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The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card is a powerful tool to keep in your virtual wallet thanks to increased earnings on mobile wallet spend. It is also a solid travel card that can be handy to keep around for lodging, trains, and other in-the-moment travel spend, though the travel insurance limitations make it less useful for booking flights and lodging for expensive trips. Still, easy-to-use and easy-to-understand rewards can make this a great card for qualifying travel redemptions.
Update: I’m re-publishing this review because I made extensive updates to the page US Bank Real-Time Mobile Rewards. What works where?, with many new data points shared this year about what works (including things like Disney Cruise Lines, Autoslash, Qatar cancellation fees, and more. See that page for full updates about what works.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Complete Guide
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Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. |
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Review
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve is a terrific card for everyday spend anywhere mobile wallet is accepted (mobile wallet means Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay). That’s because the Altitude Reserve card earns 3x on mobile wallet spend and those points can then be used to cover select travel purchases at a value of 1.5c per point. It is pretty easy to turn this into a card that earns 4.5% cash back everywhere mobile wallet is accepted — and these days, that includes most places where you would spend money in-person and also some places where you can use mobile payment online. This can be especially good for purchases that ordinarily wouldn’t earn strong category bonuses on other cards, like at warehouse clubs such as Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s Wholesale. In our opinion, this card is a must-have for those who spend a lot at places where mobile wallet is accepted and that wouldn’t otherwise earn a category bonus.
- Annual Fee: $400
- Authorized User Annual Fee: Free
- Annual credits: $325 in automatic credits for travel and dining purchases
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- What points are worth: 1.5c for real-time mobile rewards travel purchases or for travel purchases made through the US Bank travel portal. Only 1c per point for many other types of real-time mobile rewards redemptions (like grocery or restaurant redemptions). Points can alternatively be used for a statement credit at a $0.01 per point.
- Best Use for Points: You can get 1.5c per point in value when redeeming points for paid travel through Real-Time Mobile Rewards. Note that officially, Real-Time Mobile Rewards only works with US-based travel providers and rental car and hotel redemptions have a minimum redemption amount of $150 (most other redemptions have a minimum of $10). \
- Earning Categories:
- 5x prepaid hotel & car rental through Altitude Rewards Center
- 3X travel and mobile wallet payments
- 1X everywhere else
- Travel Protections:
- Auto Rental Coverage: Primary auto rental CDW (collision damage waiver). Provides reimbursement for theft and collision damage for rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Travel Interruption Insurance: Kicks in with delays of longer than 6 hours or overnight, good for up to $500 per ticket.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: This card does not feature baggage delay insurance
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: Covers up to $2,000 per traveler up to a maximum of $2,000 per trip when you use your card or rewards associated with your card. Note the low overall cap and the requirement to have purchased your ticket with this card or rewards associated with it. See our guide to Ultra-Premium Credit Card Travel Protections.
- Purchase Protections:
- Extended Warranty: One additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less (US warranties only).
- Damage and Theft Protection: Covers new purchases for 90 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim/$50,000 per account.
- Who’s this card for? Anyone that spends a fair amount on mobile wallet purchases.
- Is the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card a keeper? Given the very easy (and automatic) reimbursements for up to $325 in annual travel and restaurant purchases, this card feels close to a net $75 annual fee. For that price, most people would likely find the effectively uncapped 4.5% back toward travel purchases to be a compelling return on otherwise unbonused spend in situations where mobile wallet can be used..
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Pros and Cons
Pros
- 3X points anywhere mobile wallet can be used, which is almost anywhere in-person through Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay
- 3X travel
- Ability to redeem points for 1.5c per point through Real-time mobile rewards. This can be a particularly good option for those looking for a way to get good value out of points toward U.S. car rentals since you’ll pay directly with your card and redeem points for the purchase through real-time mobile rewards. Just keep in mind the minimum redemption amount for car rentals is $150.
