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

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $400 (effective $75 after $325 travel/dining credit)
• APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
• Rewards: 3X mobile wallet + travel, 5X prepaid hotels/cars, 1X everything else
• Bonus: 50,000 points (worth $750 for travel) after $4,500 spend in 90 days
• Best For: Mobile wallet users, tech-savvy travelers, existing cardholders
• Credit Needed: Excellent (750+)
• Status: CLOSED TO NEW APPLICANTS as of November 11, 2024

Overview

The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card was a premium travel rewards card with a unique twist: it rewarded mobile wallet spending (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) with 3X points per dollar. With a $325 annual travel and dining credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and an exceptional 1.5 cents per point value on travel redemptions, this card offered impressive value for tech-savvy travelers.

Important: This card closed to new applicants on November 11, 2024. However, existing cardholders can continue using their cards with all current benefits, and current U.S. Bank customers may be able to request a product change to this card. If you're an existing cardholder, this guide will help you maximize your benefits. If you're a potential new customer, consider the alternatives listed below.

The Altitude Reserve's standout feature was its mobile wallet multiplier—making everyday purchases at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and retail stores all earn 3X points simply by using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Combined with its generous travel credit and 1.5-cent redemption value, it was one of the most rewarding cards for those who embraced digital payments.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable, based on creditworthiness
• Balance Transfer APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
• Cash Advance APR: Variable rate applies
• Penalty APR: None specified

Note: The APR is higher than many premium cards. This card is designed for those who pay their balance in full each month to maximize rewards and travel benefits.

Benefits Overview

Travel Benefits

• Priority Pass Select: Eight complimentary airport lounge visits annually (cardholder only, $35 per person after)
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $120 statement credit once every four years
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation/interruption coverage, trip delay reimbursement, emergency evacuation coverage
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Coverage for checked baggage losses
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Primary coverage (no need to file with personal insurance first)
• Emergency Card Replacement: Worldwide emergency card replacement and cash disbursement
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use internationally without additional charges

Everyday Benefits

• Purchase Protection: Protection against theft or damage on eligible purchases for 120 days
• Return Protection: Coverage for items merchants won't accept as returns (up to $500 per item)
• Extended Warranty: Extends manufacturer's warranty by up to one year on eligible goods
• Real-Time Rewards: Redeem rewards instantly via text message for statement credits
• Contactless Payments: Tap-to-pay capability with mobile wallets
• Zero Liability Protection: No responsibility for unauthorized charges

Lifestyle Benefits

• $325 Annual Travel and Dining Credit: Includes restaurants, takeout, delivery, hotels, flights, car rentals (tracks per cardmember year)
• GroundLink Service: 15% discount on black car service base rate
• Silvercar Rentals: Up to 30% off Audi rental cars
• Relais & Chateaux: Elite status at luxury hotels and properties
• Visa Infinite Concierge: Premium 24/7 concierge service for travel planning, dining reservations, and lifestyle assistance
• Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection: Access to exclusive benefits at luxury properties worldwide
• Metal Card: Premium metal card construction

Rewards & Cash Back

• 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards Center
• 3 points per dollar on all mobile wallet purchases (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) at any merchant
• 3 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases (airlines, hotels, car rentals booked directly)
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

Redemption Values:

• 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for travel through Real-Time Rewards
• 1 cent per point when redeemed for statement credits
• 35,000 points = $400 when used to offset the annual fee (1.14 cents per point)

Mobile Wallet Power: The 3X mobile wallet multiplier is incredibly powerful. Since most merchants now accept contactless payments, you can earn 3X points on groceries, gas, dining, retail, and more—simply by paying with your phone or smartwatch. This effectively makes the Altitude Reserve a 4.5% return card (at 1.5 cents per point) on everyday spending.

No Transfer Partners: Unlike some premium travel cards, points cannot be transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs. However, the fixed 1.5-cent redemption value provides consistent, predictable value without blackout dates.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 50,000 bonus points (worth $750 when redeemed for travel) after you spend $4,500 within the first 90 days of account opening.

At 1.5 cents per point for travel redemptions, this 50,000-point bonus is worth $750—more than covering the first year's annual fee after the $325 travel credit.

