U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card Rating
Rewards Program (30 points)
Points, Miles, or Cash Back Rates (15 points)
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve offers 3x points on travel and mobile wallet purchases and 1x on everything else. This falls into the moderate earning rate category.
Score: 10 pointsRedemption Flexibility (10 points)
Altitude Reserve points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, cash back, or statement credits. It also allows point transfers to travel partners, giving flexibility.
Score: 7 pointsRewards Expiration and Transfer Options (5 points)
Points never expire as long as the account remains open, and there are some limited transfer partners.
Score: 5 points
Total Rewards Program Score: 22/30
Welcome Offer (20 points)
Value (15 points)
The Altitude Reserve’s welcome offer is typically worth around 50,000 points, equivalent to $750 in travel when redeemed through the U.S. Bank travel portal.
Score: 15 pointsEase of Earning (5 points)
The $4,500 spending requirement over three months is moderately difficult but achievable for most, particularly frequent travelers.
Score: 3 points
Total Welcome Offer Score: 18/20
Fees (10 points)
Annual Fee (6 points)
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve has a $400 annual fee, but this is offset by a $325 travel credit, effectively lowering the fee to $75 if fully utilized.
Score: 4 pointsForeign Transaction Fees (4 points)
No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travel.
Score: 4 points
Total Fees Score: 8/10
APR and Financing Options (15 points)
Introductory APR (5 points)
The Altitude Reserve does not offer any 0% introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers.
Score: 0 pointsStandard APR (5 points)
The card’s standard APR is around 20%.
Score: 3 pointsBalance Transfer Options (5 points)
The card doesn’t particularly focus on balance transfers, and the fee is standard at 3%, with no significant advantage in APR rates.
Score: 3 points
Total APR and Financing Score: 6/15
Cardholder Benefits (15 points)
Travel Benefits (5 points)
The Altitude Reserve card includes extensive travel benefits such as Priority Pass lounge access, a $325 annual travel credit, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry reimbursement, and no foreign transaction fees.
Score: 5 pointsPurchase Protection and Insurance (5 points)
Offers strong purchase protection, extended warranties, and travel insurance, providing peace of mind for travelers.
Score: 5 pointsOther Perks (5 points)
Includes cell phone protection and access to unique Visa Infinite perks like concierge services and special event offers.
Score: 5 points
Total Cardholder Benefits Score: 15/15
Subjective Prestige (10 points)
- Perceived Status and Exclusivity (10 points)
While it’s a premium card with a strong reputation, the Altitude Reserve doesn’t have the same level of exclusivity or prestige as cards like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Score: 3 points
Total Prestige Score: 3/10
Final Score: 69/100
Recommendation: Recommended with Reservations
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite card scores 69 points based on this framework. It is recommended with reservations, particularly for frequent travelers who can maximize the mobile wallet 3x earning rate and fully utilize the $325 travel credit. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking low APR, high balance transfer value, or those who aren’t particularly fond of tech and don’t prefer to utilize mobile pay to help drive earning in this points category. The high annual fee may deter some users, though travel perks help offset the cost.