U.S. Bank Rewards: The Complete Guide (2024)

There are four types of Altitude point redemptions: travel, statement credits (cash back), gift cards or merchandise. Points are generally worth between 1 and 1.5 cents per point, depending on which card you hold and the type of redemption you choose. Typically, merchandise redemptions fall on the low end of the range, while statement credits and gift cards work out to a flat 1 cent per point in value.

Travel redemptions are also offered at a flat rate, though the rate varies by card. Both the U.S. Bank Altitude Go and U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card* can redeem points toward travel at 1 cent per point. However, the premium U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve increases the value of your points when used for travel via the card site up to 1.5 cents per point. Altitude Reserve cardholders can take advantage of this option to get 50% more value on every eligible travel redemption.

When redeeming points for travel, there are no blackout dates or capacity restrictions to worry about.

Redeem for Cash Back

Unless you have the Altitude Reserve, most cardholders will be best off redeeming points toward statement credits for ultimate flexibility. When redeemed as statement credits toward your monthly bill, Altitude points are currently worth 1 cent each. All Altitude cards have a minimum redemption requirement of 2,500 points ($25). However, beginning September 9, 2024, the minimum redemption requirement for U.S. Bank Altitude Connect cardholders will be 3,125 points (also equating to $25 in cash back).

Statement credits usually show up in two to three business days and will lower your card balance but do not count as a payment on your account. You may still need to make a minimum payment toward your bill if there is a remaining balance.

If you have a U.S. Bank checking or savings account, you can alternately choose to deposit your rewards into your linked bank account. Customers at other banks will not have this option.

Redeem Points With Real-Time Mobile Rewards

For ultimate convenience, cardholders can activate Real-Time Mobile Rewards on their account. Then, U.S. Bank will text your linked mobile phone number any time you make a qualifying purchase and ask if you’d like to redeem points to cover the cost of the purchase. Rewards are offered at a flat rate of 1 cent per point or 1.5 cents per point for Altitude Reserve travel purchases.

This option is fantastic for customers making travel purchases who prefer to complete their transactions directly with the merchant. You won’t be limited to specific airlines or hotels, so you can fully customize a trip to your travel preferences without worrying about rewards partners. It also means there are no blackout dates or other hassles to work around.

Be aware that cardholders must activate this feature before it can be used. The process is easily initiated in your online account under the “View rewards” section and will require you to link your mobile phone number and accept automated text messages. There is no obligation to redeem rewards for every qualifying purchase. You will be texted each time and can accept or decline as you wish.

Once you’ve set up the feature on your account, you can shop normally without having to make a separate stop on the U.S. Bank website. This allows you to apply discounts, coupons or vouchers that the merchant accepts and ensure you’re eligible for loyalty or membership benefits from booking directly with the brand.

Unfortunately, the Real-Time Mobile Rewards program requires a minimum purchase of $150 on car rentals and lodging and $10 on all other categories to qualify. Also note that gas station and restaurant purchases do not qualify for redemptions.

Use the U.S. Bank Travel Portal

Cardholders should familiarize themselves with the dedicated travel portal whether or not they’re redeeming rewards. Both Altitude Connect and Altitude Reserve cardholders can earn 5 points per dollar spent (worth 5% to 7.5%) when booking eligible, prepaid reservations.

Redeeming points for travel through its booking engine is intuitive since the booking engine works similarly to popular online travel agencies you’ve likely used before. However, U.S. Bank has strict, inflexible terms and conditions. All rental cars, and many hotel or flight reservations, are nonrefundable.

Because of this inflexibility, booking directly with the supplier and redeeming Real-Time Mobile Rewards is the better way to go. The only time a travel portal redemption should be considered is if you need a rental car under $250 or a hotel under $500—and are positive your plans won’t change.

Altitude Reserve cardholders will receive 1.5 cents per point in value when booking through the U.S. Bank travel portal, while other cardholders will yield 1 cent per point.

Redeem for Gift Cards

U.S. Bank also offers gift card redemptions and partners with dozens of gift card brands, including retailers and restaurants nationwide as well as everyday staples like gas stations and grocery stores. Most gift cards arrive by mail within two to three weeks after redemption.

All gift cards yield 1 cent per Altitude point, identical to the value you’d get from requesting a statement credit. Most cardholders will be better off buying a gift card from their preferred store to save on shipping timelines or brand limitations.

Shop for Merchandise

Like many other credit card reward programs, U.S. Bank allows you to redeem your points toward select merchandise or event tickets. However, reward values are typically less than a penny per point, making it a better deal to simply buy what you need and then redeem Real-Time Mobile Rewards or request a statement credit to offset the purchase.

Redeem as a Charitable Contribution

U.S. Bank allows cardholders of only Altitude Go cards to redeem points as a monetary charitable contribution to a nonprofit of their choosing through the Altitude Rewards Center. There are eight nonprofits to choose from:

• American Red Cross
• Eco Challenge
• Habitat for Humanity
• Human Rights Campaign
• National CAPACD
• Operation Homefront
• United Negro College Fund
• United Way

Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed this way, and U.S. Bank will also match each point donation made, therefore doubling the value. This means that if you were to redeem 1,000 points towards a charitable donation, the nonprofit of your choosing would receive $20—$10 from you and $10 from U.S. Bank.