US Bank Altitude Reserve vs Capital One Spark Cash Plus
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 | US Bank Altitude Reserve | Capital One Spark Cash Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $400 | $150 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 2% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1.5% | 2% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel) | = $1,200 cash bonus after $30,000 spend in first 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 720 | = 720 |
| 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
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
- Unlimited 2% cashback on every purchase
- 5% on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel
- No preset spending limit
- Annual fee refund of $150 if you spend $150K/year
- No foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›US Bank Altitude Reserve vs Capital One Spark Cash Plus: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. US Bank Altitude Reserve wins on 2 criteria, Capital One Spark Cash Plus on 2.
›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, Capital One Spark Cash Plus 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). Capital One Spark Cash Plus: $1,200 cash bonus after $30,000 spend in first 3 months.