Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card vs U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card comes from PenFed Credit Union at $95/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

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.

FeaturePenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature CardU.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonusNot advertised20,000 bonus points after $1,000 spend in 90 days
Bonus value (est.)-$200
Min spend to unlock bonus-$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerPenFed Credit UnionU.S. Bank
Card categorytravelcashback
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
      Read the full review
      PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
      $95/yr ·
      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: PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card

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

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card or U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card?
      The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card has a public bonus (20,000 bonus points after $1,000 spend in 90 days, worth roughly $200), while the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card doesn't advertise one right now.
      Is the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card?
      At $95/yr, the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
      Can I have both the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card and U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card?
      Yes, since they're from different issuers (PenFed Credit Union 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 PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature 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. PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: no published min spend. 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.