You’re gonna create another big boom with the USB AR like you did the Marriott cards 🤣 This is such a nice looking card and I’m stoked you got it! You may even end up convincing me to get it one day. Great work as always! 👊🏼
Haha, I hope so Spencer! This is a great card to consider, and I just wish that the approval process wasn't so difficult for a lot of people. I think it's another one of those cards where you have to really plan it out to maximize your chances so may be worth it to put it on the roadmap to see where it would fit in your strategy!
Hey @Spencerjohnson go for it I’m planning to get it next summer I’m still new to us bank I have a checking and savings with them as of now I only have they Platinum card.
I love the irony of an unboxing video for a card that will be used in your mobile wallet 🤣. I'm hoping to pick the Altitude Reserve in mid to late 2024 so I'm glad you're excited about it.
Haha David! You're totally right! Never really thought about it that way, but yeah, the card no longer sees the light of day now that I've completed the SUB. Happy to hear that this card is on your roadmap now. Planning is key for this one 👍!
Sweet looking Card Stan! Love how you weren't afraid to make significant changes to your Core Setup, with the U.S Bank Altitude Reserve Card being your now most important Card with the exposure to Mobile Wallets. That's cool that U.S Bank has that text message feature with redemptions as well. Great video as always!
Thanks so much Matt! Yeah, I have no problem with completing redoing a credit card setup that isn't working for me anymore. Times change and priorities change and so I'm always looking to improve! Yeah, can't wait to test out these immediate cash back redemptions!
Wow this is such an great setup. The 4.5% on mobile wallet is actually insane. I use apple pay 90% of the time now even at restaurants. Also such a clean, no bs setup too. Nice work Stan!!
Thanks so much Jake! Yeah, I think once you realize how often you actually use mobile wallets, it really opens your eyes to a lot of possibilities with this card! And yeah, I see a lot of credit card setups with overlap, and I'm a big fan of setups that are clean and have very little overlap as possible. Gotta balance simplicity with value!!
@@15enric15 Yup, you sign up for Real Time Rewards and when you make a qualifying transaction, you get a text message asking if you want to redeem your points for that purchase, just confirm and you get the 1.5X back. Categories are airfare, hotel, car rentals, and other travel for 1.5X
@@TheCreditFrog Wow, that sounds amazin, what does qualify for the 1.5cpp? I am following your steps and my goal is to get this card in couple of months By a product change from the US Bank Altitude Go Card, it has been a challenge opening that basic Altitude Go card i Have to say. Is US Bank the hardest bank to get Cards Fom?
@@15enric15 US Bank is not the hardest one, but it's certainly not the easiest. The expenses that qualify for 1.5X are airlines, hotels, car rentals, and "other travel" which is defined in the RTR category list when you sign up for the program. I'd have to look back to see specifically what those are. Definitely try to get those hard pulls and new accounts to be 0-1 over 6 months and maybe look into getting a checking account with US Bank. This will help out your application for sure!
Just got approved after watching your videos and doing the research. I do have a 14 year relationship with US Bank and hold their Platinum and Cash plus Visa's with 10k and 8k credit lines. They approved me for $12k which I was hoping would be higher for $30k total credit line with all three cards. I'll be using this for the mobile wallet and travel. Thanks for the info.
Very cool! Congrats on the new card!! 🎉. $12k is still a very respectable credit line, and it's good that you have the card so you can use that 3X travel and mobile wallet multiplier. It's definitely a game changing card for me and I'm sure it'll be the same for you!
That whole Real-Time Rewards is very interesting! Great message graphic too haha. That box is very nice! What the hell, better than my Platinum box! Nice Stan, your unboxings are always unmatched!
Thanks Tony! Yeah, I love a good unboxing - especially when a box is offered! I know, Amex needs to step up their credit card box game! I just about to finish the SUB so I'll have some points to experiment with RTRs. Looking forward to getting me some sweet cash back value!
Congrats Stan. Beware not all real time rewards. Redemptions happens at 1.5 cents per point. Only certain travel related categories with certain minimum limits give 1.5 cents per point redemption with RTR. Also, please note that unlike Chase/BoA the travel category is very restrictive and does not include Airbnb or transit charges.
Thanks! I appreciate those tips as well. I'll definitely keep an eye out for categories that do NOT get me that 1.5X multiplier because I don't want to fall into the trap. And yeah, it's unfortunate that the Travel category is not inclusive of travel, but that's where BofA comes in so it's nice to have access to cards from both issuers!
