Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, updated regularly with new information and offers.
US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card Overview
The US Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the issuer’s travel rewards cards, offering an excellent rewards rate, statement credit for annual streaming services, and no TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee – all with no annual fee. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
*Card ratings are based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and are not influenced by the card issuer.
When US Bank discontinued many of its credit cards a few years ago, the issuer had only one travel rewards card left in its lineup. That changed with the introduction of US Bank Altitude Connect.
It comes with a great reward rate that covers five categories of everyday purchases that will appeal to many. While the card currently has a $95 annual fee that’s waived in the first year, starting September 9, it’s moving to a full-on $0 annual fee. We recommend a minimum credit score of 670.
Let’s take a look at all the details.
Information for US Bank Altitude Connect is independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
US Bank Altitude Connect Pros and Cons
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US Bank Altitude Connect Welcome Offer
The card offers an opportunity to earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 or more in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
That translates to $333 or more in purchases per month, which should be reasonable for most people. Many cardholders can meet this spending requirement in just one month.
Once this card is changed a With a no-annual-fee structure, you get the right value from the start. Since US Bank Altitude Connect lacks transfer partners, this welcome offer can only be redeemed at a fixed rate of 1 percent per point. That means it costs $200.
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US Bank Altitude Connect Benefits
This card comes with a decent amount of perks that make it a valuable addition to your wallet.
The card comes with standard travel benefits and protections, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay compensation and more. You’ll also get a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which gives you four free visits to more than 1,500 airport VIP lounges and experiences around the world.
Finally, the card charges no foreign transaction fees, is a contactless payment card and offers benefits through the Visa Signature Program.
Related: Global Entry Vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is Better?
Earn points with US Bank Altitude Connect
Most competitive Reward cards offer, at most, two (presumed) bonus categories. Not so with US Bank Altitude Connect.
You’ll find that earning rewards is easy, as you earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly at an Altitude Rewards Center, 4 points per dollar at gas stations and EV charging stations (ends Sept. 8, it then 4 points per dollar on your first $1,000 each quarter, then 1 point) and 2 points per dollar on dining, streaming services and grocery shopping (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded effective September 9).
You’ll also earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. This is the card for those who don’t want to open multiple cards but still want to get value from their everyday purchases.
It can also be a great card for anyone who doesn’t get bonus points at gas or EV charging stations with other cards, as long as you’re comfortable with the card’s lack of a transfer partner.
Related: Why There’s No Such Thing as a ‘Best’ Credit Card
Redeem points with US Bank Altitude Connect
Depending on what kind of traveler you are, you may (or may not) be a fan. Redemption options with this card. Although you will earn points with this card, they are fixed-value points. That said, your points are worth 1 cent for travel, merchandise, gift cards, cash back and more.
US Bank also offers “real-time rewards,” which allow you to redeem your points while making purchases. You will receive a text message asking if you want to cover your purchase with your points.
While these redemption options are still solid and offer convenience for new rewards travelers like TPG Credit Card writer Ryan Wilcox, the US Bank Altitude Connect works like a cash-back card in our eyes.
Meanwhile, the True Travel Rewards card lets you redeem your points for a fixed value and offers the ability to transfer your rewards to its airline and hotel partners. By knowing how to maximize your points, you’ll find that you’ll get more than 1 percent more value than a card like the Altitude Connect.
Related: Why You Need a Cash-Back Card
Which cards compete with US Bank Altitude Connect?
US Bank Altitude Connect enters an already saturated market of travel rewards cards. Here are some of its competitors.
- If you choose Capital One: This Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is your best bet. The card offers 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
- If you choose American Express: The American Express® Green Card offers higher earning rates on travel, restaurants and transportation. Up to $189 in Clear Plus and up to $100 in LoungeBuddy credits per calendar year offset its $150 annual fee. Registration is required; Conditions apply. Plus, Amex has more transfer partners than any other issuer and offers more transfer bonuses throughout the year. To learn more, read our full Amex Green review.
- If you want more benefits: This Chase Sapphire Reserve® Offers higher earning rates on travel purchases and more valuable benefits like a $300 annual travel credit and airport lounge access. If you’re willing to pay its $550 annual fee, it’s a nice addition to the traveler’s wallet. For more information, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.
For additional options, check out our picks for the best cash-back cards and the best travel cards.
Information for the American Express Green Card is independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Read More: Chase Sapphire Showdown: Sapphire Preferred Vs. Sapphire Reserve
Is US Bank Altitude Connect worth it?
Given that US Bank Altitude Connect has a reasonable annual fee, it’s worth considering for those who don’t care about transfer partners. It has strong earning potential and solid benefits. For avid travelers, though, in my opinion, you’re better off going with a travel card with transfer partners.
Bottom line
US Bank does a great job of differentiating Altitude Connect by offering a strong rewards rate and useful statement credit for travel beginners. It falls short of its competitors’ sign-up bonuses and redemption options but can still provide value for travel beginners.
Related: US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Credit Card Review