| Last updated on February 23rd, 2024
U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- 22.24% to 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 22.24% to 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card is a premium travel card designed to compete directly with travel heavyweights like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Platinum Card. The card, like other premium travel credit cards, comes with an array of travel perks and privileges, including statement credits for a TSA Precheck or Global Entry and travel purchases each year, complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, and more.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 50,000 bonus enrollment points after making $4,500 in the first 90 days as a cardholder
- Earn 5X points per$! spent on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
- Earn 3X points for every $1 on eligible net travel purchases and mobile wallet spending
- Stay connected with 12 complimentary Gogo® Inflight Wi-Fi passes per year
- Complimentary 12-month Priority Pass™ Select membership that gives access to more than 1,300 VIP lounges worldwide
- Regular Purchase APR: 22.24% to 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 22.24% to 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $400
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You want an ultra-premium travel card
- You plan to spend $4,500 within the first 90 days of opening an account
- You want lounge access, TSA Precheck statement credits, and Wi-Fi credits
- You like the sound of custom-engraved metal credit card
- You don’t mind paying a $400 annual fee
In-Depth Review: U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Credit Card
Most travel reward credit cards offer great savings on flights, hotels, and other business and vacation related trips. Not every travel rewards card is created equal, however. In the case of some cards, like the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Credit Card, bigger is better.
Who Can Benefit from the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Credit Card?
The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Credit Card is a highly appealing premium travel card. With its array of benefits and rewards, this card is designed to enhance the travel experiences of its cardholders while providing excellent value for their money. Here are a few types of individual who can benefit most from the card:
- US Bank customers: This card is particularly advantageous for individuals who are already customers of US Bank and are seeking an elevated travel experience. By utilizing this card, they can enjoy exclusive perks and rewards tailored to their needs.
- Savvy shoppers: The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who are adept at maximizing the benefits of their credit cards. With its 3X points on mobile wallet purchases, savvy shoppers can make the most out of their everyday spending and earn substantial rewards.
- Luxury travel enthusiasts: For individuals who have a penchant for luxury travel, this credit card offers a host of enticing features. With access to airport lounges and TSA Precheck, it provides a seamless and comfortable travel experience. Moreover, the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Credit Card presents a more affordable alternative to other premium travel cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Amex Platinum Card, which have significantly higher annual fees of $550 and $695 respectively.
How to Get the Card
Credit Needed
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card has stiff credit score and eligibility requirements. For example, unlike other cards within the U.S. Bank credit card portfolio, many data points indicate that you’ll need an existing relationship with U.S. Bank before applying for the Altitude Reserve.
Additionally, you must meet certain eligibility 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® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is straightforward, and comparable to the U.S. Bank credit cards. You’ll need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security Number. You may also be asked to provide income and employment information..
Upon approval, you can expect your new Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card in the mail within 7-to-10 business days.
How to Earn Rewards
Welcome Bonus
Like other ultra-premium travel cards, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card offers impressive perks and bountiful sign-up bonuses – but with a hefty annual price tag. New applicants earn 50,000 bonus points (worth around $750) when they meet minimum spending requirements within the first 90 days of account opening.
The minimum spending requirements? $4,500 in the first 90 days. See? This really is a travel card with an ultra-premium feel.
Fortunately, that welcome bonus has a cash value of up to $750 when redeeming towards eligible travel in the Altitude Rewards Center. That’s because Altitude Reserve Cardholders enjoy 1.5X point value when redeeming for travel.
Earn Up to 5X Points
Cardholders earn the following rewards with the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite®:
- Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
- Earn 3X points on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending on Apple Pay®, Google Pay™ and Samsung Pay
- Earn 1X points on all other purchases
U.S. Bank points expire five (5) years from the end of the calendar quarter in which they were earned.
Other Ways to Earn Rewards
The 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 Reserve Card is a simple and straightforward process. Once you have accumulated enough points, you can easily redeem them for a wide range of options. These options include merchandise, gift cards, prepaid cards, and travel. With such a diverse selection, you can choose the reward that best suits your preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to new merchandise, give a thoughtful gift to a loved one, or plan an exciting trip, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Card has you covered.
50% More Value for Travel
Even better, cardholders enjoy 50% more value for points when redeeming for travel bookings. This benefit is unique to the Altitude Reserve and similar to the additional value found with the Sapphire Reserve through Chase Ultimate Rewards. It’s a great feature!
Travel Benefits
As with other premium travel cards, the Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card comes with an impressive array of travel perks.
Priority Pass™ Select
Cardholders receive a complimentary 12-month Priority Pass Select membership, giving them access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. This benefit is good for up to eight lounge visits a year where cardholders can relax and enjoy complimentary refreshments and snacks, free Wi-Fi and charging stations, and quiet spaces to unwind before their flight.
TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry®
Not only that, but cardholders also receive a statement credit for application costs associated with TSA Precheck or Global Entry membership, letting you whisk through security and into a comfy lounge in no time.
The TSA Precheck/Global Entry application credit applies every four years. Simply use the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Credit Card to pay for the TSA or Global Entry application fee and get up to $100 in statement credits.
Up to $325 In Credits
Cardholders can enjoy up to $325 in annual statement credits for net travel purchases. This means that even if they incur additional travel expenses, they will have statement credits to help offset the spending.
U.S. Bank automatically tracks your spending and will add up to $325 per year in credits for purchases made directly from a merchant that classifies itself as travel (such as airlines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, limousines, passenger trains, and cruise line companies), as well as any merchant classified as a restaurant, fast food restaurant, or bar.