@@TheCreditFrog the best way I get 1.5 cents per point is adding it as payment method on Uber/Eats for any overflow amount due after Amex credit.. So even the small amount generates real time redemption requests at 1.5 cents per point...
I almost upended my entire strategy to get a 4.5% catch-all (almost) card, only to find out the 1.5x multiplier is only when redeemed for travel. Still a great card, just not as great as I was hoping for
Yeah, I think it's important to figure out both the earnings and redemptions to see what works best for you! The fine print is always what gets you, but I'm glad you were able to figure that out before making a lot of moves!
I'm farming for this setup! 1. US BAR (building the relationship) 2. BofA Premium Rewards as my everything else 3. My churning card of the month/year. 4. VentureX (have currently for Travel, but might consider dropping). Not in my wallet: 5. Marriott Boundless for Marriott only (deciding if it's worthwhile). 6/7. Two CCRs for Gas/EV and Housing expenses that are autopay. Planning to drop my AmEx Gold, once I get the Schwab Platinum to cashout. Just need to get out of pop-up jail.
That's awesome Vernon! Nice to see that we're working towards the same setup! I'll speak to this in a later video, but I find that my CCR is better used towards online shopping as long as your gas station accepts mobile wallets so the USBAR can cover it. I also plan on canceling the Gold and keeping the Platinum (for lounge and FHR). Great minds think alike 🧠!
@@TheCreditFrog - Now that I think about it, Tesla app, ChargePoint and Electrify America all use Mobile Wallets, so maybe I can re-purpose one of my CCR slots. A good thought! ETA: Since I had two already, once is back to Dining as a backup card and the other is for online shopping. Now to farm for that US BAR. :)
The biggest thing that stops me from getting mobile wallet-focused cards like this or the Kroger Mastercard is that a large portion of my spend is at grocery stores, specifically H-E-B, and my local H-E-B doesn't accept mobile wallet payments.
Oh no! Yeah, mobile wallets are definitely location-specific. The same problem happens with Wal-Mart since they don't accept them either, at least, in-store. I think in your case, you'd have to weigh the pros and cons - or you could get a solid grocery store card like the Citi Custom Cash to go along with the mobile-wallet card!
Yet. Patience. Kroger didn’t take them until just this year. If they take chipped cards they’re set up for Apple Pay too, it’s just a matter of back end stuff.
@@TheCreditFrog This was a shock to me. Now I never used apply pay until I got this card. Imagine my surprise to learn Wally doesn't accept it as they have this wal-mart pay setup. Anyway I used at my wife's hair salon, for oil changes and auto repairs, cellphone, internet, Insurance..apply pay is accepted at literally all the places I like to shop.
Little update for anyone who’s watching this. If you have good credit & get denied the card, just send them a letter in the mail and they’ll mostly approve you afterwards. That’s what happened for me & I got it
Thanks so much Sledge! Yeah, that Altitude Connect card is also very good, especially for no annual fee the first year. Wish that the Altitude Connect could transfer points to the Altitude Reserve because that would be such an OP setup! Yes, I'm happy with the packaging with this card as well!
Altitude Connect is a solid card, I just opened a secured USB Altitude Go card was tired of the odd approval odds. The lounge access on the Altitude Connect is a nice touch and it now has no AF!
@@TheCreditFrog Not sure if I should just stick with the Chase Trifecta instead since there good value redemption with transfer partners and have great point value. Not sure the Reserve cash rewards will meet my travel needs. Your thoughts.
@@alanwu3678 if you want a simple one card cash back setup - this is the card for you! But if you want the ability to do transfer partners forties value, then I’d recommend sticking with the Chase trifecta.
Congratulations on the new card! I eventually want this card. I’m working on the 60k SUB on the Business Altitude Connect. Looks like all of the redemption options are only at 1 cent per point.
Thanks! Yeah the Altitude Connect is a solid card, but sadly the redemption value is capped at 1cpp and you can’t transfer points to another card! If US Bank allowed this, it would change the game!
The Altitude Reserve looks great! I was considering joining Bank of America for the premium rewards system. But the AR seems like a simple setup! I will definitely consider it once I get burnt out with juggling my multi card set up
I replaced my chase trifecta with my US bank altitude go and reserve a couple months ago😂 i thaught it was a superior setup with 4% on dining and 3 on everything else except for some gas stations where u have to pay at pump those are 2%
That’s awesome! Yeah, the Chase Trifecta has two downsides: gas and groceries, and I think the USB AR covers that very well with that 3X mobile wallet category! Even better if you have the Altitude Go! I always go to Costco for gas so luckily mobile wallets are always accepted there provided that it’s a VISA, which USB AR is!
