US Bank Business Altitude Connect Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
Among the four U.S. Bank Business cards, we rank the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect lowest in terms of value. While no single card stands out significantly from the others, the U.S. Bank rewards system overall isn't our favorite. We generally don't recommend applying for any U.S. Bank card unless you're experienced with credit card rewards and are ineligible for cards from more popular systems like Chase, American Express, or Capital One.
You can still gain value with this card, particularly since it has a decent sign-up bonus and waives its $95 annual fee for the first year. However, it offers the lowest sign-up bonus among U.S. Bank's four business cards, which is the primary reason for its last-place ranking.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect card offers points collection and benefits without counting against your Chase 5/24 status. The sign-up bonus is 60,000 (current special 75,000) points after spending $6,000 in purchases during the first 6 months. The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year. Additional perks include:
- Priority Pass Digital Annual Membership with 4 complimentary visits per membership year, including access to Priority Pass restaurants
- Priority Pass restaurant access has been removed from most cards, making this an especially valuable perk
- Cardmembers typically receive $28-$30 per person in food and drink credits at participating airport restaurants instead of visiting a lounge
- $25 statement credit after 3 consecutive monthly taxi or rideshare transactions
Cardmembers earn:
- 4x points on travel (airfare, hotels, gas, and EV charging stations) on the first $150,000 in purchases annually
- 2x points on dining, takeout, restaurant delivery, and cell phone service
- 6x points on hotel and car rental
U.S. Bank doesn't have airline or hotel transfer partners, which significantly reduces the value of their rewards system. You can redeem rewards for travel through their portal, cash back, statement credits, gift cards, or instantly with Real-Time Rewards.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card might not be good for you because:
- U.S. Bank doesn't have travel partners like other banks (such as Chase and American Express), so you can only redeem your points at 1 cent per point at best
What to Know About U.S. Bank Rewards
U.S. Bank Rewards offers straightforward redemptions, but if you have an Altitude Reserve, you can unlock additional value through transfer partners.
- Most U.S. Bank rewards are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for eligible travel or cash back, although redemption options and values vary by card.
- The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve offers transfers to a small group of airline and hotel partners, giving cardholders another way to use their points. Unfortunately the card remains closed to new applicants.
- U.S. Bank Rewards is best for travelers who value simple redemptions.
- Transfer partners add more upside for Altitude Reserve cardholders, but the program remains more limited than the major transferable points programs.
How The US Bank Business Altitude Connect Credit Card Fits In The U.S. Bank Rewards Ecosystem
U.S. Bank offers several business credit cards, with three other options worth comparing:
U.S. Bank Business Essentials Visa: This no-annual-fee card is a simpler option that offers:
- A 50,000 welcome offer after spending $5,000 in the first 150 days
- 2% cash back on all purchases
- 6% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the U.S. Bank Travel Center
The Business Essentials may be a better fit if your business doesn't spend heavily in the Altitude Connect's bonus categories and you'd rather earn a consistent 2% cash back on everything.
U.S. Bank Business Essentials Plus Visa Signature: This card charges a $295 annual fee but offers significantly more earning potential for businesses with substantial spending in one of its eligible categories. It offers:
- A 100,000 welcome offer after spending $15,000 in the first 150 days
- 5% cash back in your highest eligible spending category each month on up to $200,000 in annual purchases
- 2% cash back on all other purchases
- 10% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the U.S. Bank Travel Center
The Business Essentials Plus may be the better option if your business has significant spending in one of its 5% categories, which include airlines, cell phone service providers, dining, office supply stores, shipping, and utilities, among others.
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Business Card: This no-annual-fee card offers:
- A 50,000-point welcome offer, redeemable as cash back, after spending $4,500 in the first 6 months
- 3% cash back at gas stations, EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the U.S. Bank Travel Center
The Business Altitude Connect stands out if your business spends heavily on travel, gas, or EV charging, where it earns 4x points on up to $150,000 in combined annual spending. Otherwise, one of U.S. Bank's cash-back business cards may provide a better return for your spending.
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