Visa Infinite Benefits
Other travel perks with the card include discounts with chauffeured black car service though GroundLink, 24/7, world-class customer service through Visa’s Infinite Concierge, Silvercar premium rental privileges, and more. The card also features no foreign transaction fees, plus the near-global acceptance of Visa, meaning it is a potent tool, no matter where your adventures take you.
Here’s a full list of Visa Infinite protections and benefits:
| Zero Fraud Liability | Cardholder Inquiry Services | Emergency Card Replacement |
| Roadside Dispatch and Auto Collision Damage Waiver | Lost/Stolen Card Reporting | ID Navigator from Norton |
| Luxury Hotel Collection | Travel & Emergency Assistance | Extended Warranty Coverage |
| Travel Accident Insurance and Delay Reimbursement | Trip Cancellation /Interruption Insurance | Return Protection |
| Visa Infinite Concierge |
Comparison
| U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® | Capital One Venture X | The Platinum Card® from American Express | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rewards | Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3X on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending, and 1X point on all other eligible purchases | Earn 10X miles on hotels & rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 3X on flights through Capital One Travel, and 1X on all other purchases | Earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines of Amex Travel, 5X on prepaid hotels booked thorugh AmexTravel.com, and 1X on all other purchases |
| Lounge access | 8 visits with Priority Pass Select | Priority Pass Select and Capital One Lounge access | Priority Pass Select, Centurion Lounge |
| Annual fee | $400 | $395 | $695 |
Altitude Comparison
| Altitude Go | Altitude Connect | Altitude Reserve | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 for the first year; $95 after that | $400 |
| Rewards | 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, 2X on streaming services, grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations, 1X on everything else | 4X points on travel and gas station purchases, 2X points on grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services, 1X on everything else | 5X on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3X on eligible net travel purchases and mobile wallet spending, 1X on everything else |
| Perks | $15 streaming credit | Priority Pass™ Select, TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® credits, cell phone protection | Priority Pass™ Select, TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® credits, Visa Infinite® Luxury Hotel Collection |
| Network | Visa Signature | Visa Signature | Visa Infinite |
What We Like About the Altitude™ Reserve Card
Big Points On Mobile Wallets
The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is one of the very best credit cards for people who prefer to pay with mobile wallets. The card earns triple points on mobile wallet purchases, meaning you can quickly amass points with your everyday spend (like food – delivery and dining), should you choose to hook up the card to your Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or whatever mobile wallet app you prefer.
50% Points Boost for Travel
U.S. Bank supercharges the value of points when cardholders opt to redeem for travel through the Altitude Rewards Center. When redeeming, Altitude Reserve cardmembers get 50% more value (1.5X points in value) when redeeming their points as flight tickets and hotel stays.
Things to Consider
Limited Lounge Access
Perhaps the biggest letdown with the Altitude™ Reserve is the limited lounge access it provides. For the $400 annual fee cardholders enjoy eight lounge visits per year courtesy of Priority Pass Select. That’s enough lounge access for four roundtrip flights each year, but it’s not unlimited.
In comparison, cards like the Venture X and Amex Platinum provide not only unlimited Priority Pass lounge visits, but also access to proprietary lounge networks. With Amex, it’s the Centurion Club and with Capital One the Capital One Lounges.
No Points Transfers
Another letdown is the lack of transfer partners. U.S. Bank does not provide 1:1 transfer options, instead forcing cardholders to use points in the Altitude Rewards Center. In contrast, American Express offers 20 transfer partners, Chase 15, and Capital One 16 partners.
Annual Fee
The card’s $400 annual fee is steep given the travel perks it provides. In fact, outside the lounge access and airport security fast pass, the best features with the card come from Visa Infinite – and not U.S. Bank. Before applying, ensure you can make use of the Altitude Reserve’s statement credits. Otherwise, it might not be worth it.
U.S. 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:
| BestCards | Better Business Bureau | TrustPilot |
|
3.5/5 |
N/A |
1.5/5 |
Should You Apply for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card?
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card is a compelling choice for discerning travelers. When comparing it to its closest competitors, namely the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Platinum Cards, the Altitude Reserve stands out in several ways.
Firstly, the Altitude Reserve offers a lower annual fee compared to its counterparts. While the Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550 and the Amex Platinum charges a whopping $695 per year, the Altitude Reserve’s annual fee is more affordable.
In terms of points-earning potential, the Amex Platinum leads the pack by earning an impressive 5x points on flights and hotels, but only when booked through amextravel.com. The Sapphire Reserve earns 3x points on both travel and dining. The Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite, on the other hand, earns 3x points on travel but not on dining. However, it does offer 3x points through mobile wallets, making it a viable option for paying for dining purchases.
In addition to its competitive pricing and points-earning potential, the Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card holds its own against its rivals in other aspects. It offers the same lounge access as the Sapphire Reserve and even provides a slightly higher annual statement credit allowance ($325 for the Altitude Reserve vs. $300 for the Sapphire Reserve).
While the Amex Platinum offers Centurion Lounge access, the Altitude Reserve still provides Priority Pass lounge access and $125 more in statement credits than the Platinum Card. This translates to a total savings of $150 when considering the annual fee.
Overall, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card may not have the same level of cultural cache and “wow” factor as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the American Express Platinum Card. However, for discerning travelers who seek ultra-premium perks at a significantly lower price, the Altitude Reserve is a travel card that deserves serious consideration. Don’t just blindly choose the usual travel card Goliaths; give the Altitude Reserve a second thought.
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