The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect and Altitude Go are two credit cards with distinct features catering to different preferences. Let's compare them side by side:
General Comparison: U.S. Bank Altitude Connect vs. Go
Both cards share some common features, such as no foreign transaction fees and the ability to redeem points for a variety of rewards, including travel, merchandise, and statement credits.
The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard® stands out with its strong travel benefits and rewards for everyday spending. While it has a $95 annual fee after the first year, the card offers valuable perks, including a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, plus Priority Pass Select membership with four free airport lounge visits each year.
However, it falls short on redemption flexibility compared to other travel cards, as it doesn't allow transfers to airline and hotel programs.
On the other hand, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is a flexible and rewarding option for those who want a card that fits their everyday spending. With no annual fee and a 0% intro APR, it offers a great mix of rewards, especially on dining, groceries, and gas.
Altitude Connect Visa Signature | Altitude® Go Visa Signature | |
Annual Fee | $95 (waived first year) | $0 |
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 | 4x points at restaurants, take-outs & deliveries, 2x points at supermarkets, gas stations & streaming servicesm and 1 point for 1 dollar on all other 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. | 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening |
0% Intro APR | N/A | 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers |
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | $0 |
Purchase APR | 20.24% – 28.24% (Variable) | 17.74% – 28.74% Variable |
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Altitude Connect vs. Altitude Go: Point Rewards Analysis
When comparing the estimated cash back for the same spend, there U.S. Bank Altitude Connect is a clear winner as it offers better points rewards ratio in most categories and higher estimated annual value:
Spend Per Category | Altitude Connect Visa Signature | Altitude® Go Visa Signature |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 30,000 points | 30,000 points |
$4,000 – Restaurants
| 4,000 points | 16,000 points |
$4,000 – Airline | 16,000 points | 4,000 points |
$5,000 – Hotels | 25,000 points | 5,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | 16,000 points | 8,000 points |
Total Points | 91,000 points | 63,000 points |
Estimated Redemption Value | 1 point ~ 1 – 1.5 cent | 1 point ~ 1 – 1.5 cent |
Estimated Annual Value | $910 – $1,365 | $630 – $945 |
Which Card Provides Better Travel Perks & Insurance?
When it comes to extra airline and travel perks, the Southwest U.S. Bank Altitude Connect is the winner, as it offers premium travel benefits such as lounge access and TSA PreCheck reimbursment:
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect
Streaming Bonus: Receive a $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases, covering platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, Spotify®, and more.
Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, providing four free visits to over 1,300 airport VIP lounges and experiences worldwide.
TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry®: Receive up to $100 in statement credits to reimburse your application fee once every four years.
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).
U.S. Bank Altitude Go
- Streaming Bonus: Receive a $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases, covering platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, Spotify®, and more.
- 0% Intro APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles.
When You Might Want The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect?
You Might Prefer the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature if:
Frequent Traveler: If you find yourself traveling often, the Altitude Connect may be better with its airport lounge access, statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and other travel-related benefits, making your journeys more comfortable.
You Want Premium Benefits: If you're willing to pay a slightly higher annual fee and want premium travel perks like Priority Pass Select membership, Altitude Connect could be the choice for you, offering additional VIP lounge visits and travel protections.
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When You Might Want The U.S. Bank Altitude Go?
You Might Prefer the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature if:
Everyday Spender: If you frequently dine out or buy groceries, Altitude Go is the better choice with its higher points rewards ratio on these categories, maximizing rewards for your daily expenses.
Budget-Friendly Option: If you're looking to minimize costs, Altitude Go's $0 annual fee makes it a more budget-friendly option compared to Altitude Connect, allowing you to enjoy rewards without an ongoing expense.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're in search of a travel rewards credit card, there are several compelling alternatives worth exploring:
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | |
Annual Fee | $0 | $95 | $95
|
Rewards |
1.5X
1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points
|
2X – 5X
2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
|
2X – 5X
5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases and select streaming services. 2x on other travel purchases. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
|
Welcome bonus |
25,000 points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
|
75,000 miles
|
60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | $0 | $0
|
Purchase APR | 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. | 19.99% – 29.74% (Variable)
| 20.99% – 27.99% variable APR
|
Compare U.S. Bank Altitude Connect
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.
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 Go
While both cards offer great rewards and have no annual fee, the winner between the two depends on your goals. Here's our analysis.
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards takes the lead as our winner. Despite being a bit more expensive, it offers significantly higher cashback.
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Go: How They Compare?