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Side-by-side

Citi Strata Elite Card vs U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi Strata Elite Card comes from Citi at $595/yr; the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card from U.S. Bank at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Citi Strata Elite Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,150 more in estimated value) than the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card's. Get the Citi Strata Elite Card first; revisit the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureCiti Strata Elite CardU.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card
Annual fee$595$0
Sign-up bonus75,000 points20,000 bonus points after $1,000 spend in 90 days
Bonus value (est.)$1,350$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 3 mo$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerCitiU.S. Bank
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Hotels_citi)12x1x
Transfer partnersciti-tyNone
Headline benefits
  • 12x on Citi hotels
  • $300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane
  • 4 Admirals Club passes
  • Citi TY transfer to 16 partners
    Read the full review
    Citi Strata Elite Card
    $595/yr · 75,000 points
    Read the full review
    U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card
    $0/yr · 20,000 bonus points after $1,000 spend in 90 days

    Editorial take: Citi Strata Elite Card

    Citi's premium answer to Amex Platinum + Sapphire Reserve. The 12x on Citi-booked hotels is the best earning rate in the category; the $200 Blacklane and 4 Admirals Club passes are differentiated perks. $595 fee penciled out if you'll actually use the hotel + Splurge credits.

    Editorial take: U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi Strata Elite Card or U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card?
    The Citi Strata Elite Card has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,350, versus 20,000 bonus points after $1,000 spend in 90 days (~$200) on the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card.
    Is the Citi Strata Elite Card's $595 annual fee worth it compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card?
    Premium cards like the Citi Strata Elite Card ($595/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $595+ of those credits, the math works. The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Citi Strata Elite Card and U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi 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 Citi Strata Elite Card or the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi Strata Elite Card: $6,000 spend in 3 months. U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card: $1,000 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.