Cons
- No transfer partners
- Not particularly useful for using the physical card (outside of travel purchases)
- No real ability to get outsized value out of rewards (beyond 1.5c per point)
- Can not combine points across cards to increase value
- Minimum real-time mobile rewards redemption for car rentals and hotels is $150 (most other redemptions start at $10)
- Travel cancellation insurance only covers up to $2,000 per trip, which could make it an impractical choice for booking flights
Related Cards
U.S. Bank points-earning Consumer Cards
| Card Offer and Details |
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20K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 20K (worth $200 as a deposit into eligible account or towards travel) after $1K spend in 90 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Recent better offer: 50K after $2K spend in 120 days (Ended 9/9/24) FM Mini Review: This card offers decent returns on gas station and travel spend and it features no foreign transaction fees, but points are now only worth 0.8cpp. However, return on most other spend is relatively weak. Earning rate: 4X travel, gas stations & EV charging (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs) ✦ 2x take out, food delivery (including apps like GrubHub, UberEATS, etc), dining, grocery (including meal kit delivery) and streaming services Base: 1% Travel: 4% Dine: 2% Gas: 4% Grocery: 2% Other: 2% Card Info: Visa issued by USB. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Complimentary Priority Pass Select with 4 free visits ✦ Up to $100 in credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry ✦ Complimentary 5 GB / 15-day plans + 20% off on all other GigSky plans (international roaming) |
20K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 20K (worth $200 as a deposit into eligible account) after $1K spend in 90 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This card offers solid return on dining - including takeout & delivery - and no annual or foreign transaction fees. That makes it a great option for those who prefer cash back. Earning rate: 4X take out, food delivery ($2k/qtr max starting 4/14/25), and dining ✦ 2X grocery (including meal kit delivery), gas stations, and streaming services Base: 1% Dine: 4% Gas: 2% Grocery: 2% Card Info: Visa issued by USB. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: $15 credit for annual streaming services ( after 11 months of consecutive streaming service charges, the 12th month will get the $15 credit) |
75K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 75K (worth $750 as a deposit into eligible account) after $10K spend in 120 days$195 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This card offers an excellent signup bonus. For ongoing use, it's effectively a 2% cashback card that increases to 2.5% for the first $5K in mobile wallet spend per quarter. Earning rate: 6x prepaid hotel & car rental through Altitude Rewards Center ✦ 2.5X mobile wallet payments (on up to $5,000 spend per quarter) Base: 2% Shop: 2.5% Other: 6% Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by USB. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Real Time Mobile Rewards (redeem points at full value at time of purchase) ✦ No foreign transaction fees ✦ Free authorized user cards |
60K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 60K (worth $600 as a deposit into eligible account or towards travel) after $6K spend in 180 days$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 Note that only spend on the Account Owner's card (not including purchases made on employee cards) counts toward minimum spending requirements. Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This card offers decent return on gas station and travel spend and it does feature no foreign transaction fees. However, the return on most other spend is relatively weak. Earning rate: 5x hotels and car rentals when booked through US Bank Portal ✦ 4X travel, gas stations and EV charging ✦ 2x take out, food delivery (including apps like GrubHub, UberEATS, etc), dining and streaming services Base: 1% Travel: 4% Dine: 2% Gas: 4% Other: 5% Card Info: Visa issued by USB. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: $25 statement credit after every three consecutive monthly taxi or rideshare transactions paid for with your card. 4x Priority Pass lounge visits per year. |
75K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 75K (worth $750 as a statement credit or deposit into eligible account) after $7500 spend in first 4 months$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 FM Mini Review: Since the points are worth 1c each, this card isn't terribly rewarding for ongoing spend. Note that points can not be combined with the Altitude Reserve. Earning rate: 2x on top two categories where you spend the most each month. Base: 1% Other: 2% Card Info: Visa Signature Business issued by USB. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Earn 2x in the two categories in which you spend the most each month. Full list of categories can be found here. |
