U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature®

In-Depth Review: U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® is a premium rewards card that offers additional value for travelers versus the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go – for a $95 annual fee, which U.S. Bank waives for the first year.

Who Can Benefit from the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

If you love to travel and are looking for a travel credit card that offers great benefits and rewards, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card might be the perfect choice for you. This card is designed for frequent travelers who want to earn points on their everyday purchases and enjoy a wide range of travel benefits. Whether you’re a business traveler or someone who loves to explore new destinations, this card can help you unlock a world of benefits.

With the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, you can enjoy a variety of travel benefits that can enhance your travel experience. One of the key benefits of this card is the ability to earn points on every dollar you spend. You’ll earn 4X points on travel and at gas stations, 2X points at grocery stores and on streaming services, and 1X points on all other purchases. These points can be redeemed for a variety of travel rewards, including airline tickets, hotel stays, and car rentals.

How to Get the Card

Credit Needed

To be eligible for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, you must meet certain requirements. These include being at least 18 years old, having a valid Social Security Number, a U.S. mailing address, and a U.S. bank account. Additionally, potential applicants need a very good or excellent credit score, which is roughly equivalent to a FICO Score of 700 or more.

No Pre-Qualify Before Applying

US Bank does not offer a pre-qualification portal prior to applying. This means that potential applicants cannot check their eligibility for a US Bank credit card or loan before applying.

 Instead, the bank sends preapproval offers by mail. These offers will contain specific details about the credit card or loan product and an offer code that can be used during the application process.

This approach may be disappointing for individuals who were hoping for a more streamlined and convenient pre-qualification process, especially for those who do not have an existing banking relationship with US Bank.

Application Process

The application process for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is straightforward. The application form will require you to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security Number. You may also be asked to provide income and employment information. Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by U.S. Bank, and you will receive a decision within a few business days.

How to Earn Rewards with Altitude Connect Card

Welcome Bonus

New accounts can enjoy an impressive sign-up bonus with the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect. Cardholders have the opportunity to earn 50,000 bonus points by spending $2,000 within the first 120 days (four months) after opening their account. U.S. Bank values this bonus at approximately $500, which is equivalent to around 16.5% cash back.

This bonus is particularly enticing because U.S. Bank has reduced the minimum spending requirement. Previously, new accounts were required to spend at least $3,000 within the first four months. This reduction in spending greatly enhances the value of the card’s welcome offer.

How to Earn Reward Points

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect is primarily a travel rewards credit card. This means that cardholders can earn the most points on travel purchases.

Specifically, they can earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, plus 4X on other travel purchases and at gas stations. The travel category is quite extensive, so Connect cardholders can earn these 4X points on various expenses such as flights booked directly with airlines, hotel stays, car rentals, taxis, train fares, limo rentals, cruises, and more.

Additionally, the 4X points also apply to gas station purchases, making the Connect card one of the most versatile gas rewards cards available today. This is especially true after the Ducks Unlimited Visa significantly reduced its points-earning potential in 2020.

In addition to travel and gas stations, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect also offers 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services. The inclusion of streaming services as a bonus points category is a feature that U.S. Bank has provided since introducing the Altitude Go card. This feature provides great value for users.

Streaming Category Breakdown

Like other issuers, U.S. Bank has precise definitions of what does – and does not – qualify as an “eligible streaming service.” Currently more than a dozen streaming apps qualify for the 2X points, including the following options:

Remember that U.S. Bank consistently updates its list of eligible services. Still, not seeing apps like Paramount+, Peacock, or HBO Max is frustrating.

Other Ways to Earn Rewards

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card also offers bonuses for shopping through the issuer’s online portal, known as the U.S. Bank Rewards Center Earn Mall. This mall allows you to earn extra points on purchases from a wide range of top retailers.

How to Redeem Rewards

Redeeming rewards with the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card is a simple process. Points can be redeemed for a variety of options, including:

• Merchandise
• Gift cards
• Prepaid cards
• Travel

When it comes to redeeming your points, travel might be the best option, despite the availability of multiple one-to-one points transfer options. Points can be used to book airfare with major airlines, reserve rooms at thousands of hotels, rent cars, go on cruises, or participate in activities categorized as travel. Additionally, when you book through the rewards portal, you can still earn points or qualifying nights towards elite status or rewards travel.

Even if you don’t have enough points for a reward, you can still use them to reduce the cost of your next trip. U.S. Bank allows cardholders to shop with points and cash in the rewards portal, giving you the flexibility to use as few or as many points as you’d like. The number of points you can use is unlimited.

Redeem Immediately with Real-Time Rewards

You have the option to redeem your points immediately after making a purchase with your U.S. Bank Altitude Go card. With Real-Time Rewards, you will receive a notification on your mobile device when you have enough points to cover your spending. Simply reply with a confirmation, and your points will be immediately applied to that purchase.

Travel Benefits

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® is a travel juggernaut thanks to it’s $95 annual fee.

