Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
US Bank Altitude Reserve vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Premium
US Bank
US Bank Altitude Reserve
VISA
Wins 3 of 10
US
American Express
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Wins 3 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | US Bank Altitude Reserve | Amex Blue Cash Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $400 | $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 5% (travel) | 6% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | 1.5% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 2.7% |
| Welcome bonus | = 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel) | = $250 statement credit after $3,000 in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
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
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
- 6% cashback on US supermarkets (up to $6K/year, then 1%)
- 6% on streaming subscriptions
- 3% on US gas stations + transit
- 1% on everything else
- 0% intro APR for 12 months
FAQ
›US Bank Altitude Reserve vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. US Bank Altitude Reserve wins on 3 criteria, Amex Blue Cash Preferred on 3.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use US Bank Altitude Reserve for its best categories, Amex Blue Cash Preferred for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
US Bank Altitude Reserve: 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel). Amex Blue Cash Preferred: $250 statement credit after $3,000 in 6 months.