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Side-by-side

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes from Chase at $95/yr; the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card from U.S. Bank at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,500 more in estimated value) than the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card's. Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred first; revisit the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Sapphire PreferredU.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus75,000 points20,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$1,500-
Min spend to unlock bonus$5,000 in 3 mo$1,000 in ? mo
IssuerChaseU.S. Bank
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)5x4x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 5x on travel booked via Chase
  • 3x on dining & streaming
  • $50 annual hotel credit
  • Transfer to 13 partners (Hyatt 1:1)
    Read the full review
    Chase Sapphire Preferred
    $95/yr · 75,000 points
    Read the full review
    U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
    $0/yr · 20,000 bonus points

    Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Preferred

    The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game. Note: the 10% anniversary points bonus sunsets October 1, 2026.

    Editorial take: U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Preferred or U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card?
    The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a public bonus (75,000 points, worth roughly $1,500), while the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card?
    At $95/yr, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and U.S. Bank) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 spend in 3 months. U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card: $1,000 in ? months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.