$750 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $750 cash back after $6000 spend on the account owner's card in first 150 daysNo Annual Fee Keep in mind that only spend on the Account Owner's card counts toward minimum spending requirements, spend on employee cards does not count. Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Nice welcome bonus. Useful for its 3% categories, but you can do much better for spend outside of those categories. Earning rate: 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants ✦ 1% back everywhere else ✦ Note: purchases of gaoline greater than $200 will not be deemed to be a purchase of automotive gasoline and will therefore earn only 1%. Base: 1% Dine: 3% Gas: 3% Phone: 3% Office: 3% Card Info: Visa World Elite issued by USB. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks. |
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $200 back as a statement credit after $1000 spend in 90 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Useful for its 5% categories, but you can do better for all other spend. Earning rate: Each quarter, choose two 5% cash back categories (capped at $2K spend per quarter combined) and one 2% category (uncapped). 1% cash back everywhere else. 5% Categories: Home Utilities ✦ Ground Transportation ✦ Select Clothing Stores ✦ Cell Phone Providers ✦ Electronic Stores ✦ TV, Internet & Streaming Services ✦ Gyms/Fitness Centers ✦ Fast Food ✦ Sporting Goods Stores ✦ Department Stores ✦ Furniture Stores ✦ Movie Theaters. 2% Categories: Gas Stations ✦ Restaurants ✦ Grocery Stores Base: 1% Travel: 5% Dine: 2% Gas: 2% Grocery: 2% Shop: 5% Phone: 5% Other: 5% Card Info: Visa Signature issued by USB. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. |
$250 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $250 after $2K spend in 120 days$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This is a niche choice for 6% cash back at certain retailers that some may find rewarding. Otherwise this card is not particularly exciting. Earning rate: 6x on first $1,500 in purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose ✦ 3x on first $1,500 in purchases per quarter on one everyday category (like wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, bills and utilities) Base: 1.5% Gas: 3% Other: 6% Card Info: Visa Signature issued by USB. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. |
None ⓘ Non-Affiliate Currently no welcome offerNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: On its own, an OK cashback card with no annual fee, but becomes much more powerful if you have deposits with US Bank. Base: 2% Card Info: Visa Signature issued by USB. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Earn better cashback rates when you hold a balnce in an eligible US Bank account: $5,000-$49,999 = 2.5% total cashback; $50,000-$99,999 = 3% bonus cashback; 100,000+ = 4% cashback |
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Pay $400 fee for a “must-have” US Bank credit card?? returns 4.5% at such places as Costco, Sam’s club, etc
Yes, but Chase’s FREE Ink Cash card returns 5% by buying Staples, Office Depot no fee Visa/MC Gift cards that are also accepted at Costco, Sam’s Club, etc
For some reason, I thought WalMart and Sam’s Club did not accept Apple Pay or Android Wallet. Perhaps this has changed? But, if correct, it strengthens your argument.
Walmart definitely does not accept any NFC payments other than Walmart Pay, not sure about Sam’s club.
In my area, these no fee GCs are always OOS.
Mostly yes, unless you’d like the extended warranty to apply to a purchase. Also, keeping track of debit cards is more annoying than just using a card.
Have you heard anything about rumors that they are closing applications for USBAR in Nov 2024?
Assuming someone has the investment assets to trigger the 4%, US Bank’s new cash-back card seems an easier solution for domestic everyday spending. As for foreign non-bonused spending, how much is a person really going to do? (Side note: certain well-known retailers don’t like mobile wallets.)
Doesn’t the altitude reserve card also provide 8 lounge visits per year? Didn’t see this one in your review.
May be you can add periodic double cash back offer to pros
PSA: While this card originally targeted US Bank’s high-spending high net worth clients, the card is prone to fraud-lock if one actually does high spending. Even if everything is a bona fide purchase, don’t be surprised if you are shut down for fraud if your numbers are large.
