U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card Review

When it comes to premium travel credit cards, the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card stands out with its robust features and high rewards structure. This card is tailored for frequent travelers and tech-savvy spenders who leverage mobile wallets for their daily purchases. In this comprehensive review, I’ll delve into the various aspects of the card, its benefits, drawbacks, and whether it might be the right choice for you.

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card Review

The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a premium travel rewards card that offers a plethora of benefits aimed at enhancing the travel experience while also providing significant value through its points system. The card comes with a high annual fee of $400, but for frequent travelers, the benefits can far outweigh this cost.

Rewards Structure

The rewards structure of the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is particularly appealing for those who book travel and spend through mobile wallets. Here’s a breakdown of how you can earn points:
– 5x Points on Prepaid Hotels and Car Rentals: When you book directly through the Altitude Rewards Center, you earn 5x points per dollar spent. This can add up quickly for frequent travelers who book their accommodations and car rentals through this platform.
– 3x Points on Eligible Travel Purchases and Mobile Wallet Spending: This is a standout feature for those who prefer the convenience of mobile payments. Eligible travel purchases include flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses.
– 50,000 Bonus Points: New cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,500 within the first 90 days of account opening. This is a significant boost and can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel.

Travel Benefits

The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is packed with travel benefits that cater to the needs of frequent flyers:
– Airport Lounge Access: Cardholders receive a complimentary 12-month Priority Pass™ Select membership, granting access to over 1,300 VIP lounges worldwide. This is a huge perk for those who spend a lot of time in airports.
– TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® Fee Credit: Up to $100 in statement credits to reimburse your application fee for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry®, making your airport experience smoother and faster.
– Complimentary Wi-Fi: Stay connected with 12 complimentary Gogo® inflight Wi-Fi passes per year. This is an excellent benefit for business travelers or anyone who needs to stay online during flights.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a must-have for international travelers, allowing you to save money on purchases made abroad or through foreign merchants.
– World Class Service: Enjoy elevated service levels 24/7 with dedicated service advisors and Visa Infinite Concierge services.

Other Benefits

Apart from travel perks, the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card also offers several other benefits:
– Silvercar® Discounts: Save up to 30% when you rent a luxurious Audi with Silvercar, with no location, date, or class restrictions.
– Protection Benefits: Comprehensive protection including fraud monitoring, ID Theft Protection, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation Coverage, Purchase Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.

Rate and Fee Information

Understanding the rates and fees associated with the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is crucial before applying:
– Annual Fee: $400 annually.
– Purchase APR: 22.24% – 29.24% Variable.
– Balance Transfer APR: 22.24% – 29.24% Variable.
– APR for Cash Advances: 29.99% Variable.
– Balance Transfer Fees: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
– Cash Advance Fees: Either 5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater.
– Late Payment Fee: Up to $41.
– Return Payment Fee: Up to $41.

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card Key Takeaways

– High Earning Potential: Earn 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals through the Altitude Rewards Center and 3x points on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending.
– Significant Welcome Bonus: 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days.
– Comprehensive Travel Benefits: Including airport lounge access, TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® fee credit, and complimentary inflight Wi-Fi passes.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
– Premium Annual Fee: $400, which can be offset by the extensive benefits if used effectively.

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card Pros and Cons

Pros

– Generous Rewards Rate: The 5x and 3x points earning rates are among the highest in the industry.
– Valuable Welcome Bonus: The 50,000 bonus points can translate to significant travel savings.
– Extensive Travel Perks: From airport lounge access to TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® fee credits, the card offers numerous valuable travel benefits.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: A crucial feature for any travel credit card.
– Enhanced Security and Protection: Fraud monitoring, ID Theft Protection, and various travel insurances provide peace of mind.

Cons

– High Annual Fee: At $400, the annual fee is steep and may not be justifiable for infrequent travelers.
– High APR: With a variable APR ranging from 22.24% to 29.24%, carrying a balance on this card can be costly.
– Limited Redemption Options: Points are most valuable when redeemed for travel through the Altitude Rewards Center, limiting flexibility.

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card Benefits

The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is loaded with benefits that cater to frequent travelers and those who prioritize using mobile wallets. Here’s a detailed look at the primary benefits:

Travel Benefits

– Airport Lounge Access: The complimentary 12-month Priority Pass™ Select membership is a standout benefit, providing access to over 1,300 lounges globally. This can make long layovers significantly more comfortable.
– TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® Fee Credit: Up to $100 in statement credits to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry®, helping you breeze through airport security.
– Complimentary Wi-Fi: With 12 complimentary Gogo® inflight Wi-Fi passes annually, you can stay connected even at 30,000 feet.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: This can save you a considerable amount if you travel internationally or make purchases from foreign merchants.
– Silvercar® Savings: Enjoy up to 30% off when renting a luxurious Audi with Silvercar, with no restrictions on location, date, or class.

Protection Benefits

– Fraud Monitoring and ID Theft Protection: These features help protect your account from unauthorized transactions and identity theft, providing peace of mind.
– Emergency Evacuation and Transportation Coverage: This coverage can be a lifesaver if you encounter a medical emergency while traveling.
– Purchase Protection: This benefit covers your new purchases against damage or theft for a limited time after the purchase date.
– Extended Warranty Protection: Extend the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases for additional peace of mind.

Rewards Program

– High Earning Rates: Earn 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards Center and 3x points on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending.
– Welcome Bonus: The 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,500 within the first 90 days can be a significant boost to your rewards balance.
– Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, merchandise, and more. However, they offer the most value when used for travel through the Altitude Rewards Center.

Customer Service and Support

– Visa Infinite Concierge: Enjoy 24/7 access to a dedicated concierge service that can assist with travel bookings, event tickets, dining reservations, and more.
– Dedicated Service Advisors: Elevated service levels ensure that you receive prompt and efficient assistance whenever you need it.

Conclusion

The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a powerhouse travel rewards card that offers significant value for frequent travelers and those who utilize mobile wallets for their spending. The combination of high earning rates, a generous welcome bonus, and a suite of valuable travel benefits makes this card a strong contender in the premium travel card market.
However, the high annual fee and APR may be a deterrent for some. It’s important to consider your travel habits and spending patterns before applying. If you can maximize the card’s benefits and offset the annual fee, the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card can be an excellent addition to your wallet.
By leveraging the card’s robust rewards structure and extensive travel perks, savvy travelers can enjoy a premium experience both at home and abroad. The key is to use the card strategically, focusing on earning and redeeming points through the Altitude Rewards Center and taking full advantage of the travel benefits offered.
Ultimately, the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a top-tier option for those who travel frequently and value premium services and rewards. If you fit this profile, applying for this card could be a smart move that enhances your travel experiences and delivers substantial rewards.