Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
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Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/yr; the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect from U.S. Bank at $95/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 Reserve is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($2,500 more in estimated value) than the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 125,000 points | 75,000 bonus points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,500 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $6,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | U.S. Bank |
| Card category | travel | business |
| Best earning category (Chase_travel) | 8x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 points
Read the full review
U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect
$95/yr · 75,000 bonus points
Editorial take: U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Reserve or U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a public bonus (125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500), while the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect?
- Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $795+ of those credits, the math works. The U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect?
- 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 Reserve or the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 spend in 3 months. U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect: $6,000 in 6 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.