U.S. Bank Confirms Major Changes Coming to Altitude Reserve Card

Updated: July 29, 2025, 6:06pm CDT

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Travel Redemption Devaluation and Other Key Changes
Final Thoughts

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If you have the U.S. Bank Altitude^® Reserve Visa Infinite^® Card, some big changes are headed your way — and they’re not all good.

U.S. Bank has confirmed that significant updates to the card’s rewards and redemption structure will take effect on December 15, 2025, and many cardholders may see their favorite perks disappear.

Here’s what you need to know about these changes.

Travel Redemption Devaluation and Other Key Changes

As U.S. Bank’s premium travel credit card, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card (no longer open to new applicants) has been known for its generous mobile wallet earnings and flexible travel redemptions. But starting December 15, 2025, several core benefits will be downgraded.

U.S. Bank branch and ATM in Newport Beach California — Image Credit: Ryan Smith

Many cardholders have received letters outlining these upcoming changes, adding credibility to the early reports circulating online.

u.s. bank altitude reserve letter — A letter sent to U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve cardholders outlines major program changes taking effect December 15, 2025. Image Credit: Doctor of Credit

On the redemption side, starting December 15, 2025, points will only be worth 1 cent each when redeemed toward travel — a major downgrade from the current 1.5 cents per point value. This effectively reduces the card’s travel value proposition by 33% for those who relied on travel redemptions.

In addition, the card’s $325 annual statement credit for eligible travel and dining purchases will be restricted to purchases made through the U.S. Bank Travel Center, rather than automatically applying to all eligible travel and dining purchases.

On the upside, U.S. Bank is introducing a new travel portal earning structure, with:

10x points on hotel and rental car bookings
5x points on flights when booked through the bank’s travel center

Cardholders will continue to earn 3x points on mobile wallet purchases, but only on the first $5,000 each billing cycle, then 1x afterward. This restriction severely limits one of the card’s most valuable bonus categories, as the unlimited 3x mobile wallet earnings had long made the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card a go-to for everyday spending across Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile wallets.

Perhaps the biggest new feature: point transfers to airline and hotel loyalty programs — a first for U.S. Bank and a move that would bring the bank in line with competitors like Chase and Amex. However, U.S. Bank has not yet disclosed which travel partners will be available.

U.S. Bank told Upgraded Points in a statement:

Changes to rewards and benefits will go into effect on December 15, 2025. This programmatic update is something we do from time to time. Cardholders will continue to enjoy many existing benefits, including free Priority Pass Lounge visits, TSA/Global Entry credit, Visa Infinite benefits, and points that never expire.

Oddly, the card has been closed to new applicants for months. We’ve asked U.S. Bank whether these changes signal a relaunch, but no response was received before publication. However, a spokesperson later confirmed that the card remains closed to applicants and didn’t indicate whether that might change.

Hot Tip:

If you still have Altitude Reserve points, you can redeem them for travel at 1.5 cents per point by December 14, 2025, before the redemption rate is devalued.

Final Thoughts

While adding point transfers and bonus categories is welcome, the loss of 1.5 cents-per-point redemption and flexible credits may outweigh the gains for many. If you’re holding the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card, it’s worth reevaluating whether it still fits your travel goals — especially with the tighter restrictions on redemptions and portal-only bonuses.

The information regarding the U.S. Bank Altitude^® Reserve Visa Infinite^® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.