U.S. Bank Altitude Go vs. Capital One Savor: Savor Is Sweeter
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The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card and the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card are both great cards for foodies, with each boasting outstanding elevated rewards rates on dining purchases (4 points per $1 spent vs. 3% cash back, respectively).
Though the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card earns a lower rate at restaurants compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card, it earns that same 3% cash back in other popular spending categories like purchases at grocery stores, entertainment and streaming services.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card isn’t as rewarding on grocery store purchases, a large chunk of household spending for many. Plus, it doesn’t earn as much cash back on entertainment charges and streaming services, though it does offer an annual streaming credit that helps make up for the lower rewards. Where it does come out ahead is at gas stations and EV charging stations, where it earns 2 points per $1, compared to just 1% cash back with the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Both cards have no annual fee and 0% APR promotions, so it may come down to where you typically use your card the most — unless where you use it the most happens to be overseas. In that case, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card wins out because — unlike the U.S. Bank card — it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
Here's how to decide which is right for you.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
3% on dining, entertainment and streaming services, and also on purchases at grocery stores.
1% on other spending.
4 points per $1 spent on dining.
2 points per $1 at grocery stores, gas stations, EV charging stations and on eligible streaming services (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded, effective Sept. 9, 2024).
1 point per $1 on all other spending.
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.49%-29.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies.
0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.74%-28.74% Variable APR.
None.
3%
None.
$15.
Why the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is better for most
To put it simply, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers bonus cash back across a wider range of popular spending categories.
Grocery stores
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is quite appetizing for those who cook meals at home, thanks to its 3% cash back on purchases at grocery stores.
By comparison, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card earns only 2x back at grocery stores. That may not sound like much of a difference, but it can add up over time. For example, if you spend $5,000 a year on purchases at grocery stores, you’ll earn an extra $50 in cash back with the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Entertainment and streaming
If you enjoy frequent nights out on the town, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has the edge. It earns 3% cash back on entertainment, including ticket purchases made at:
Movie theaters.
Professional and semi-professional live sporting events.
Theatrical events.
Amusement parks and tourist attractions.
Aquariums and zoos.
Dance halls.
Record stores.
Pool halls.
Bowling alleys.
Exclusions apply, including golf courses and collegiate sporting events. But the point is that the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card doesn't feature "entertainment purchases" as a bonus rewards category, so you'll earn only 1x back with it on these kinds of transactions.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card also earns 3% cash back on eligible music and video streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu. Note that services like Prime Video, AT&T TV and Verizon FIOS On Demand are not eligible.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card earns only 2x back on eligible streaming (although it does offer an annual streaming credit, unlike the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card).
How the rewards add up
According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends the following each year:
$5,703 on groceries.
$3,639 on dining out.
$3,458 on entertainment.
$3,120 on gas.
Additionally, March 2024 data from Deloitte shows the average American household spends $61 per month on streaming services, for a total of $732 per year.
Let’s take a look at how these cards stack up in rewards for popular spending categories, based on those averages:
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | |
|---|---|---|
Rewards from purchases at grocery stores | $171 | $114 |
Rewards from restaurants | $109 | $146 |
Rewards from entertainment | $104 | $35 |
Rewards from gas | $31 | $62 |
Rewards from streaming services | $22 | $15 |
Streaming credit | $0 | $15 |
Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
1-year value | $437 | $387 |
Where the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card shines
More rewards for dining out
For a $0 annual fee, you won’t find much better than 4x rewards at restaurants (which includes takeout and delivery). If you prefer to let someone else do the cooking more often than not, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is more rewarding.
Bonus earnings for your commute, plus streaming credit
If you have a long commute or you’re taking road trips, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card revs ahead. You’ll earn 2x rewards at gas stations and EV charging stations.
And though it earns 2x on streaming services (compared to 3% cash back on the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card), the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers a $15 annual credit for such purchases, which can be useful.
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