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 | = — | = — |
| 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 — see the calculator below.
›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.