The recently introduced U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards stands out as a solid cash back card with impressive cashback rates, whereas the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature provides travel benefits and a generous points rewards system. To determine the best fit for you, let's explore a side-by-side comparison of their features and benefits.
General Comparison: Altitude Connect vs. Shopper Cash
U.S. Bank has unveiled a new cash-back credit card, the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards, offering impressive rewards rates at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. This card distinguishes itself with a notably high cash-back rate, particularly advantageous for those who frequently engage in retail spending.
However, it comes with a quarterly cap of $1,500 for the 6% and 3% cash back tiers, and users need to actively select their bonus categories each quarter.
On a different note, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect World Elite Mastercard stands out for its distinctive features, providing valuable travel benefits and rewards for everyday spending.
Despite incurring a $95 annual fee after the first year, the card comes with noteworthy benefits, including a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, and a Priority Pass Select membership.
Nevertheless, it falls short in terms of redemption flexibility compared to other travel cards, lacking the option for transfers to airline and hotel programs.
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards | U.S. Bank Altitude Connect | |
Annual Fee | $95 ($0 on first year) | $95 (waived first year) |
Rewards | 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose, 3% back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter on your choice of one everyday category, 1.5% back on all other qualifying purchases. Also, 5.5% back on reservations for hotels and prepaid car rentals when you book through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center. | 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 |
Welcome bonus | $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening | 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on the account owner's card within the first 180 days from account opening |
0% Intro APR | 15 billing cycles if you transfer a balance in the first 60 days of opening your account | N/A |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | $0 |
Purchase APR | 19.74% – 29.74% | 20.24% – 28.24% (Variable) |
Top Offers
Top Offers From Our Partners
Top Offers
Altitude Connect vs. Shopper Cash: Rewards Analysis
When comparing the estimated cash back for the same spend, there is no clear winner, and it mainly depends on your spending habits and your point redemption preferences:
Spend Per Category | U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards | U.S. Bank Altitude Connect |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | $585 * | 30,000 points |
$4,000 – Restaurants
| $60 | 4,000 points |
$4,000 – Airline | $60 | 16,000 points |
$5,000 – Hotels | $275 | 25,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | $60 | 16,000 points |
Total Cashback/Points | $1,040 | 91,000 points |
Estimated Redemption Value | / | 1 point ~ 1 – 1.5 cent |
Estimated Annual Value | $1,040 | $910 – $1,365 |
* 6% and 3% cash back on supermarkets on the first $12,000
When You Might Want The Shopper Cash Rewards?
Opt for the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards if:
Booking Hotels via U.S. Bank Rewards Center: This card offers significant cashback advantages when booking hotels, potentially boosting your overall cashback earnings.
Emphasis on Everyday Spending: If you already have another travel credit card or your purchases mainly revolve around everyday spending, the Shopper Cash Rewards card could be a more fitting option.
Prefer Cash Back Over Points: If you lean towards receiving cash back rather than accumulating point rewards, the Shopper Cash Rewards card aligns better with your preference.
Top Offers
Top Offers From Our Partners
Top Offers
When You Might Want The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect?
You Might Prefer the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature if:
You Mainly Spend On Travel And Gas: The card offers high points rewards ratio on travel and gas categories, so if this is your main focus – the Altitude Connect card may be a better fit
You Want Premium Benefits: If you want premium travel perks like Priority Pass Select membership and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement, the Altitude Connect could be the choice for you, offering travel perks and travel protections.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're in search of a cashback or basic travel credit card, there are several compelling alternatives worth exploring:
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | |
Annual Fee | $0
| $95 ($0 intro for the first year)
| $95
|
Rewards |
1.5% – 5%
5% percent cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on all purchases everyday.
|
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
|
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 |
$200
$200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
|
$250
$250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
|
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 | 2.70% | $0
|
Purchase APR | 19.99% – 29.99% variable
| 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
| 21.24%–28.24% variable APR
|
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?
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.