Everyone’s sleeping on the Alt Reserve, is that because no lucrative referral side hustle? Only $250/mo spend needed to offset the $75 effective AF vs a 2x catch all
I actually think the lack of a referral program is a part of it because, yes, this card is incredible, and I'm really enjoying it! The travel credit is super easy to use and I'm getting so much value on my everyday spending!
Very cool card, Stan! I think the 25k limit is amazing, but you definitely did your homework to show them you wanted a relationship with them, so it’s probably a rare limit to start out with - especially for your first card with them! I give you 6 months, TOPS, before the honeymoon phase is over and you make it your primary MOBILE WALLET card, with your main driver going back to an Amex card. Love your content. - ivan
Thanks Ivan! Yeah, I'm happy with the CL I was given being that it was my first US Bank credit card. I plan on using this as my primary card moving forward so we'll see if I ever decide to revert back to Amex, but with their recent changes, I'm not really enthused with them right now, haha!
I have an 18 year relationship with US Bank. Although my accounts are dormant as I've moved on to using a local credit union, USB has as special place in my heart as they were my first bank, and their service is always excellent. Their app is pretty bad though.
Im thinking i get the altitude connect in December, and then garden for another 6 months and go for the reserve next sunmer. I got way too many cards in 2023.
That sounds like a solid plan! Yeah, you definitely should garden before pulling the trigger for the AR. Having a lot of new accounts tends to spook US Bank when it comes to the approval!
Haha, I wish they had a referral program Eduardo! I would be referring this card left and right because it truly has changed the game for me in terms of getting value from my everyday spending! Also, they need to make combining points from their other Altitude cards available, because that would be so OP and people would be lining up to get this card left and right!
Really enjoyed the video, Stan! The US Bank AR is the next card on my list and this video sold the power of this card even more. Do you know if this card gives access to restaurants and spas within priority pass as part of your 8 visits?
That's awesome Matt! The USB AR is an amazing card, and I've been using it nonstop since I got it! And yes, the PP does include access to restaurants and spas just like you'd expect on the Chase versions of the PP!
@Stan The Credit Frog…. What exactly does it mean when it says eligible mobile wallet spend; aren’t all types of mobile spend eligible for 3x points or are we talking about a certain category of mobile wallet spend that will earn that 3x points?
@@TheCreditFrog Sorry, but you misunderstood the question I was asking. The question was is there a certain product category that you must spend on using your eligible mobile wallet to get that 3x, or those that 3x count towards any purchase made with your eligible mobile wallet?
THANK YOU STAN👍🏼 I decided to apply for the USBAR after watching this awesome video. I received my USBAR in the January 2024 and I just received my 50000 bonus points in March. I really enjoy my USBAR so far and I just applied for the USB Altitude Connect and got approved. Do you know if I could pool the points from both cards to redeem for rewards?
You're welcome Pat! That's amazing, and late congrats on the new USBAR card (and USB AC)! It's definitely my favorite card at this point, and it's super easy to use the card and the $325 credit! Unfortunately, I don't think you can combine points from both cards - it was be amazing if you could though!
Thanks! It has to fit in the travel category for US Bank. This is inclusive only of airlines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, limousines, passenger trains and cruise line companies.
I think I am convinced to get this card, especially with a lot of Europe traveling lined up. However! I'm worried about the text message system. When I'm in Europe, I have data turned off.. I would much prefer an email so that I can receive redemption notifications over Wi-Fi, especially for this being a travel card.. Do you know if you can switch it?
I don’t think you can, but I’ve heard that RTR isn’t really a thing with international purchases. You can certainly still earn 3X on mobile wallet purchases so I would focus on that!
I just received the card today and set up the real-time-rewards. It was asking me to select categories (it had a whole bunch of different ones). Am I supposed to select all of them or just “travel” to get the 1.5 redemption boost? 🤔
I haven't yet, but if you downgrade the PR Elite to a card that is not the PR, certainly you can get the PR card welcome offer. But if you downgrade to the PR card, I'm not sure if you can again because based on the terms and conditions, it's not clear.
Did your card also come in a box? I just got approved also with a 10k limit. The email I received from them also said, “card will arrive by mail in about 6 days”. How soon did you get your card?