TSA PreCheck^® or Global Entry

As the Altitude® Connect is a travel card, it naturally offers some quality travel perks. One of the key features is a $100 statement credit every four years for a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee. These services are highly beneficial for frequent travelers, as no one enjoys waiting in long lines at airport security.

Priority Pass^™ Select

Cardholders of this credit card are entitled to receive complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership. This membership offers them the opportunity to enjoy four complimentary visits to over 1,300 airport VIP lounges and experiences worldwide.

Priority Pass is a renowned program that enhances the travel experience for cardholders, thanks to lounge access, special discounts at eligible airport restaurants, and access to select mini-suites.

GigSky

Cardholders enjoy data coverage internationally through GigSky. U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature cardholders can now use the GigSky app to access complimentary global mobile data when and where they want, worldwide. Connect cardholders receive a 1 GB, 15-day complimentary cellular data roaming for use in over 125 countries.

Smart Delay 

The Altitude Connect is unique in that it offers access to Smart Delay. In the event of a major flight delay, Smart Delay provides complimentary access to selected airport lounges worldwide, where you can relax in comfort while waiting for your flight.

To use the service, you’ll need  to register each flight segment at least two hours in advance with the Smart Delay service. Then, if FlightStats reports the flight as delayed by two hours or more (either all at once or cumulatively), you’ll receive LoungeKey voucher(s) by text/email for you and up to three companions, valid for 24 hours.

Cell Phone Protection

Another great feature of the Altitude Connect Visa Signature is the addition of cell phone protection. Cardholders get up to $600 reimbursement if their cell phone is stolen or damaged when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card.

Visa Signature® Benefits

Other travel features of the card include Visa benefits and protections, including:

Streaming Statement Credit

One notable perk of the Altitude Connect Card is the $30 annual statement credit for streaming services. To qualify for this offer, simply use your Altitude Connect Card to pay for your monthly streaming subscription. After making 11 consecutive payments in a calendar year, you will earn a $30 credit.

This credit is double what is found with the Altitude Go Card, which only provides a $15 annual credit. This credit can be applied to popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of entertainment options while on the go.

Whether you want to catch up on the latest movies, binge-watch your favorite TV shows, or listen to your favorite music, this travel perk ensures that you can stay entertained during long flights or while relaxing in the comfort of your hotel room.

US Bank Benefits

The US Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card provides a range of benefits for cardholders, including:

Shipt

U.S. Bank Cardholders can enjoy three months of free Shipt membership, followed by nine months of membership at a 50% discount. Shipt delivers from various local stores, such as Target, CVS, and Walgreens, with new options being added regularly.

NortonLifeLock

Cardholders also enjoy access to ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock. This additional benefit provides cardholders with tools to enhance safety, such as  Dark Web monitoring, stolen wallet assistance, data breach notifications, and more.

Online and Mobile Access

Finally, cardholders enjoy streamlined account management thanks to online and mobile access services. This service provides:

• Contactless payments with EMV contactless chip technology
• Access to financial education tools
• Linking your card to PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other mobile wallets
• Complimentary access to your FICO Score (requires enrollment)

Comparison

Altitude Comparison

What We Like About the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card has several standout features that make it a great choice for frequent travelers.

Lucrative Rewards Points

One of the best features of this card is the ability to earn 4X points on travel and at gas stations. This is a higher earning rate than many other travel credit cards, making it easier to accumulate points for your next trip. Additionally, the 2X points on grocery stores and streaming services provide opportunities to earn points on everyday purchases.

Travel Perks

Another great feature of the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is the complimentary TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit. This benefit can save you time and hassle at the airport by allowing you to bypass the regular security lines. Simply use your U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card to pay for the application fee, and you’ll receive a statement credit for the cost.

Intro APR

Another great feature of the card is the 12-month introductory APR. While this period may not be as long as other cards like the Citi Double Cash or the Freedom Unlimited, which offer longer intro APRs on balance transfers and purchases respectively, having a full year of no interest charges is still a nice feature.

US Bank Ratings

How does US Bank rate as a credit card issuer? Here is a selection of ratings for US Bank, from consumers and financial experts:

Should You Apply for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card?

For the occasional traveler and daily commuter, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card offers plenty of upsides when compared to juggernauts like the Chase Sapphire Preferred. The card offers impressive point earning potential on travel and gas station purchases, plus decent rewards when dining, shopping for groceries, or streaming the latest tv shows and movies.

The real questions about the usefulness of the Connect comes with the travel perks – and, more importantly, what you want in a travel card.  For example, if you want to fast-track through TSA, the card is ideal (especially without an annual fee for the first year). If you have other priorities when traveling, however, there are better options available.

The Hilton Honors Surpass, from American Express, provides ten free airport lounge visits each year through priority Pass Select – for the same $95 annual fee. That card also offers 6X points at U.S. gas stations, while a lower value than the 4X from the Connect (trust us, the math makes sense) is still good. The Citi Premier® Card is another option, offering up to 3X points on purchases for a $95 annual fee.

Ultimately, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® is an impressive travel card from U.S. Bank. The card is an ideal entry into the travel card space for those willing to stump up an annual fee for some quality travel-centric perks.