U.S. Bank offers two main travel credit cards: the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature and the Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite. Let's compare them side by side:
Comparison: U.S. Bank Altitude Connect vs. Reserve
Both cards have some similarities, such as no foreign transaction fees and the option to redeem points for various rewards like travel, merchandise, and statement credits.
The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard® offers great travel benefits and rewards for everyday purchases. While there’s a $95 annual fee after the first year, the card provides valuable perks, such as a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years and Priority Pass Select membership, which includes four free airport lounge visits each year.
On the flip side, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card rewards you for travel spending and using mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you're a regular card user, especially with mobile wallets, you can accumulate a significant number of points. Despite its $400 annual fee, it comes with a $325 travel credit, making it an attractive choice for frequent travelers who appreciate luxury benefits.
However, both cards fall short in terms of redemption flexibility compared to other travel cards, as they don't allow transfers to airline and hotel programs.
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Altitude Connect vs. Altitude Go: Point Rewards Analysis
When you compare the cashback potential for the same spending, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect surprisingly comes out ahead. It offers more points on most spending categories, resulting in a higher estimated annual value compared to the Altitude Reserve card.
However, if you're someone who mainly uses a mobile wallet to make payments, the Altitude Reserve card gives a good fight, since it gives you more points for all kinds of spending when you use a mobile wallet.
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|---|---|---|
Spend Per Category | Altitude Connect Visa Signature | U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve |
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 20,000 points | 10,000 points |
$5,000 – Restaurants | 5,000 points | 5,000 points |
$6,000 – Hotels | 30,000 points | 30,000 points |
$8,000 – Airline
| 32,000 points | 24,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | 16,000 points | 4,000 points |
Total Points | 103,000 points | 73,000 miles |
Estimated Redemption Value | 1 point = ~1 – 1.5 cent | 1 point = ~1 – 1.5 cent |
Estimated Annual Value | $1,030 – $1,545 | $730 – 1,095 |
Which Benefits You'll Get On Both Cards?
Here are the main benefits cardholders get on both cards:
Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, providing 8 free visits to over 1,300 airport VIP lounges worldwide.
Pay Over Time with U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan: New cardmembers can benefit from a $0 fee offer on ExtendPay Plans opened within the first 60 days after account opening.
- TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry®: Receive up to $100 in statement credits to cover your application fee once every four years.
Unique Benefits Of The Altitude Connect Visa Signature
Here are the benefits you can get only with the Altitude Connect Visa Signature:
- Streaming Bonus: Receive a $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases, covering platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, Spotify®, and more.
Cell Phone Protection: Get up to $600 reimbursement for stolen or damaged cell phones when you pay your monthly bill with the card.
Travel Benefits and Protections: Benefit from trip cancellation/interruption coverage, trip delay reimbursement, SmartDelay, and complimentary GigSky global mobile data plans in over 125 countries (until 8/31/2024).
- Visa Signature Benefits: Enjoy access to experiences, ranging from exquisite wine and culinary events, luxurious hotels, and premium car rental services to sports events, shopping, and more.
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Unique Benefits Of The Reserve Visa Infinite Card
Here are the benefits you can get only with the Altitude Reserve card:
Visa Infinite® Luxury Hotel Collection: Access an exclusive collection of benefits at some of the world's most prestigious hotels.
$325 Annual Credit: Get up to $325 in annual credits through reimbursement for eligible travel, dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery purchases.
Visa Infinite perks: Visa Infinite credit cards offer a range of benefits, including purchase protection, extended warranty, and return coverage. In emergencies, cardholders have access to services like roadside assistance, emergency card replacement, and cash disbursement within hours. Travel perks include trip cancellation reimbursement, lost luggage coverage, and auto rental collision damage waiver.
When You Might Want The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect?
You Might Prefer the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature if:
Lower Annual Fee: If you're looking to save on annual fees, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect might be your pick, as it has a more budget-friendly annual fee compared to the Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite. Even with the lower annual fee you still have access to premium travel benefits such as lounge access and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement.
You're Focusing On Earning Points: If you prioritize accumulating points, this card offers a great option to do it. Based on our analysis, it may earn the same or even more points than the Altitude Reserve card.
When You Might Prefer The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve?
You might lean towards the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite card because:
Frequent Traveler: If you're a jetsetter who frequently travels, especially for leisure or business, the Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite is the better choice. It comes with a $325 travel credit, airport lounge access, and rewards tailored for travel expenses.
You Pay With Mobile Wallet: If you prefer making payments using mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, opt for the Altitude Reserve. It offers higher points for such transactions compared to the Altitude Connect card.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a luxury credit card with travel rewards – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:
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|---|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card® from American Express | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Capital One Venture X Rewards | |
Annual Fee | $695. See Rates & Fees | $550 | $395 |
Rewards |
1X – 5X
5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
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1X – 10X
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
| 1X – 10X
10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases
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Welcome bonus |
80,000 points
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
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60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| 75,000 miles
75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0. See Rates & Fees | $0 | $0
|
Purchase APR | See Pay Over Time APR | 21.99% – 28.99% variable APR | 19.99% – 29.74% (Variable) |
Compare U.S. Bank Altitude Connect
While the Altitude Go is a great no-annual-fee card, the Altitude Connect is our winner with a great points rewards ratio and travel perks.
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Go: How They Compare?
Both cards offer great cashback rates. The Shopper Cash Rewards wins for everyday spending, while the Altitude Connect is best for travel
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect vs U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards
Compare U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite
The Amex Platinum is our winner due to its higher annual cashback value, redemption options, and better luxury perks than the Altitude Reserve.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite vs. Amex Platinum Card: How They Compare?
Despite being a pricier card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is our top choice because of its generous cashback system and luxury travel perks.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: How They Compare?
While having the similar annual fees, the Capital One Venture X offers more cashback for the same spend and better travel perks.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite vs. Capital One Venture X: How They Compare?
