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Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier vs U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier comes from Chase at $149/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

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureSouthwest Rapid Rewards PremierU.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
Annual fee$149$0
Sign-up bonus55,000 bonus points20,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)--
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,500 in 3 mo$1,000 in ? mo
IssuerChaseU.S. Bank
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x4x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 3x on Southwest
  • 6k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • 15% anniversary promo code
    Read the full review
    Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
    $149/yr · 55,000 bonus points
    Read the full review
    U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
    $0/yr · 20,000 bonus points

    Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier

    The middle tier of the Southwest portfolio after the 2025 refresh. Doubles the anniversary points and bumps the promo code from 10% to 15% vs Plus. Sweet spot for occasional Southwest flyers who don't need the Priority card's $75 travel credit or upgraded boardings.

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

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier or U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card?
    Neither card has a publicly advertised sign-up bonus today. Watch for limited-time offers from each issuer.
    Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier's $149 annual fee worth it compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card?
    At $149/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier or the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier: $1,500 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.