If you're seeking a credit card with a no annual fee and introductory 0% APR offers, you may be considering the Citi Simplicity® Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. The Citi Simplicity® Card is ideal for those needing a lengthy 0% APR period on balance transfers, offering 0% for 21 months, compared to U.S. Bank Altitude® Go's 12 billing cycles. Conversely, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card caters to those who value earning rewards, with four points per dollar on dining and a 20,000 bonus points offer.
Citi Simplicity® Card
vs. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Updated: April 22, 2024
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Citi Simplicity® Card
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
- Regular APR19.24% - 29.99% variable18.24%–29.24% variable0% APR Offer0% for 12 months on purchases0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cyclesBalance Transfer Offer0% for 21 months on balance transfers0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cyclesAnnual Fee$0$0Rewards Summary-This card doesn't offer cash back, miles, or pointsEarn 1X – 4X pointsEarn 4X points per dollar spent on dining (including takeout and delivery), 2X points per dollar spent on grocery, gas and streaming service purchases and 1X point per dollar on all other spending.Recommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)670-850 (Good to Excellent)Not sure?
Citi Simplicity® Card vs. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: Which Is Better for You?
You might prefer the Citi Simplicity® Card if: You're looking for a credit card that gives you ample time to pay off existing debt without accruing interest. With its industry-leading 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers and a 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases, this card stands out for those who need a generous window to reduce their balances. Additionally, the absence of late fees and penalty rates can provide peace of mind for those who are concerned about potential slip-ups in their payment schedule.
You might prefer the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card if: Your lifestyle includes dining out or ordering in frequently. This card rewards your dining experiences with an impressive 4X points per dollar spent, and the introductory offer of 20,000 bonus points can kick-start your rewards earnings. If you're also planning alot of dining on an upcoming vacation the card's 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on both purchases and introductory offer could be perfect. It doesn't have the extended balance transfer period of the Citi Simplicity® Card, so it's not the right choice if you're focused on managing your debt.
MoneyGeek's Take on the Citi Simplicity® Card
The Citi Simplicity Card earns a MoneyGeek balance transfer card rating of 4.6 out of 5, making it a strong contender for those looking to manage existing credit card debt. Its standout feature is the long 21-month 0% introductory APR on balance transfers, which can provide substantial breathing room for debt repayment. With no annual fee, this card is a cost-effective option for consumers prioritizing savings on interest and fees over earning rewards. However, it's important to note that the Citi Simplicity Card does not offer cash back, miles or points, which may be a drawback for those who value rewards.
Citi Simplicity® Card
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% variable0% APR Offer
0% for 12 months on purchasesBalance Transfer Offer
0% for 21 months on balance transfersRewards Summary
N/AThis card doesn't offer cash back, miles, or points
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)MoneyGeek's Take on the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is a standout option for food enthusiasts and frequent diners. With a MoneyGeek Balance Transfer Score of 2.8 out of 5, it isn't as strong for balance transfers. However, with a $0 annual fee and a generous reward structure, this card rewards culinary adventures with four points per dollar spent on dining, including takeout and delivery services. The card's introductory offer is appetizing too, offering new cardholders the opportunity to earn 20,000 bonus points.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Regular APR
18.24%–29.24% variable0% APR Offer
0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycle...Balance Transfer Offer
0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycle...Rewards Summary
Earn 1X – 4X points
Earn 4X points per dollar spent on dining (including takeout and delivery), 2X points per dollar spent on grocery, gas and streaming service purchases and 1X point per dollar on all other spending.
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)Details Comparison: Citi Simplicity® Card vs. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Our breakdown will help compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features. This section is designed to guide you through each card's offerings. By examining these details, you'll be equipped to choose the card that aligns with your financial habits, whether you prioritize long balance transfer periods or high rewards on dining.
Regular APR
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers a slightly lower regular APR range of 18.24% to 29.24% variable compared to the Citi Simplicity® Card's APR of 19.24% to 29.99% variable.
Annual Fee
Both the Citi Simplicity® Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card have a $0 annual fee.
Introductory 0% APRs
The Citi Simplicity® Card offers a longer 0% introductory APR period for balance transfers at 21 months compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card's 12 billing cycles. Both cards provide a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months.
Rewards
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is better for rewards, offering four points per dollar on dining; two points on groceries, gas stations, EV charging stations and streaming services; and one point on all other eligible purchases. In contrast, the Citi Simplicity® Card does not offer any rewards.
Welcome Offers
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is better for welcome offers, offering 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. The Citi Simplicity® Card does not offer any welcome bonuses.
Recommended Credit Score
Both cards recommend good to excellent credit ratings.
Penalties and Fees
The Citi Simplicity® Card does not charge a late fee. However, it does impose a 3% foreign transaction fee. On the other hand, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card charges up to $41 for late payments but offers the benefit of no foreign transaction fees. Both cards have a cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater.
Issuer Satisfaction
The Citi Simplicity® Card has a higher issuer satisfaction rating at 4.0, compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card's rating of 3.5.
Other Features & Perks
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is better for perks, offering four points per dollar on dining, including takeout and delivery. The Citi Simplicity® Card focuses on simplicity with no late fees and no penalty rate.
FAQ: Citi Simplicity® vs. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature®
What are the introductory APR offers for each card?
The Citi Simplicity® Card offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases, while the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card provides a 0% intro APR for the first 12 billing cycles for both purchases and balance transfers.
How do the rewards programs compare between the two cards?
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is a great rewards card offering 4 points per dollar on dining and a sign-up bonus, whereas the Citi Simplicity® Card does not have a rewards program.
Are there any annual fees for either card?
Citi Simplicity® Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card are both no annual fee cards.
What credit score is needed for each card?
Both cards recommends a credit score between 670 and 850.
How do cardholders rate their satisfaction with each issuer?
Citi has an issuer satisfaction rating of 4, while U.S. Bank has a rating of 3.5.
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.
*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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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.