U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card Review: A Hidden Gem for Budget-Conscious Travelers

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Benefits

Welcome Offer

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card offers one of the more attractive no-annual-fee bonuses available in the travel credit card market: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

The intro offer alone is worth $200 in travel or as a deposit to an eligible U.S. Bank account.

In addition, new cardholders receive a 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 17.99%-27.99%.

Enhanced Travel Rewards

The card offers 4x points on travel purchases and 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards Center. By booking travel directly through the Altitude Rewards Center, you can maximize your earning potential. If you reserve a rental car through the center instead of booking directly with the rental company, you will earn 5x points instead of the standard 4x. Small changes like this can add up over time.

Everyday Category Bonuses

Cardholders can earn 4x points at gas stations and EV charging stations, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1x).

This card also offers 2x points for spending on dining, streaming services and grocery stores (excluding discount stores, supercenters and wholesale clubs). This covers many of the largest spending categories for cardholders, beyond just travel. Additionally, there is no spending cap on these bonus categories, allowing you to maximize the rewards you earn on the purchases you already make.

Solid Travel Benefits

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect also comes with a strong lineup of travel perks — especially for a no-annual-fee card:

• Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership: Four free visits annually to Priority Pass airport lounges worldwide.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit: Up to $100 in statement credits toward your application fee once every four years.
• Complimentary GigSky Global Mobile Data plans: 5 GB/15-day complimentary plan and 20% off on all plans (through Nov. 11, 2027)
• SmartDelay coverage: Complimentary airport lounge access for you and up to three travel companions if your flight is delayed more than two hours.
• Travel insurance: Including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay coverage, travel accident insurance and travel emergency assistance services.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Avoiding foreign transaction fees can translate to a savings of 2% to 3% on every purchase made overseas. During a recent trip to Europe, this benefit saved me nearly $100 in fees alone. For frequent international travelers, it’s easy to see how these charges could add up quickly.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Drawbacks

Quarterly Spending Limits

One downside of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect is the $1,000 quarterly cap on earning 4x points for gas and EV charging stations. For drivers who spend more than $333 a month on fuel or charging, this restriction significantly reduces the card’s earning potential in one of its key categories.

Lower Cash Redemption Values

Cardholders can cash out their points at a rate of 0.8 cents per point as a statement credit, making travel and other redemptions essential for maximizing value.

Limited Premium Perks

Cardholders receive four complimentary visits to Priority Pass lounges each year, which is significantly fewer than premium cards that offer unlimited access. Additionally, this card lacks higher-end travel benefits such as points transfers to partners and annual airline credits. While the absence of an annual fee helps to justify these limitations, frequent travelers may find the available perks somewhat underwhelming.

Who Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card Best For?

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect is an excellent choice for moderate spenders who want travel rewards without the burden of an annual fee. It’s good for those who spend around $1,000 monthly in its bonus categories and prefer a straightforward rewards program over more complicated ones.

It’s ideal for individuals or families on a budget, or anyone who travels occasionally but doesn’t want to pay for a premium card’s annual fee. The combination of travel rewards, bonuses for everyday spending categories and an introductory APR makes this card versatile and suitable for a variety of financial situations.

Is It the Right Card for You?

Consider the Altitude Connect if you:

• Want travel rewards without paying an annual fee
• Spend moderately on travel, gas, dining and streaming services
• Prefer simple earning rates over rotating categories
• Value an introductory APR
• Don’t need premium travel perks like unlimited lounge access

Alternatives to the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card

If you’re choosing a travel credit card and the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect doesn’t tick all the boxes, consider these alternatives:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card has an annual fee of $95 and earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. Additionally, it provides access to Chase’s transfer partners and comes with up to $50 in annual credit toward prepaid hotels booked through Chase Travel℠, which can help justify the annual fee for frequent travelers.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card offers a flat 2x Capital One miles on all purchases (except hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, which earn 5x miles), with no caps. This makes it easier for big spenders to earn consistently across all spending categories. You can transfer miles to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners, or redeem them directly for travel.