@@dakotadrone Yes, mine came in a nice box about 3 days after I applied. I added to my and the wife's mobile wallets and went out to try it out. We used it at a restaurant and got the credit for dinner applied about 3 days after the transaction posted. Same with the hotel room we booked for a wedding. The 10k limit is a bit low for my liking but I was not a current customer so maybe they want to see how reliable I am. I will wait about 6 months and ask for an increase as this is my new daily driver card. The best thing is I can pay my Insurance, cable, cellphone and a few other bills through apply pay when using their apps so I'm racking up points fast.
@@TheCreditFrog thanks for the info! Tempted to apply for this for the 3X and $325 credit. Currently, I can get 4X on groceries (amex gold), 4X (amex gold)/ 6X (BILT rent day) on dining, 3X (amex gold)/ 4X (BILT rent day) on traveling. Trying to justify if I can negate the $75 fee somehow. You got any tips?
@@ichigokurosaki1119 If you want a simpler setup, as well as a card with primary auto rental collision damage waiver and 8 Priority Passes per year, including restaurants, then this is the card to get!
Even though Airbnb isn’t included in Travel category for 3X, the Airbnb app has ApplePay feature when booking. So you should still receive 3X for mobile purchase, correct?
I haven't made a direct video for this, but using RTR is pretty simple. Just need to activate it and they will send you text messages when you make a purchase to redeem. Just make sure to set those categories to air travel, lodging, car rental, and other travel, and you'll always be offered a 1.5X RTR redemption!
Is Airbnb for sure not included in travel category for $325 credit? I’m seeing conflicting things on Reddit and NerdWallet, they’re making it seem like it is now. Looks like it doesn’t qualify for RTR based on frequentmiler
I recently got this card as well. I was shocked the packaging was so much better than my Platinum card. Do you know if the travel credit includes Airbnb?
I agree - the packaging was definitely top notch! Unfortunately, the travel credit probably does not include AirBnB. From the terms, travel includes onlly airlines, hotels, car rentals, taxi cabs, limousines, passenger trains, and cruise line companies.
Thanks brother 👍 I don't want to sound ignorant. But I fly over 60 times a year for business. I always see the AMEX lounge. Is there a specific lounge that this card has access to? By the way, I've learned a lot from your videos.
@@davidborges2627 that’s great! Yeah for the Centurion lounges, you’ll need the Amex Platinum card so if you frequent those lounges, that’s the card to get! Alternatively you could go Delta Reserve if you fly Delta a lot as it can get you into the Centurion lounge as well with a valid Delta flight.
I honestly don't know because I've never tried it, and don't use Apple Pay on my compute, specifically, but I assume it does since the payment is going through Apple Pay. I think you have to be careful to distinguish Apple Pay and Apple Wallet though.
Wel my expenses keep coming so another intro bonus here we go, was insta approved today! It’ll be a bit redundant in my wallet for a while but looking at that strong but simple hybrid long game. I would’ve settled first for the Schwab Plat since my Clear is renewing but still pop up jailed for all personal cards but they’ll throw any business SUB at me!
@@TheCreditFrog hey that was confusingly written yes I meant approved for AR but recently opened an Amex biz gold as well and just have a lot of SUBs to chase since I’m going through a massively higher than normal spending period
@WhatsThePoints1 Oh, dang! Congrats on 2 new cards then! Super congrats on the AR - it’s my new favorite card. The $325 credit is surprisingly easy to (completely) use which is more than I can say about the new Biz Gold monthly credits!
@@TheCreditFrogThanks again for being the only blogger even talking about this card! And here's to simplicity in a sea of complexity. My job is technical enough and at some point the endless coupon booking and having to decide between 5 different cards on every purchase (this is why pure cashback setups chasing 5% are ridiculous IMO-- for example saw a commentor on an RJ video about the AAA travel rewards which seems great but turns out Comity bank is a nightmare) needs to give way to ease of use. With the AR now seriously considering downgrade my Venture X to a V1 because I'm mostly in Costa Rica which has tap to pay everywhere- so guaranteed 4.5x is better to me than 2x miles that unlike even Amex have no possible way to cash out beyond 0.5cpp. And for purchases in USD I can still use my BBP. My P2 just got a Savor One and coincidentally already has the V1 so we have a hybrid play there to keep the transferable miles coming in since Amex isn't accepted most places and my highest Chase card will likely be the Ink Pref. I do really wanna try the Cap1 lounges though!
