How to Apply for the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Visa Credit Card

Full breakdown of how to qualify, apply, and grow with the Altitude Go Secured Card—rewards, limits, and upgrade path explained.

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Visa Credit Card is one of the few secured cards offering real rewards, zero annual fee, and potential for long-term value. If you’re rebuilding your credit or starting from scratch, this guide will walk you through every step to apply, build credit, and maximize benefits.

Eligibility and how to increase your chances of approval

While this is a secured card, U.S. Bank still reviews applicants’ financial details. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Be at least 18 years old (19 in some states)
• Have a valid Social Security Number
• Be a U.S. resident
• Have a U.S.-based checking or savings account for your security deposit
• Provide proof of income to support payments

Though there’s no minimum credit score requirement, U.S. Bank still evaluates your ability to repay the credit line based on income and financial history. This card is open to users with limited or fair credit.

Tips to increase your approval odds:

• Open a U.S. Bank checking or savings account first to simplify the deposit process.
• Ensure your deposit funds are available. You’ll need a minimum of $300 to open the card.
• Avoid recent credit inquiries. If you’ve applied for multiple credit products recently, it’s smart to wait.
• Pay down existing debts. Keeping credit utilization low helps show you manage credit responsibly.

Step-by-step: How to apply

1. Go to the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Visa page.
2. Click “Apply Now.”
3. Fill out your personal and financial details, including income, employment, and housing status.
4. Choose your security deposit amount. The minimum is $300, but you can go higher to increase your starting credit limit.
5. Fund your deposit. This will be held in a collateral account and refunded when you upgrade or close in good standing.
6. Submit your application.
7. Get a decision. Many users are approved within minutes. If not, a decision may come via email within a few days.

Once approved, your physical card will arrive in 5–7 business days. You can activate it via the U.S. Bank mobile app or website.

How to earn rewards and build credit

This card earns points on every purchase, which can be redeemed through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center:

• 4x points on dining
• 2x points on gas, groceries, and streaming
• 1x on all other spending

To maximize your benefits:

• Use it for dining and streaming to get the most points
• Always pay on time—this is the most important factor for credit building
• Keep your balance low relative to your credit limit (under 30% is ideal)
• Track your score—U.S. Bank provides access to your credit score through the mobile app

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I upgrade to an unsecured version?
Yes. After demonstrating responsible usage, U.S. Bank may offer you the chance to upgrade to the unsecured Altitude Go Visa and return your deposit.

2. How much is the security deposit?
The minimum deposit is $300, which becomes your credit limit. You can deposit more to increase your limit.

3. Will this card help build credit?
Yes. U.S. Bank reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, allowing you to establish or improve your credit score.

4. Are there any fees?
There’s no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Late payments may incur a penalty.

5. How do I redeem points?
Log in to the U.S. Bank Rewards Center online or in the app. You can redeem for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits.

Conclusion: Is the Altitude Go Secured worth it?

If you’re looking for a credit-building card that doesn’t feel like a downgrade, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured is one of the best secured cards available. You’ll earn real rewards—up to 4x points on dining—while building your credit profile. Unlike most secured cards that only offer structure, this one gives you both structure and value.

If used correctly, this card becomes a stepping stone to the unsecured Altitude Go Visa—where the rewards continue, but the deposit goes away.

👉 Apply today and start earning points while building credit with one of the top secured cards on the market.