Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » U.S. Bank Altitude Connect vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
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U.S. Bank Altitude Connect vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve

While the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve offers better travel perks than the Altitude Connect, we don't think it is worth the higher annual fee.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.

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Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
  • Article update: February 6, 2024
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.

See full bio
Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
  • Article update:February 6, 2024

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

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® stands out with its distinctive features, offering valuable travel benefits and rewards for everyday spending. Despite a $95 annual fee after the first year, the card provides worthwhile perks, including a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years and Priority Pass Select membership with four free airport lounge visits annually.

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.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

Altitude Connect Visa Signature
Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite
Annual Fee
$95 (waived first year)
$400
Rewards
5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations; 2X points on grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services; and 1X points on all other eligible purchases
5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible net purchases
Welcome bonus
60,000 points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on the account owner's card within the first 180 days from account opening
50,000 points worth $750 on travel after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening
0% Intro APR
N/A
N/A
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0
Purchase APR
20.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
16.24% (Variable)
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Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
70,000 points 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold
Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card
Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
70,000 points 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art
Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
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
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

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 miles 85,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Altitude Connect vs. Altitude Go: Point Rewards Analysis

When you check out how much cash back you can get for the same spending, it's kind of surprising – the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect comes out on top. It gives you more points back for your spending in most categories and ends up with 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. 

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

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.
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
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
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

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 miles 85,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
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
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

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card
Rewards Plan:
Up to 3x miles 3 miles per $1 spent on United purchases immediately after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit, 2 miles on all other travel and select streaming services, 1 mile on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 miles 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
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
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

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 miles 85,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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:

amex platinum

Venture X Rewards
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
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
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
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
21.24% – 29.24% APR Variable
22.49%–29.49% variable
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
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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?

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.

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The Smart Investor (this website) is an independent financial website. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website may receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The Smart Investor does not include all companies or all offers available in the marketplace and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete.

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