Review of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card: Earn bonus rewards across various categories

Editor's note: This post is updated regularly with the latest information and offers.

Overview of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is a top travel rewards option from the issuer, featuring a generous rewards rate, access to airport lounges, and coverage for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees — all without an annual fee. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½

*The card rating reflects the views of TPG's editors and is not swayed by the card issuer.

A few years ago, when U.S. Bank phased out several credit cards, it was left with just one travel rewards card. This changed with the launch of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect.

It features an excellent rewards rate across five everyday spending categories that many will find appealing, all without an annual fee. We suggest a minimum credit score of 670.

Let’s explore all the details.

The information regarding the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect has been gathered independently by Dinogo. The details on this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

Advantages and disadvantages of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect sign-up bonus

New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of opening their account.

This amounts to about $333 in monthly purchases, which should be achievable for most users. Many cardholders can likely meet this spending goal within just one month.

With no annual fee, this card offers solid value right from the start. However, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect does not have transfer partners, meaning the welcome bonus can only be redeemed at a fixed rate of 1 cent per point for travel, equating to $200.

Benefits of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

This card is packed with a variety of perks that enhance its value in your wallet.

Firstly, if you use this card to pay for your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee, you can receive up to $100 in reimbursement via a statement credit every four years. If you're already enrolled in either trusted traveler program, you can also cover a friend or family member’s application and still get the reimbursement.

The card offers standard travel benefits and protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and more. Additionally, you'll receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting you four free visits to over 1,500 airport lounges and exclusive experiences around the globe.

Moreover, this card does not impose foreign transaction fees, features contactless payment options, and provides benefits through the Visa Signature program.

These are excellent perks for a card that has no annual fee.

Earning rewards with the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

While most competing rewards cards offer only a few predictable bonus categories, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect stands out from the crowd.

You’ll find it easy to accumulate rewards, earning 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly through the Altitude Rewards Center, 4 points per dollar at gas stations and EV charging stations (on your first $1,000 each quarter, then 1 point thereafter, excludes discount stores and wholesale clubs), and 2 points per dollar on dining, streaming services, and at grocery stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).

You’ll also earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. This card is ideal for those who prefer not to juggle multiple cards while still gaining value from everyday spending.

It's also a fantastic option for anyone who doesn’t earn bonus points on gas or EV charging stations with another card, provided you're okay with the absence of transfer partners.

How to redeem points with the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

Your feelings about the redemption options with this card may vary based on your travel style. While you will earn points, they are fixed-value points.

Specifically, your points are valued at 1 cent each for travel and 0.8 cents each for cash back, as well as when shopping at Amazon and PayPal or using Real-Time Rewards.

U.S. Bank's Real-Time Rewards feature allows you to redeem your points instantly as you make purchases. You’ll receive a text message prompting you to use your points to cover the cost.

Although these redemption options are straightforward and beneficial for novice award travelers, like TPG credit cards writer Ryan Wilcox, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect functions more like a cash-back card in our opinion.

In contrast, a true travel rewards card allows you to redeem your points for a fixed value and provides the option to transfer your rewards to its airline and hotel partners. By learning how to optimize your points, you can often achieve more than 1 cent per point in value, surpassing what a card like the Altitude Connect offers.

Which cards rival the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect?

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect enters a crowded field of travel rewards cards. Here are some of its key competitors.

• If you prefer Capital One: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. It offers 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, plus 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
• If you prefer American Express: The American Express® Green Card delivers a strong earning rate on travel, dining, and transit. It also includes up to $189 Clear Plus and up to $100 LoungeBuddy credits per calendar year to help offset its $150 annual fee. Enrollment is necessary; terms apply. Furthermore, Amex boasts more transfer partners than any other issuer and provides more transfer bonuses throughout the year. To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Green.
• If you want additional perks: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers higher earning rates on travel and numerous benefits like a $300 annual travel credit and airport lounge access. If you're okay with the $550 annual fee, it's a fantastic addition for any traveler. For more information, check out our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.

For more options, see our recommendations for the best cash-back cards and best travel cards.

The details regarding the American Express Green Card have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been reviewed or supplied by the card issuer.

Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect a worthwhile choice?

Since the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect has no annual fee, it’s a solid option for those who aren’t concerned about transfer partners. It boasts strong earning potential and valuable benefits. However, avid travelers might find greater value in a travel card with transfer partners.

Final thoughts

U.S. Bank successfully distinguishes the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect by providing a generous rewards rate and practical benefits for novice travelers. While it may not match competitors in terms of welcome bonuses and redemption options, it still holds value for those just starting their travel journey.