Editorial take: American Express Gold Card
The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.
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Side-by-side
American Express Gold Card vs U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite
Both are travel travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite from U.S. Bank at $400/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $400 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 points | 50,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,200 | $750 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $4,500 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | U.S. Bank |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Restaurants) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 60,000 points
Read the full review
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite
$400/yr · 50,000 points
Editorial take: U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite
The hidden-gem premium card for mobile-wallet users — 5x on travel + dining via Apple Pay or Google Pay is the strongest single earning multiplier available. The $325 travel credit applies broadly (almost anything coded as travel or dining). Worth the $400 fee for anyone who taps to pay.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus — 60,000 points, worth roughly $1,200, versus 50,000 points (~$750) on the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite?
- At $325/yr, the American Express Gold Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and U.S. Bank) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both — they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite: $4,500 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time — confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.