US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card Review: Full Details
Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Overview of the Bank of America Visa Signature Altitude Connect Card
The US Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the issuer’s travel rewards cards, offering attractive rewards points, annual statement credits for streaming services, and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment fees — all with no annual fee. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
*Card Ranking Based on the opinions of TPG editors and not influenced by card issuers.
When US Bank discontinued some of its credit cards a few years ago, the issuer was left with just one travel rewards card in its portfolio. That changed with the launch of US Bank Altitude Connect.
It comes with a great rewards rate including five daily shopping list that will appeal to many. While the card currently has a $95 annual fee that’s waived for the first year, starting September 9, it’s going to switch to a full $0 annual fee. We recommend you get the minimum credit score of 670.
Let’s look at all the details.
The information about US Bank Altitude Connect has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Pros and Cons of US Bank Altitude Connect
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US Bank Altitude Connect Welcome Offer
This card offers the opportunity to earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 or more on eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
That equates to $333 or more in purchases each month, which is probably reasonable for most people. Many cardholders can hit this spending requirement in just one month.
Once this card changes to a no-annual-fee structure, you get good value right out of the box. Since US Bank Altitude Connect doesn’t have a money transfer partner, this welcome offer can only be redeemed at a flat rate of 1 cent per point. That means it’s worth $200.
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Related: 10 Ways to Meet Spending Requirements and Earn Bonuses on New Cards
Benefits of US Bank Altitude Connect
This card has enough perks that make it a worthy addition to your wallet.
First, by charging your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Application Fee With this card, you will receive up to $100 in cash back via statement credit every four years. If you are already a part of any trusted travel program, you can easily charge your friend or family member’s application to this card and still receive cash back.
The card comes with standard travel benefits and protections, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay refunds, and more. You’ll also get complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which gives you free access to more than 1,500 VIP airport lounges and four experiences worldwide.
Finally, this card is free of fees. foreign transaction fees, is a contactless payment card and offers benefits through the Visa Signature program.
Related: Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is the Better Option?
Earn points with US Bank Altitude Connect
Most competitive reward card offers, at most, a few (predictable) bonus categories. Not so with US Bank Altitude Connect.
You’ll find it easy to earn rewards, as you’ll earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly at the Altitude Rewards Center, 4 points per dollar at the gas station and EV charging stations (ends September 8, then 4 points per dollar on your first $1,000 each quarter, then 1 point) and 2 points per dollar on eat and drink, streaming service and at grocery (discount stores/supermarkets and wholesale clubs excluded as of September 9).
You also get 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. This is the card for people who don’t want to open multiple cards but still want to get value from their everyday purchases.
This could also be a great card for anyone who doesn’t earn rewards points at gas or EV charging stations with another card, as long as you’re comfortable with the card not having a switching partner.
Related: Why There’s No Such Thing as the ‘Best’ Credit Card
Redeem points with US Bank Altitude Connect
Depending on what type of traveler you are, you may (or may not) be a fan of redemption options with this card. While you will earn points with this card, they are fixed value points. That means, each of your points is worth 1 cent towards travel, merchandise, gift cards, cash back, and more.
US Bank also offers “Real-Time Rewards,” which allows you to redeem points for purchases. You’ll receive a text message asking if you’d like to pay for your purchase with your points.
While these rewards options remain solid and offer simplicity for travel newbies like TPG credit card writers, Ryan WilcoxIn our eyes, the US Bank Altitude Connect card acts more like a cash back card.
Meanwhile, a true travel rewards card allows you to redeem your points for a fixed value and offers the ability to transfer your rewards into airline and hotel partners. By knowing how to maximize your points, you’ll find that you get more value per cent than a card like the Altitude Connect.
Related: Why You Might Want a Cash Back Card
What cards can compete with the US Bank Altitude Connect?
US Bank Altitude Connect enters the saturated travel rewards card market. Here are just a few of its competitors.
- If you like Capital One: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is your best option. This card offers 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on other purchases. To learn more, read Full review of Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
- If you like American Express: The American Express® Green Card offers great rewards on travel, restaurants, and public transportation. Up to $189 in Clear Plus and up to $100 in LoungeBuddy credits each calendar year offset the $150 annual fee. Application required; terms apply. Plus, Amex has more transfer partners than any other issuer and offer more transfer bonuses throughout the year. To learn more, read Full review of Amex Green.
- If you want more benefits: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a higher earning rate on travel purchases and more valuable benefits like a $300 annual travel credit and airport lounge access. If you’re willing to pay the $550 annual fee, it’s a great addition to any traveler’s wallet. For more, read on. Full Review of Sapphire Reserve.
For more options, check out our picks for best cash back card And best travel card.
The information about the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Read more: Chase Sapphire Battle: Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve
Is US Bank Altitude Connect worth it?
Since the US Bank Altitude Connect has a reasonable annual fee, it’s worth considering for those who don’t care about a remittance partner. It has strong earning potential and solid benefits. However, for those who love to travel, I’d recommend a travel card with a remittance partner.
Last line
US Bank has done a great job of differentiating the US Bank Altitude Connect by offering strong rewards rates and helpful statement credits for beginning travelers. It doesn’t match the sign-up bonuses and redemption options of competitors, but it can still provide value for beginning travelers.
Related: US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Credit Card Review
