Bank of America Travel Rewards vs US Bank Altitude Reserve
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Bank of America Travel Rewards | US Bank Altitude Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · $400 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 1.5% (general) | 5% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1.5% | = 1.5% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 25,000 online bonus points after $1,000 in first 90 days (~$250 travel) | = 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel) |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 700 | · 720 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 |
Benefits compared
Bank of America Travel Rewards
- 1.5x points on every purchase
- Up to 75% bonus for Preferred Rewards clients (1.5x → 2.625x)
- Points redeem against any travel purchase, no blackout dates
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
US Bank Altitude Reserve
- 5x on prepaid hotels and car rentals via US Bank Travel
- 3x on travel + mobile-wallet purchases
- 1.5x redemption rate when used for travel
- $325 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select (4 free visits/year)
- Up to $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
FAQ
›Bank of America Travel Rewards vs US Bank Altitude Reserve: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Bank of America Travel Rewards wins on 2 criteria, US Bank Altitude Reserve on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Bank of America Travel Rewards for its best categories, US Bank Altitude Reserve for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Bank of America Travel Rewards: 25,000 online bonus points after $1,000 in first 90 days (~$250 travel). US Bank Altitude Reserve: 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel).