The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card is a premium travel rewards card designed for frequent travelers who want to maximize their spending. With features like triple points on travel purchases, valuable travel credits, and exclusive perks, the Altitude Reserve competes with top-tier travel cards on the market. However, it also comes with a hefty annual fee, so understanding the cards benefits and whether they align with your spending habits is key to determining if its worth it.

In this review, well examine the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve, covering its rewards, fees, perks, and more, so you can make an informed decision about whether its the right card for your wallet.

Rewards and Earning Structure

The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve is all about maximizing rewards for frequent travelers. The card offers a generous rewards structure that allows you to earn 3x points on travel and mobile wallet purchases. This is an attractive offer, especially for users who frequently use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Youll also earn 1x point on all other purchases.

One standout feature is the ability to earn bonus points when you redeem for travel through the U.S. Bank rewards portal. Points are worth 50% more when used for travel, making them highly valuable. For example, if you redeem 50,000 points, they would be worth $750 in travel credits.

The mobile wallet bonus category makes this card particularly appealing to tech-savvy users who pay for everyday purchases through their smartphones. Whether its groceries, dining out, or shopping, using a mobile wallet helps you rack up points faster compared to other cards that only offer elevated rewards on specific categories like dining or groceries.

Annual Fee and Credits

One of the first things to consider when evaluating the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve is its annual fee. One of the most notable benefits is the $325 annual travel credit. This credit applies to a wide range of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and even ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. If you travel even a few times a year, this credit can significantly reduce the effective annual cost of the card.

Another important perk is the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. U.S. Bank will reimburse you for the application fee, up to $100, every four years. If you frequently travel internationally or domestically, this perk can save you time at airport security and customs, adding more value to the card.

Travel Perks and Features

For frequent travelers, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card offers an array of premium travel perks comparable to those of other top travel cards.

Priority Pass Access

One of the most attractive features is Priority Pass Select membership, which gives you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Lounge access can make long layovers much more comfortable, offering complimentary food, beverages, and quiet spaces to relax before your flight.

Travel and Purchase Protections

The card also comes with comprehensive travel protections, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and travel accident insurance. These protections can provide peace of mind when unexpected events occur during your travels. If your trip is canceled for a covered reason, U.S. Bank will reimburse you for non-refundable travel expenses.

In addition to travel protections, the Altitude Reserve also offers purchase protection. If an item you bought with the card is damaged or stolen, the card provides coverage for repairs or reimbursement for up to 90 days from the purchase date.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Another feature frequent travelers will appreciate is the lack of foreign transaction fees. Many credit cards charge a fee for purchases made outside the U.S., typically around 3%. With the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve, you can use your card internationally without worrying about extra fees, making it a great choice for those who travel abroad often.

Mobile Wallet Integration

One of the unique selling points of the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card is its heavy integration with mobile wallets. As mentioned earlier, you earn 3x points on all mobile wallet purchases, which is something few other credit cards offer. This makes it an ideal card for people who regularly use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Its a simple way to earn more rewards on everyday purchases without having to keep track of different spending categories.

This feature is especially useful in todays digital-first world, where contactless payments are becoming more common. Whether youre buying groceries, filling up your car with gas, or grabbing coffee, paying with your phone can help you quickly accumulate rewards.

Redemption Options

The Altitude Reserve offers flexible and valuable redemption options. You can redeem points for travel through the U.S. Bank rewards portal, where your points will be worth 1.5 cents each. This higher redemption value makes it easy to book flights, hotels, or car rentals using your accumulated points. For example, 50,000 points can be redeemed for $750 in travel expenses.

In addition to travel, you can also redeem your points for cash back, gift cards, or statement credits. However, the value of points is lower when redeemed this waytypically around 1 cent per point. While cash back is always a nice option, if you want to maximize the value of your points, redeeming them for travel is the way to go.

Conclusion

The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Credit Card is a strong contender in the world of premium travel rewards cards, especially for those who frequently use mobile wallets for everyday purchases. With its 3x points on travel and mobile wallet spending, $325 annual travel credit, and Priority Pass lounge access, the card offers significant value for frequent travelers.

The perks and travel credits can quickly offset that cost if you use the card regularly. However, if you dont travel often or dont take advantage of mobile wallet payments, there may be other cards that offer better rewards for your lifestyle.