The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card is a savvy option for establishing or enhancing their credit profile. This secured card doesn't just help in building credit; it also rewards everyday spending in popular categories like dining and groceries. With no annual fee and the unique benefit of a streaming credit perk, it's economical and rewarding. Its most notable feature is the potential upgrade to an unsecured card as a reward for responsible credit use. This card is particularly appealing for its blend of credit-building features, reward opportunities and user-friendly benefits, making it a top pick for credit-conscious individuals.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card Review
Explore the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card in our review, highlighting its no annual fee, flexible security deposits and rewards program. It is ideal for those on a credit-building journey.
Updated: December 11, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
- PROS
- Potentially high rewards on certain categories
- No annual fee
- Potential upgrade to unsecured card
- Reports to major credit bureaus
- With annual streaming credit
CONS- Requires security deposit
- Limited rewards on nonbonus categories
- Rewards
- Earn 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
- Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations, and EV charging stations.
- All other eligible purchases earn 1X point.
- Points never expire and can be redeemed immediately or saved for later use.
- Perks & Benefits
- Zero fraud liability for unauthorized transactions if the card is lost or stolen.
- Compatibility with mobile wallets for secure tap payments.
- $15 streaming credit annually for services like Netflix and Spotify after 11 months of streaming purchases.
- Credit Building
- Regular reporting to the three major credit bureaus to assist in credit building.
- Designed for individuals looking to build or rebuild credit with fair credit scores.
- APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- No annual fee.
- Requires a security deposit ranging from $300 to $5,000.
- Upgrade Potential
- Potential upgrade to U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card with a security deposit refund for responsible use.
- Rewards
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card Overview
When selecting a credit card, it's crucial to thoroughly assess its features, as each aspect can significantly impact its suitability and value for your financial needs and habits.
- Regular APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- Deposit required: $300 to $5,000
- Potential credit limit: $300 to $5,000 (card limit is the same amount as security deposit)
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards rate: Earn 4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery; 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations and EV charging stations; all other eligible purchases earn 1X point
Important Card Details
In evaluating the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card, it's essential to consider its diverse features, each designed for specific consumer needs. From its flexible security deposit to the potential for earning rewards across various spending categories, this card presents a multifaceted approach to credit building and management.
Rewards
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card stands out with its generous rewards system, especially for a secured card. It caters to modern spending habits and is highly relevant for food enthusiasts by allowing users to earn 4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery. Additionally, earning 2X points on groceries, streaming services and gas stations aligns well with everyday expenses. This structure incentivizes routine spending while aiding credit-building efforts, offering tangible benefits beyond improving credit scores. The 1X points on other purchases ensure that all spending contributes to rewards, making every transaction count.
Security Deposit
A unique aspect of the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card is its flexible security deposit requirement, ranging from $300 to $5,000. This range accommodates various financial standings, allowing users with limited funds to access credit-building tools and those with more resources to secure a higher credit limit. The deposit acts as collateral, reducing risk for the issuer while providing a safety net for users. Importantly, responsible usage can lead to an upgrade to an unsecured card, where the deposit is refunded, making this an investment in your financial future.
Fees
One of the most appealing features of the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card is the absence of an annual fee. This is particularly beneficial for those rebuilding their credit, as it reduces the overall cost of credit access. No annual fee means users can focus on responsible card usage and credit building without worrying about extra charges. This feature, combined with the potential for rewards accumulation, positions this card as a cost-effective tool for improving financial health.
Other Perks
Beyond its primary functions, the card offers additional perks. The $15 annual streaming credit, applicable to popular services like Netflix and Spotify®, is a modern, lifestyle-aligned benefit. The card's zero fraud liability for unauthorized transactions provides peace of mind, ensuring users are not held responsible for losses due to card theft or loss. Compatibility with mobile wallet adds a layer of convenience and security, enabling contactless payments.
How the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card Compares
In this comparison, we will closely examine the key features and benefits of two popular credit cards, offering a detailed perspective on their rewards, costs and suitability for different financial needs.
How This Card Compares
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card
- Regular APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- Deposit required: $300 to $5,000
- Potential credit limit: $300 to $5,000 (equal to your deposit)
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards rate: Earn 4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery; 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations and EV charging stations; all other eligible purchases earn 1X point
- Best for: Individuals seeking to build or rebuild their credit while earning rewards on everyday purchases
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Regular APR: 28.24% (Variable)
- Deposit required: $200 to $2,500
- Potential credit limit: $200 to $2,500 (equal to your deposit)
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards rate: Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in purchases per quarter) and 1% cash back on other purchases; matches all your cash back in the first year
- Best for: Consumers looking for cash back rewards, particularly on gas and dining, while building or repairing their credit, with the added perk of a first-year cash back match
All information about the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card has been collected independently by Moneygeek.com. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.
About Grace Pilling
Grace Pilling was the Senior Content Manager for Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. She previously led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com and MoneyUnder30.
Pilling has a bachelor's degree in English from Western Sydney University and a diploma in book editing, proofreading and publishing. She is focused on empowering readers to make informed financial choices that support their best lives, not a company’s bottom line.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.