I wanted to comment that oftentimes you can download the merchant app and Apple Pay shows up on when it doesn’t show on the desktop App. I think this occurred with Progressive Insurance for me. Additionally, if your local tax collector does tap to pay in person, you could potentially get 3% on property tax payments if you go to your tax collectors office if they don’t already do it online.
I honestly feel like this card is the best for Marriott if you don’t have free night certificates or points.
I wish US Bank would allow transferring points / cash back from the other Altitude cards (Go, Connect, Business Connect). Without that feature, the other Altitude CCs don’t add any value to the Altitude ecosystem.
One more pro to add: This is now a very valuable complimentary Priority Pass. Although limited to 8 visits per year, it’s one of the only remaining ones that includes restaurants/spa/experiences/etc. So use your Amex/Cap1/Chase Priority Pass for lounges and use this for when you visit a PP restaurant/experience/spa.
This card also has return protection as good as that of the Platinum and other premium amex cards (though I don’t know if the claims process is as easy, as Amex does this in-house and makes it very easy compared to others): U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Benefits & Offers (myvisacardportal.com)
I was contemplating this card, as I like the idea of the 4.5% back, when you combine mobile payments (3x) with using points to offset travel purchases (1.5%), but in looking further into it, I may pass. I’m single, retired and put approximately $1.5-2K on cards monthly.
Assuming that the only benefit I get from the card is the 1.5% bump on offsetting travel purchases (as this card’s other benefits are duplicated from other cards I have.), it would take $5K of offsetting travel purchase, to cover the net $75 annual fee, since say earning UR’s instead, as an example, I could cash those in for a penny a piece anyway. This also assumes I can earn an average of 3x in another points ecosystem, instead of getting the 3x on mobile payments with the Altitude Reserve.
I guess I could get the card initially for the SUB, then re-evaluate at first anniversary.
I was listening to the podcast this past Saturday. I just wanted to note that many (if not most) websites offer apple pay as an option when you check out from your phone. You do not see the apple pay option on the desktop version. I have always got 3x points this way. Great for buying high ticket items with no other bonuses like furniture. This card has been extremely rewarding and pretty easy to cash out. Just be careful wirth foreign travel purchases. I don’t always receive the redeem text.
I was wondering about this too with Apple Pay, especially since I use an Android phone. However, I do have a Mac Book and read that you can use Apple Pay that way on desktop. At first I wasn’t see any sites use Apple Pay but once I used the SAFARI browser I started seeing Apple Pay available as an option on web sites where I previously did not.
Hey everyone! Do international mobile wallet purchases qualify for 3x?
Yes, absolutely. I used it a bunch in Europe this year and got 3x on all of my tap-to-pay transactions with my phone.
Thanks, Nick!
DP: Just got the US Bank Altitude Reserve with no prior banking relationship with US Bank. Question: I have read mixed reviews on how Google Pay codes mobile wallet purchases. Any comments/feedback would be helpful. Thanks.
Can you explain what you mean by mixed reviews?
Generally speaking, all of my tap to pay instances have been 3x (with both my phone and Pixel watch). Using Google Wallet to check out on a website has been very hit or miss (mostly miss for me).
Hi Nick. Thanks for the quick reply and feedback.
I have read where Google Wallet has been inconsistent on coding transactions NFC mobile payments, thus not getting consistent 3X multiplier
Not sure where you’ve heard that. I’ve only had the card myself for about 6 months, but I don’t think I’ve experienced that anywhere at all on NFC mobile wallet purchases — they’ve all gotten the 3x as expected as best I can tell.
Ok. Good to know. Thanks Nick. Happy holidays and a prosperous healthy 2024. Looking forward to the FM podcast as always.
I just picked up this card. I have a hotel stay in Mexico coming up that I need to pay cash for. I would be paying now, in advance. Would that code as travel and earn 3x points?
Yes