Note: Since this card is closed to new applicants, this welcome bonus is only available to those who successfully product-change from another U.S. Bank card (though welcome bonuses on product changes are typically not offered).

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $400
• Authorized User Fee: $0 (no additional cost for authorized users)
• Effective Annual Fee: $75 (after $325 travel/dining credit)
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer Fee: Standard fees apply
• Cash Advance Fee: Standard fees apply
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Existing cardholders who want to continue maximizing mobile wallet rewards
• Current U.S. Bank customers who can request a product change
• Mobile payment enthusiasts who use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay for most purchases
• Tech-savvy travelers who combine mobile payments with travel spending
• Those who value simplicity over transfer partners (1.5-cent fixed redemption value)
• Frequent restaurant diners who can quickly use the $325 annual credit
• Airport lounge users who benefit from Priority Pass access

Not Good For

• New applicants (card is closed to new applications as of November 11, 2024)
• Those who prefer physical cards over mobile wallet payments
• Transfer partner maximizers (no airline or hotel loyalty transfers)
• Infrequent travelers who won't utilize the $325 travel/dining credit
• Balance carriers (high 21.49%–28.49% APR makes this expensive)
• Those seeking unlimited lounge access (limited to 8 free visits annually)
• Budget-conscious cardholders (high $400 annual fee even after credits)

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unique 3X points on all mobile wallet purchases (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
• $325 annual travel and dining credit significantly reduces effective annual fee to just $75
• Excellent 1.5 cents per point redemption value for travel (no blackout dates)
• Eight complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits annually
• $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit (once every four years)
• No foreign transaction fees for international use
• Comprehensive travel insurance and protections
• Premium metal card construction
• Free authorized users
• Real-Time Rewards for instant redemptions

Cons

• Card closed to new applicants as of November 11, 2024 (existing cardholders only)
• High $400 annual fee (even with $325 credit, effective fee is $75)
• High 21.49%–28.49% variable APR not ideal for carrying balances
• Priority Pass limited to 8 free visits per year ($35 per person after)
• No airline or hotel transfer partners limits premium redemption options
• Requires excellent credit (typically 750+) for approval or product change
• Travel credit tracks per cardmember year, not calendar year (requires careful tracking)
• Must embrace mobile wallet payments to maximize 3X earning potential

Alternatives to Consider

Since the Altitude Reserve is closed to new applicants, consider these alternatives:

For Existing Cardholders: If you currently have the Altitude Reserve, it remains one of the best premium travel cards available—especially if you maximize the mobile wallet 3X earning and use the $325 annual credit.

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

If you spend $25,000 per year on typical expenses:

Total Estimated First-Year Value: $2,110
Total Estimated Ongoing Yearly Value: $1,360
Net Value After $400 Annual Fee: First Year $1,710 / Ongoing $960

This example assumes you maximize mobile wallet usage for everyday spending and redeem points at 1.5 cents each for travel.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Keep/Get It If… (Existing Cardholders or Product Change Candidates)

• You're an existing cardholder who maximizes mobile wallet spending for 3X rewards
• You're a current U.S. Bank customer who can request a product change
• You embrace Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay for everyday purchases
• You can easily use the $325 travel and dining credit annually
• You value the 1.5-cent fixed redemption value over transfer partner complexity
• You benefit from Priority Pass lounge access (8 visits covers most casual travelers)
• You want premium travel protections and insurance
• You pay your balance in full each month (avoiding the high APR)

You Should Skip It If…

• You're a new applicant (card is closed to new applications)
• You prefer using physical credit cards over mobile wallet payments
• You want to transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs
• You won't utilize the $325 annual travel/dining credit
• You're seeking unlimited airport lounge access
• You carry balances month-to-month (21.49%–28.49% APR is expensive)
• You prefer cards with lower annual fees

Apply Now

Learn more about U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve

Note: This card is currently closed to new applicants. Existing U.S. Bank customers may inquire about product change opportunities by contacting U.S. Bank customer service.

Information accurate as of December 2025. Card closed to new applicants as of November 11, 2024. Existing cardholders retain all current benefits. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.