Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
American Express Gold vs US Bank Altitude Reserve
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
American Express
American Express Gold
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Wins 2 of 10
US
Premium
US Bank
US Bank Altitude Reserve
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Gold | US Bank Altitude Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | · $400 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (dining) | 5% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 1.5% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months | = 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel) |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 700 | · 720 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.6/5 | = 4.6/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Gold
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide (incl. Uber Eats)
- 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25K/year)
- 3x on flights booked direct or via amextravel.com
- $120 annual dining credit ($10/mo at select partners)
- $120 annual Uber Cash
- No foreign transaction fees
US Bank Altitude Reserve
- 5x on prepaid hotels and car rentals via US Bank Travel
- 3x on travel + mobile-wallet purchases
- 1.5x redemption rate when used for travel
- $325 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select (4 free visits/year)
- Up to $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
FAQ
›American Express Gold vs US Bank Altitude Reserve: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. American Express Gold wins on 2 criteria, US Bank Altitude Reserve on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Gold for its best categories, US Bank Altitude Reserve for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Gold: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months. US Bank Altitude Reserve: 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel).