US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Unlimited Card Overview
The US Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a premium travel-rewards card that’s all about earning rewards you can redeem quickly, easily and for strong value. Although it comes with a hefty annual fee, it offers enough statement credits to offset most of its cost. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card ratings are based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and are not influenced by the card issuer.
Longtime rewards-travel enthusiasts know the drill: Collect airline miles or transferable points and then hunt to get the maximum redemption value out of them. Often, this means traveling at odd times, making extra stopovers, or taking a detour to your destination just for the chance to use your miles. (And don’t get me started on the need to avoid outrageous airline fuel surcharges imposed on many award bookings.)
Welcome to the US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card, a premium travel rewards card that takes the headache out of award travel. It’s about earning rewards that you can redeem quickly and easily and for strong value. It comes with a pricey $400 annual fee, but it offers enough statement credits to more than make up for its cost. A typical credit score of approved applicants is 750 or higher.
Let’s dive into US Bank Altitude Reserve and see if it deserves a spot in your wallet.
Information for the US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Unlimited Card has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Advantages and Disadvantages of US Bank Altitude Reserve
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US Bank Altitude Reserve Welcome Offer
New card members will earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days. US Bank points can be redeemed in 1.5 cent increments, making this bonus offer worth $750.
US Bank Altitude Reserve Benefits
The US Bank Altitude Reserve has many valuable benefits, but the most easily used is a $325 per year travel statement credit that is automatically applied to purchases from airlines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, limousines, trains and cruise lines. This statement credit can also be applied to dining purchases.
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As with many cards, cardholders are covered by an application fee of up to $100 in statement credits every four years. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Cardholders get 8 Priority Pass lounge visits per year which is valid for one person per visit. After free visits, cardholders can expect to pay $35 per person per visit. While many credit cards offer full Priority Pass Select memberships, the limited access from the Altitude Reserve card is a big negative for the $400 annual fee card.
Other benefits include trip cancellation and interruption coverage, trip delay reimbursement, lost baggage reimbursement, and emergency evacuation and transportation coverage. Cardholders also get free Ship membership through December 31, which offers free same-day delivery on orders of $35 or more from various retailers. Finally, the card doesn’t offer foreign transaction fees like many other travel credit cards.
RELATED: 9 Valuable Travel Perks You Can Get With A Credit Card
Earning points on US Bank Altitude Reserve
The points-earning structure on this card is simple. You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotel and car rentals booked directly at the Altitude Rewards Center, and 3 points per dollar on all purchases made with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Mobile wallet systems and on all eligible travel purchases. Eligible travel purchases include purchases made directly with airlines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, limousines, trains and cruise lines. Qualifying mobile-app purchases can be made in-store, in-app or online.
You’ll earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
But that’s only part of the story because points can be worth a hefty 1.5 cents — not the 1 cent per point/mile that most loyalty programs offer.
Redeeming points at US Bank Altitude Reserve
Points are worth 1.5 cents for travel purchases including airlines, hotels, car rental companies, taxis, limousines, trains and cruise lines. When you redeem your points you will receive a statement credit for your credit card purchases. You also have the option to redeem your points in real time, a unique feature for credit cards. When you make a purchase in a selected category, you will receive a text asking if you want to apply points to the price of your purchase.
Redeeming your points for real-time rewards will net 1 percent per point, so keep that difference in mind. It’s still a valuable option, but I recommend redeeming your points for travel whenever possible.
Related: Getting started with points, miles and credit cards for travel
Which cards compete with the US Bank Altitude Reserve?
Some cards come out ahead of US Bank Altitude Reserve when comparing annual fees, statement credits, earning rates and benefits.
- If you choose Chase: This The annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a slightly higher $550 and comes with a $300 annual travel credit that can also be applied toward purchases on flights, hotels and ride-hailing services or parking fees. Cardholders will earn 3 points per dollar on most travel purchases and dining and 1 point per dollar on everything else. The card also comes with full Priority Pass Select membership and access to the Sapphire Lounge. To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.
- If you choose Capital One: This Capital One Venture X Credit Card Priority Pass provides access to Plaza Premium and Capital One lounges and has a slightly lower annual fee of $395 (see rates and fees). Cardholders earn a simple 2 miles per dollar on every purchase and receive up to $300 in credit each year for eligible purchases made through the Capital One travel portal. To learn more, check out our full review of Capital One Venture X.
- If you choose a lower annual fee: This Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card There is a low annual fee of $95 (see Rates and Fees). The card offers a simple earning structure of 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. Rewards you earn can be transferred to 15-plus airline and hotel partners for further redemptions. To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
For additional options, check out our picks for the best premium credit cards.
Related: Capital One Venture X vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
Is US Bank Altitude Reserve Worth It?
This is the ideal card for those who want a premium travel rewards card without having to sweat about a complicated frequent flyer program. Instead, you can simply redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals and more at 1.5 cents each. If you’re a frequent mobile wallet user, this card is worth it for the extra points you can earn on most of your purchases.
Bottom line
Related: US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card Review