Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » U.S. Bank Altitude Connect vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Go: How They Compare?
Advertiser Disclosure This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval. This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Go: How They Compare?

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
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.
Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
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.
Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

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.

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 unique features, providing valuable travel benefits and rewards for regular spending. Despite a $95 annual fee after the first year, the card offers decent benefits 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.

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 versatile and rewarding credit card designed for those who seek benefits tailored to their everyday spending. With no annual fee and 0% intro APR, it offers an appealing combination of rewards, particularly in dining, groceries and gas.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

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)
18.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Read Review
Read Review
Top Offers

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 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:

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

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

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature

  • 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

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

  • 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.

Top Offers

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

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 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 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

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

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

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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

capital-one-venture

chase_sapphire_preffered

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% – 29.99% (Variable)
21.24%–28.24% 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.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve

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.

U.S. Bank Altitude Go vs. U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature

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?

Review Travel Credit Cards

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.
Search
Best Cards Per Category

#1 In credit Cards

Our Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter for secret credit card tips, insider advice, and exclusive deals straight to your inbox

Start saving smarter with

Our Credit Card Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and gain access to expert advice,
insider knowledge, and exclusive offers

Sign Up for

Our Newsletter

Join our community for the latest credit card comparison tips, expert insights,
and special member-only perks.

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.