US Bank Altitude Connect Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card offers a surprising number of benefits and perks considering it has no annual fee. This card stands out most among the no-fee options offered by the bank. Unfortunately, the perks provided by this card, such as Priority Pass and TSA Precheck, are likely benefits you already have with another card. If you don't have these perks yet, we recommend applying for more lucrative cards that offer the same benefits before considering the Altitude Connect. The welcome offer is quite low, and the entire U.S. Bank Rewards system doesn't provide competitive value for someone seeking free and discounted travel.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The welcome offer of 20,000 points after $1,000 in spending within 90 days is rather modest. However, the card compensates for this low bonus with perks typically not available on cards without an annual fee. Cardmembers receive the following benefits and spending multipliers with the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card:
- Priority Pass Membership that includes 4 free visits to lounges per year
- $100 credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry
- Various travel protections
- $25 credit after 3 consecutive monthly taxi/rideshare trips
- 4x points on travel, gas, and EV charging (up to $150,000 in purchases per year)
- 2x points on dining, streaming, and groceries (excluding discount stores, supercenters like Walmart and Target, and wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam's)
If you're seeking travel rewards, redemptions on all U.S. Bank cards aren't ideal if you want more than a 1 cent per point value. You can redeem cash back rewards from this card on the U.S. Bank travel portal, but there are no transfer partners available. Beyond the portal, your redemption options include statement credits, using the Real Time Rewards feature, cash back, or shopping redemptions.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card might not be suitable for you if:
- You prefer a card with an annual fee and a higher welcome offer to accumulate points for travel redemptions
- You want to transfer your miles to airline or hotel partners, which U.S. Bank doesn't offer
- You don't spend enough in the points multiplier categories to make this card worthwhile
How The US Bank Altitude Connect Credit Card Fits In The US Bank Flex Perks Ecosystem
U.S. Bank offers a diverse portfolio of cash back and rewards cards. Here's how the Altitude Connect compares to similar options:
- Altitude Go Card: Also offers a 20,000 point sign-up bonus after $1,000 in purchases
- Features 4x points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery (first $2,000 quarterly)
- Provides 2x points on streaming, groceries, gas stations, and EV charging
- Includes a $15 streaming credit after 11 months of service
- Lacks the premium travel benefits of the Connect card (no Priority Pass or TSA Precheck)
The primary distinction between the Connect and Go cards lies in their benefits structure. While both allow redemptions through the travel portal, the Connect card offers superior travel perks despite sharing the same modest sign-up bonus.
For cash-focused alternatives, U.S. Bank provides:
- Cash Plus Card: $200 sign-up bonus after $1,000 spent in 90 days
- 5% back on two categories of your choice (first $2,000 quarterly)
- 5% on travel booked through their portal
- 2% back on one everyday category of your choice each quarter
- Shopper Cash Rewards Card: $250 sign-up bonus after $2,000 spent in 120 days
- 6% back at two retailers of your choice (first $1,500 quarterly)
- 3% back on one everyday category of your choice (first $1,500 quarterly)
Neither cash card offers a path to travel redemptions except by converting cash back to statement credits. This indirect approach makes them suboptimal choices for travel enthusiasts, despite their potentially higher cash back rates in select categories.
When evaluating these options, consider your spending patterns and whether you value travel perks over pure cash back potential. The Altitude Connect stands out for those who want travel benefits without an annual fee, even though its rewards system lacks transfer partners.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20,000 | $1,000 | 1.1 ¢ | $0 | $0 |
$231
|
Spend Categories
1X points
1.1¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
4X points
4.4¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
5X points
5.5¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
4X points
4.4¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
4 free visits to over 1,500 airport VIP lounges and experiences worldwide.
Get up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry, or an $85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck.
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
Call 1-800-953-7392 to get complimentary assistance making dinner reservations, buying theater tickets, getting travel guides, sending gifts/flowers, and dozens of other specific requests.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes
Transfer To Friends Yes
Travel Partner Transfers
Outside Point System US Bank Flex Perks
Transfers Out To
1:1 91% value retained
