Should H1B holders get the US Bank Altitude Go or the Discover it Cash Back? We compared approval odds, rewards, and total value for immigrants with 0–36 months of US credit history.
US Bank Altitude Go vs Discover it Cash Back for H1B Visa Holders
Should H1B holders get the US Bank Altitude Go or the Discover it Cash Back? We compared approval odds, rewards, and total value for immigrants with 0–36 months of US credit history.
Card Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | US Bank Altitude Go | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| H1B Approval (Month 6) | Moderate | Easier |
| H1B Approval (Month 18) | Good | Good |
| Best For | No-fee rewards | No-fee cash back |
Who Should Get US Bank Altitude Go
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The US Bank Altitude Go makes sense for H1B holders who:
- Don't want to pay an annual fee
- Have 6+ months of US credit history
- Prefer cash back simplicity
Who Should Get Discover it Cash Back
The Discover it Cash Back makes sense for H1B holders who:
- Don't want to pay an annual fee
- Have 6+ months of US credit history
- Want straightforward rewards without category tracking
H1B Approval Odds
With 0–6 Months of US Credit History
Neither card typically approves H1B holders with no credit history. Start with:
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured ($200 deposit)
- Discover it Secured ($200 deposit)
With 6–18 Months of US Credit History
Both cards may approve with a 680+ credit score. Apply for the no-fee option first.
With 18+ Months of US Credit History
You likely qualify for both. Apply strategically — don't apply for both within 30 days.
The H1B Credit Card Sequence
Most H1B holders follow this path:
- Month 1–6: Secured card (Quicksilver or Discover it Secured)
- Month 6–12: First no-fee rewards card
- Month 12–24: Add US Bank Altitude Go if it fits your spending
- Month 24+: Evaluate Discover it Cash Back if you can maximize the annual fee
Our Verdict
For most H1B holders, the no-fee card is the safer first choice. Once you have 24+ months of credit history and are maximizing rewards, evaluate whether the annual fee card pays for itself through rewards and benefits.
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