Altitude Connect Card: Travel points & TSA credit
If you’re someone who loves to travel or is always planning the next trip, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card could be the perfect addition to your wallet. It offers generous points across travel, gas, dining, and streaming—plus useful perks like access to airport lounges and a statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, road tripper, or someone who simply values a flexible, rewarding travel card, this one is built to give you value every time you spend.
Benefits
The Altitude® Connect card comes packed with valuable perks, especially for travelers and commuters. Here’s what you can expect:
- 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards Center
- 4x points on travel purchases such as airfare, hotels, and car rentals
- 4x points on gas stations and EV charging stations (up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter)
- 2x points on dining, streaming services, and grocery stores
- 1x point on all other eligible purchases
- 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days (worth $300 toward travel)
- Up to $100 credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry every 4 years
- 4 free visits per year to Priority Pass™ Select airport lounges
- No foreign transaction fees
These benefits are designed to reward you for how you already spend, especially on travel and everyday essentials.
Prerequisites
To apply for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old (19 in some states)
- Have a valid Social Security Number or ITIN
- Reside in the United States
- Have a good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or higher)
- Provide proof of income
About U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank is the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States, with a history of more than 150 years. Headquartered in Minneapolis, it serves millions of customers nationwide through its digital platforms and branch network.
Known for stability and strong customer service, U.S. Bank offers a wide range of financial products including checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and credit cards. The Altitude® line of cards is part of its growing focus on rewards and premium benefits, helping customers get more out of their daily spending and travel.
Who is this card for?
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is a smart pick for:
- Frequent travelers looking to earn high rewards on travel and gas
- Road trippers and commuters who spend regularly at gas stations or EV charging stations
- Digital lifestyle users who stream, dine out, and shop for groceries
- Anyone who wants flexible redemptions, simple point earning, and a TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry credit
- People who travel internationally and want to avoid foreign transaction fees
It’s ideal for those who want practical, usable travel benefits without the high annual fees and spending requirements of ultra-premium cards. And with four free airport lounge visits per year, it adds a nice touch of comfort to your trips without overcommitting.
What rewards and programs does it offer?
This card is part of the U.S. Bank Altitude Rewards Program, and offers strong point multipliers across multiple categories:
- 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals through Altitude Rewards Center
- 4x points on travel purchases booked directly with airlines, hotels, and more
- 4x points on gas and EV charging (up to $1,000 quarterly)
- 2x points on dining, streaming, and groceries
- 1x point on all other purchases
Redemption options include:
- Travel: Use points to book flights, hotels, and car rentals
- Cash back: Apply points as statement credits
- Gift cards and merchandise: Shop through the U.S. Bank portal
- Point transfers: Occasionally available during promotions
The 30,000-point welcome bonus is worth $300 toward travel and kicks in after just $1,000 in spending during the first 90 days. The TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry credit covers your application fee every 4 years. You’ll also receive 4 complimentary visits per year to Priority Pass™ Select airport lounges—perfect for travelers who value comfort but don’t need unlimited lounge access.
Initial credit limit
U.S. Bank considers your credit profile, income, and overall financial health to assign a personalized credit limit. Here’s a general overview:
- Minimum credit limit: Typically around $1,000
- High credit limit: Can exceed $10,000 for qualified applicants
- Increases: Often available after several months of responsible use
While specific limits vary, applicants with strong credit and a solid income may qualify for higher limits right from the start.
Step-by-step: how to apply
Applying for the Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is simple. Here’s a quick guide:
- Visit the official application page
- Click “Next step: Apply”
This takes you to a secure form where you’ll begin your application. - Fill out your information
Provide your full name, address, date of birth, SSN or ITIN, employment info, and income. - Review the terms and disclosures
Be sure to check APR, fees, and benefits details before submitting. - Submit the application
You may receive instant approval or hear back within a few business days. - Receive and activate your card
Once approved, your card will arrive by mail and can be activated online or by phone.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Excellent rewards on travel, gas, and everyday categories
- TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry credit
- 4 Priority Pass™ lounge visits per year
- $300 bonus value with low spending requirement
- No foreign transaction fees
- Points never expire
Cons
- $95 annual fee (after the first year is waived)
- Limited transfer partners for advanced redemptions
- Quarterly cap on 4x gas/EV charging rewards
- Lounge access is limited to 4 visits/year
How to unlock the card
After receiving your Altitude® Connect card:
- Go to website
- Log in or create your U.S. Bank account
- Enter your card number and security code
- Follow the activation instructions on-screen
- Or call the number on the back of your card for phone activation
Fees and tariffs
Here’s what to expect in terms of fees:
Fee Type | Details |
Annual Fee | System Architect |
APR | Accountant |
Late Payment Fee | Junior Author |
Cash Advance Fee | Senior Developer |
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
Balance Transfer Fee | $5 or 3% (whichever is greater) |
How to make the most of your Altitude® Connect rewards
To truly maximize the value of the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, it’s important to use your card strategically—not just for major travel purchases, but also in everyday life. The key is to consistently earn at the highest possible rates and redeem points for maximum value.
Start by booking prepaid hotels and rental cars through the Altitude Rewards Center to earn 5x points. If you’re planning a vacation, business trip, or even a weekend getaway, this is one of the fastest ways to build your points balance. For other travel expenses—like flights, cruises, or even rideshares—you’ll still earn a solid 4x points when booked directly with the service provider.
Don’t forget about everyday spending. Use your card at gas stations or EV charging stations to get 4x points (up to $1,000/quarter). Set up recurring charges like Netflix or Spotify on your card, and use it for grocery runs or dining out to earn 2x points without even thinking about it.
When it comes time to redeem, travel bookings typically offer the best value. While you can use points for merchandise or gift cards, travel redemptions tend to stretch your rewards further—especially during point promos.
Customer service
Need help with your card? Here are the official channels:
- Customer Service: 1-800-285-8585
- Website
- Mobile app: Available on iOS and Android
- Live chat: Accessible after login
- Mailing address:
U.S. Bank Cardmember Services
P.O. Box 790408
St. Louis, MO 63179-0408
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