US Bank Altitude Connect vs US Bank Cash+
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US Bank Cash+ wins 2-1. 5% on 2 chosen categories + 2% on 1 chosen, fully customizable. US Bank Altitude Connect is still the right call if no-fee 4x travel, rare combination of no fee + premium earn rate..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | US Bank Altitude Connect | US Bank Cash+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = No annual fee | = No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (travel) | 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 50,000 points after $2,000 spend in 120 days | = $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = None stated | = None stated |
| Min credit score | · 700 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.4/5 | = 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
US Bank Altitude Connect
- 4x on travel + gas + EV charging stations
- 2x at restaurants + grocery + streaming
- 1x on everything else
- $30 annual streaming credit
- No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees
- Cell phone protection
US Bank Cash+
- 5% on 2 categories you choose ($2,000 quarterly cap)
- 2% on 1 chosen everyday category (gas, grocery, restaurants)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Quarterly category swap
FAQ
›US Bank Altitude Connect vs US Bank Cash+: which is better?
US Bank Cash+ wins on more dimensions (2 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use US Bank Altitude Connect for its best categories, US Bank Cash+ for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
US Bank Altitude Connect: 50,000 points after $2,000 spend in 120 days. US Bank Cash+: $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days.