Update 3/6/24: See new card details in this updated post
(Update 1/10/22: Spend requirement now lowered from $3,000 to $2,000. Same bonus. Hat tip to reader Brian)
After much delay U.S. Bank has finally launched the new Altitude Connect card with a 50,000 point bonus (worth $500). Let’s take a look at the basics of this card:
- 50,000 point bonus after $3,000 in spend within the first 120 days
- Card has $95 annual fee, fee is waived the first year
- No foreign transaction fees
- Card earns the following rates:
- 4x on Travel and at Gas Stations (including EV charging stations)
- 2x on Dining, Takeout, Groceries, and Streaming Services
- 1x everywhere else
- $30 free month of streaming for annual streaming services. Annual streaming credit works as follows: after 11 months of consecutive streaming service charges, the 12th month will get the $30 credit.
- You can combine different services, e.g. if you were subscribed to Netflix for 8 months and then to Hulu for 3 months, the following month of streaming will be credited back.
- Amazon Music, Apple Music, AT&T TV Now, Disney+, Google Music, Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, SiriusXM, Slacker Radio, Sling TV, Spotify, Tidal, Vudu, YouTube Music and YouTube TV are all mentioned clearly to work.
- Cell phone protection similar to the US Bank Platinum card; $600 coverage with $25 deductible.
- Precheck or global entry credit.
Our Verdict
Card is worth considering for the 50,000 point sign up bonus (worth $500) especially as the annual fee is waived first year. Don’t think it makes sense to keep long term with that $95 annual fee and poor benefits but there might be some rare use cases for the 4x categories (other cards do earn at a higher rate on gas purchases though). Given that U.S. Bank credit cards can be difficult to get approved for, it might make more sense to apply for the U.S. Altitude Reserve depending on how much value you get out of the other benefits on that card. This is still a strong second (or first option depending on how you value the Reserve benefits) and will be added to our best credit card bonus page.
The offer is now 50000 points ($500) after $2000 spend. The lowest spending requirement I’ve seen for that much cash back. No AF (waived then AF going away later this year) Easy card to recommend. Benefits will probably be cut further in 2 years so enjoy while we have it (I don’t see TSA Pre/PP benefits sticking on no AF cards)
I just signed up for the business version – $600 on $6k spend within 180 days – got a hard credit check and went to review. Didn’t see the card on this site.
This one?
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/u-s-bank-to-launch-new-business-card-altitude-connect-world-elite-mastercard/
What are your thoughts on this vs the Citi Premier? Heard that the citi premier points can be converted to cash but have seen some conflicting reports on it
This was a very easy $500 bonus. Plus I found a couple of special offers which have already given me an extra $30. Though I don’t see any reason to keep this card long term, it certainly has been easy to deal with US Bank.
I opened the card about 6 months ago and completed the $500 bonus.
I called today with the intent to cancel the card, and was offered 3 retention options
1. Promotional APR (didn’t ask for rate or terms)
2. A $50 credit in about 3 biz days
3. A PC to altitude go
Figured that I would add a note that you can redeem points for Amazon purchases or Paypal purchases. This means that you can avoid the $25 minimum and increments for cash redemption and the $10 minimum for RTR and gift cards.
can u get the bonus again?
“The bonus is not available to Cardmembers who currently have, or had, a U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature account. “
Annual fee posted, called in for product change. I asked for Cash+ and it was allowed. Annual fee will be refunded within two billing cycles.
Until when we can request PC and fee reversal? I mean is there any grace period like within 60 days from fee posting?
Any luck for fee waiver?
Is downgrading from Altitude Connect to Cash Plus eligible for this sign-on bonus
“Earn a $200 rewards bonus after you apply online and spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.”
Product changes are NEVER eligible for sign up bonuses unless you were specifically given a targeted offer.
sorry, please delete, mistyped, how can I make a new account?