns 2% cash back. To make the most of this card, users should stay informed about the eligible categories:
5% Cash Back Categories
Everyday Categories for 2% Cash Back
The table below details each card's bonus categories to help you compare their rewards programs.
Category | U.S. Bank Cash+ | U.S. Bank Altitude Go |
|---|---|---|
Restaurants | 2% if chosen everyday category/1% | 4X points |
Fast Food | 5% if chosen category (up to $2,000)/1% | 4X points |
Grocery Stores | 2% if chosen everyday category/1% | 2X points |
Gas Stations | 2% if chosen everyday category/1% | 2X points |
Streaming Services | 5% if chosen category (up to $2,000)/1% | 2X points |
Other Cash+ 5% Categories | 5% on chosen categories (up to $2,000) | 1X points |
All Other Purchases | 1% | 1X points |
The U.S. Bank Cash+ card requires some planning when it comes to redemption. Cash back earned expires after 36 months, necessitating more frequent redemptions. Once you've accumulated at least $25, you can redeem for a statement credit or deposit into a U.S. Bank account. Options are more limited compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude Go card.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go offers a straightforward approach with points that never expire, allowing you to redeem your points when you want. Redemption options include using points for online shopping, statement credits or travel bookings through the Altitude Rewards Center.
MoneyGeek's ranking process evaluates each credit card for various use cases, such as balance transfers and cash back, assigning scores based on how well they serve each purpose. The U.S. Bank Cash+ is top-rated for cash back rewards, while the U.S. Bank Altitude Go scores highest for balance transfers.
The most significant factors influencing scores for balance transfer cards include the introductory APR offers and the regular APR; for cash back cards, it's the effective reward rate. To better understand our scoring system, you can review our ranking methodology.
The U.S. Bank Cash+ offers 5% cash back on selected categories, while the Altitude Go provides 4X points on dining and restaurants.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go is tailored for dining with 4X points, making it a strong choice for those who frequently eat out.
Both cards offer the benefit of having no annual fee, adding to their overall value.
Both cards feature introductory 0% APR offers on purchases and balance transfers, helping with initial savings.
Yes, both cards offer a bonus for new cardholders who meet the initial spending requirements.
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.
