U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Review: A Premium Travel Card Built for High-Value Rewards
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers who want strong mobile wallet rewards, luxury travel benefits, and high redemption value.
The card focuses on premium perks, flexible travel earning, and high-end protections, making it a competitive option in the U.S. travel card market.
It primarily targets consumers with excellent credit who are looking for elevated travel experiences, including airport lounge access, strong insurance benefits, and boosted rewards for travel and mobile wallet purchases.
Although it is not designed for beginners, it is ideal for cardholders who want more value from their daily spending and travel lifestyles.
Main Benefits and Rewards
Strong Rewards Structure
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® offers one of the highest reward rates in the country for mobile wallet spending:
- 3X points on travel purchases
- 3X points on mobile wallet transactions (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.)
- 1X point on all other purchases
These categories provide excellent value, especially because mobile wallet rewards apply to many everyday transactions.
High-Value Welcome Bonus
The card usually offers a welcome bonus worth several hundred dollars in travel when new cardholders meet the minimum spending requirement within the first few months.
This bonus provides strong upfront value for frequent travelers.
Premium Travel Benefits
This card includes multiple luxury perks:
- $325 annual travel credit (covers airline tickets, hotels, rideshares, and more)
- Priority Pass™ Select airport lounge access
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Travel accident coverage
- Baggage delay insurance
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
These benefits align the card with other premium travel cards but at a more moderate annual fee.
What Makes the Card Competitive
The combination of 3X mobile wallet rewards, high travel redemption value, and a generous annual travel credit sets the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® apart from many competitors. It is especially strong for travelers who use digital wallets frequently.
Annual Fee and Overall Costs
The annual fee is $400, and it is not waived during the first year. However, the $325 annual travel credit offsets much of the cost, effectively reducing the real cost to just $75 for many users.
When the Fee Is Worth It
The annual fee becomes worthwhile for:
- Frequent travelers using mobile wallet payments
- Consumers who maximize the annual travel credit
- Cardholders who value airport lounge access
- Individuals seeking premium travel insurance coverage
Other Potential Costs
Cardholders may also face:
- Interest charges if carrying a balance
- Late payment fees
- Balance transfer fees
- Cash advance fees
Despite these costs, responsible users will find the card easy to maximize.
Rates and Fees
- Regular APR: Typically a variable rate based on creditworthiness
- Penalty APR: May apply after late or returned payments
- Balance Transfer Fee: A percentage of the transferred amount
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None, making it ideal for international travel
Because the card does not charge foreign transaction fees, it works well for overseas purchases and travel expenses.
Approval Requirements
Approval for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® generally requires:
- Excellent credit (720+)
- A strong credit history with responsible payment behavior
- Sufficient income to support premium card spending
The card has a higher approval difficulty compared to mid-tier travel cards, especially for applicants without prior relationships with U.S. Bank.
Pros and Cons of the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite®
Pros
- 3X points on travel and mobile wallet purchases
- High-value $325 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass lounge access
- No foreign transaction fees
- Strong travel insurance protections
Cons
- $400 annual fee
- Requires excellent credit
- Limited transfer partners compared to other premium cards
- Best value depends on mobile wallet usage
- Smaller rewards ecosystem than Chase or Amex
Who Should Apply for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite®?
This card is ideal for:
- Frequent travelers who want luxury benefits
- Consumers who pay with mobile wallets regularly
- People who want premium travel insurance without paying ultra-high annual fees
- Cardholders seeking strong redemption value for travel purchases
It is less suitable for students, beginners, or consumers who prefer straightforward cashback.
Competitor Comparison
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Choose Altitude Reserve if you use mobile wallets often and want a lower effective annual fee.
Choose Chase Sapphire Reserve® if you value extensive travel partners, premium travel portal redemptions, and stronger luxury perks.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve vs. American Express Platinum Card®
Choose Altitude Reserve for lower cost and flexible mobile wallet rewards.
Choose Amex Platinum for superior luxury benefits, more lounge access options, and extensive hotel elite perks.
Final Thoughts on the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite®
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® is an excellent premium travel card that offers strong rewards, generous credits, and luxury protections.
It is especially appealing to travelers who frequently use mobile wallets and want to maximize travel redemptions without paying an extremely high annual fee.
For the right consumer, this card provides exceptional value and is well worth applying for.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with banks, card issuers, or financial institutions.
All fees, rates, and benefit details may change at any time. Always check the official website of the card issuer for the most accurate and updated information before applying.
