The newly launched U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards seems poised to compete strongly with the well-established Altitude® Go Visa Signature® card. Is it advisable to consider switching between these two cards? Let's delve into a side-by-side comparison to assess their features and benefits.
General Comparison
U.S. Bank has launched a new cash-back credit card, the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards, which offers great rewards at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. With a high cash-back rate, it’s a solid choice for frequent shoppers. Keep in mind, though, there’s a $1,500 quarterly cap for the 6% and 3% cash-back categories, and you’ll need to select your bonus categories each quarter to maximize rewards.
On the other hand, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is a versatile and rewarding credit card designed for those who seek benefits tailored to their everyday spending. With no annual fee, it offers an appealing combination of rewards, particularly in dining, groceries and gas.
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards | Altitude® Go Visa Signature | |
Annual Fee | $95 ($0 on first year) | $0 |
Rewards | 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose, 3% back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter on your choice of one everyday category, 1.5% back on all other qualifying purchases. Also, 5.5% back on reservations for hotels and prepaid car rentals when you book through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center. | 4x points at restaurants, take-outs & deliveries, 2x points at supermarkets, gas stations & streaming servicesm and 1 point for 1 dollar on all other purchases |
Welcome bonus | $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening | 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening |
0% Intro APR | 15 billing cycles if you transfer a balance in the first 60 days of opening your account | 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | $0 |
Purchase APR | 18.74% – 28.99% | 17.74% – 28.74% Variable |
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Shopper vs. Altitude Go: Point Rewards Analysis
When comparing the estimated cash back for the same spend, there isn't a clear winner—it really comes down to your spending habits. If you spend a lot on hotels and book through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center, the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards card could be the better choice.
Spend Per Category | U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards | Altitude® Go Visa Signature |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | $585 * | 30,000 points |
$4,000 – Restaurants
| $60 | 16,000 points |
$4,000 – Airline | $60 | 4,000 points |
$5,000 – Hotels | $275 | 5,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | $60 | 8,000 points |
Total Cashback/Points | $1,040 | 63,000 points |
Estimated Redemption Value | / | 1 mile ~ 1 – 1.5 cent |
Estimated Annual Value | $1,040 | $630 – $945 |
* 6% and 3% cash back on supermarkets on the first $12,000
When You Might Want The Shopper Cash Rewards?
You Might Prefer the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards if:
Booking Hotels through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center: The card provides substantial cashback benefits on hotel bookings, potentially elevating your overall cashback earnings in comparison to the Altitude card, which lacks this particular perk.
Prioritizing Cash Back Over Points: If your preference is to receive cash back instead of accumulating point rewards, the Shopper Cash Rewards card is a more suitable choice.
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When You Might Want The Altitude Go Visa Signature?
You Might Prefer the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature if:
You Mainly Spend On Groceries, Dining, And Gas: If you use your card mainly for these categories or you carry another travel credit card, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature may be a better option due to the high points rewards rate on these categories.
Prefer No Annual Fee Card: If you prefer a credit card without an annual fee, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature is the preferable choice, ensuring you can earn cash back without incurring an annual fee like the Shopper Cash Rewards card.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're in search of a cash back credit card, there are several compelling alternatives worth exploring:
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | |
Annual Fee | $0
| $95 ($0 intro for the first year)
| $95
|
Rewards |
1.5% – 5%
5% percent cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on all purchases everyday.
|
1-6%
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit
and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
|
2X – 5X
5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases and select streaming services. 2x on other travel purchases. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
|
Welcome bonus |
$200
$200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
|
$250
$250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
|
60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | 2.70% | $0
|
Purchase APR | 19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
| 18.49% – 29.49% Variable
| 20.99% – 27.99% variable APR
|
Compare U.S. Bank Altitude Go
While both cards offer great rewards and have no annual fee, the winner between the two depends on your goals. Here's our analysis.
While the Altitude Go is a great no-annual-fee card, the Altitude Connect is our winner with a great points rewards ratio and travel perks.
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Go: How They Compare?