Updated: June 8, 2024
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Both the Discover it® Miles and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offer enticing rewards and no annual fees. The Discover it Miles edges out slightly because of its offer of a first-year miles match, which is suited for those looking for a card that rewards everyday spending across the board.
However, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go offers 4X points on dining, which could be more rewarding if dining is a significant part of your budget.
You might prefer the Discover it Miles if you value a longer introductory APR period and enjoy the simplicity of a flat-rate rewards program. The first-year miles match can significantly boost your rewards if you're a frequent spender, making every purchase more rewarding without worrying about specific categories.
You might prefer the U.S. Bank Altitude Go if you spend heavily on dining, groceries, gas and streaming services. The higher reward rates in these categories, the sign-up bonus and the annual streaming service credit make it an attractive option for maximizing rewards in your most common spending areas.
Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features will clarify whether Discover it Miles or U.S. Bank Altitude Go fits your spending and payment patterns.
Regular APR: Discover it Miles
Discover it Miles is slightly better for regular APR, offering a range of 18.24% to 28.24% (variable), compared to U.S. Bank Altitude Go's 18.24% to 29.24% (variable).
Annual Fee: Tie
Both the Discover it Miles and the U.S. Bank Altitude Go offer the advantage of a $0 annual fee, making them equally appealing for those looking to avoid yearly charges.
Introductory 0% APRs: Discover it Miles
The Discover it Miles card offers a better introductory 0% APR feature, with a 15-month period 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 card is better for rewards, offering four points per dollar on dining and two points on groceries, gas and streaming services. Discover it Miles provides unlimited 1.5X miles on all purchases. Both cards' rewards do not expire, but the Altitude Go's higher points in common spending categories make it more rewarding.
Welcome Offers: Discover it Miles
Discover it Miles has a more advantageous welcome offer with its Discover Match, providing an unlimited mile-for-mile match at the end of the first year. U.S. Bank Altitude Go offers 20,000 bonus points for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Recommended Credit Score: Tie
Both the Discover it Miles and the U.S. Bank Altitude Go require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit.
Penalties and Fees: Discover it Miles
Discover it Miles offers a more lenient approach to penalties, waiving the late fee for the first late payment, whereas U.S. Bank Altitude Go charges up to $41. Both cards do not charge foreign transaction fees and have no APR penalty, making Discover it Miles slightly more favorable for those concerned about potential fees.
Issuer Satisfaction: Discover it Miles
Discover it Miles is better for issuer satisfaction, with a rating of 4.5 for Discover, compared to U.S. Bank's 3.5 for the Altitude Go.
Other Features & Perks: Tie
Both cards offer unique perks. Discover it Miles provides free online privacy protection and security alerts. U.S. Bank Altitude Go offers a $15 streaming service credit.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go stands out with its 4X points on dining, including takeout and delivery. This card is particularly rewarding for food enthusiasts or those who frequently dine out. Additionally, it offers 2X points on groceries, gas and streaming services, making it a strong contender for everyday spending in these categories.
The Discover it Miles doesn't have specific bonus categories but offers a consistent 1.5X miles on all purchases. This simplicity could appeal to those who prefer a straightforward rewards program without having to track category bonuses. Discover's first-year miles match effectively doubles the rewards for the first year, which is a compelling offer for new cardholders.
The table below details the bonus categories to help you compare the rewards programs of both cards at a glance.
Category | Discover it Miles | U.S. Bank Altitude Go |
|---|---|---|
Dining | 1.5X miles | 4X points |
Groceries | 1.5X miles | 2X points |
Gas | 1.5X miles | 2X points |
Streaming Services | 1.5X miles | 2X points |
All Other Purchases | 1.5X miles | 1X points |
Discover it Miles allows you to redeem miles for travel or cash back, with no blackout dates or expiration, ensuring your miles retain their value over time.
U.S. Bank Altitude Go points are similarly versatile. They can be redeemed for travel, statement credits or online shopping, with the added perk of an annual streaming service bonus.
Neither card places a cap on the rewards you can earn, and both do not have expiration dates.
MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like Discover it Miles and U.S. Bank Altitude Go using a tailored scoring system for various use cases. For these cards, the highest scoring category is balance transfers.
The evaluation considers factors such as the quality of balance transfer offers and the regular APR. These elements, among others, contribute to a comprehensive score reflecting each card's value in specific scenarios. For a better understanding of our process, you can review our ranking methodology.
Discover it Miles offers 1.5X miles on all purchases, while U.S. Bank Altitude Go provides up to 4X points on dining. Discover it Miles also has a unique first-year miles match feature.
Both cards offer introductory 0% APR periods. However, Discover it Miles extends it for 15 months compared to U.S. Bank Altitude Go's 12 months.
No, both cards come with no annual fee.
Discover it Miles matches all miles earned in the first year, while U.S. Bank Altitude Go offers 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Yes, U.S. Bank Altitude Go's rewards program offers 4X points on dining and an annual streaming service credit.
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.