@@TheCreditFrogYes, I watched some more of your videos and saw that you've got the MS Plat. I was tempted to add the US Bank AR but I have heard mixed things about their customer service. One of the things that I rarely see covered in Cards videos is the value of Customer Service. AMEX forever seemed to be and may still be the gold standard. I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve and have had mixed experiences. In some cases they've been great, but when I had a return dispute (merchant wouldn't acknowledge receipt), Chase took forever to close it out in my favor and it felt like so much work. At that time, I realized that I may want to go back to AMEX even if it meant less flexible points. if US Bank AR had AMEX customer service (and maybe it does?), then that would be my dream card. For now, though, I am planning on moving back to AMEX. Thanks for all of your thoughtful videos. They're fun and informative.
Thanks so much Josh! Yeah, it's definitely a great card to get - probably once you've identified whether you're more on Team Cash Back or Team Travel. I will say that US Bank, like Capital One, have a increased approval tendency for those in the early to mid-stages of their credit card journey, but that's only based on DPs I've seen of people in their endgame getting flat-out denied like me, until they fight for it!
Can anyone confirm the 4.5% actually working on anything other than the whole "booking a refundable flight" loophole? I would love to look into getting this card but trying to establish a relationship and such with the bank seems like a ton of work for not much reward at 3% straight up versus other 5% cards.
I think that's the only way I'm familiar with to liquidate the 4.5X redemption value. Otherwise, it's just redeeming your points either through the travel portal or for travel purchases through real time rewards.
@@TheCreditFrog gotcha. In the video it sounds like you can use real time rewards for 1.5x on any purchases, so it took some combing for me to figure out exactly what the benefit meant.
I think you’re referring to the Kroger Mastercard, which is also a great card! But I would say that the $3k cap is severely limiting and I would go with unlimited 4.5X mobile wallet vs 5% MW up to $3k because that extra .5% ($15) because the sky is the limit with the AR!
For anybody reading this, Today i Got approved at 6/24👍🏾 They checked my Equifax and i have a 798. Applied at 1am and it Went to pending, woke up to a email saying approved for 10k
Ah dang! Not sure if you called the recon line yet, but if you didn't it's worth a shot! Too many new accounts is one of the more common reasons for denial with US Bank, but depending on how many, it's possible to get in through recon!
You’re gonna create another big boom with the USB AR like you did the Marriott cards 🤣 This is such a nice looking card and I’m stoked you got it! You may even end up convincing me to get it one day. Great work as always! 👊🏼
Whenever Stan talks about a card it somehow ends up at the top of my roadmap even though I hadn’t seriously considered it previously 😅
Haha, I hope so Spencer! This is a great card to consider, and I just wish that the approval process wasn't so difficult for a lot of people. I think it's another one of those cards where you have to really plan it out to maximize your chances so may be worth it to put it on the roadmap to see where it would fit in your strategy!
@@ap2290 Haha, I'm glad I could get this card more exposure! It's definitely an underrated card, and hopefully you'll be able to get it soon!
Hey @Spencerjohnson go for it I’m planning to get it next summer I’m still new to us bank I have a checking and savings with them as of now I only have they Platinum card.
Great unboxing! Very surprised at the premium packaging US Bank uses for the card. Was not expecting that. Thanks for the info + video!
Of course Jimmy James! Yes, the box was a nice surprise - I always appreciate premium packaging for a premium card!
I love the irony of an unboxing video for a card that will be used in your mobile wallet 🤣. I'm hoping to pick the Altitude Reserve in mid to late 2024 so I'm glad you're excited about it.
Haha David! You're totally right! Never really thought about it that way, but yeah, the card no longer sees the light of day now that I've completed the SUB. Happy to hear that this card is on your roadmap now. Planning is key for this one 👍!
Sweet looking Card Stan! Love how you weren't afraid to make significant changes to your Core Setup, with the U.S Bank Altitude Reserve Card being your now most important Card with the exposure to Mobile Wallets. That's cool that U.S Bank has that text message feature with redemptions as well. Great video as always!
Thanks so much Matt! Yeah, I have no problem with completing redoing a credit card setup that isn't working for me anymore. Times change and priorities change and so I'm always looking to improve! Yeah, can't wait to test out these immediate cash back redemptions!
Congrats Stanley! Your gardening paid off for sure cuz that’s a great card in a nice premium package.
Thanks Anand! Yes, it was a looong garden so I'm glad that it paid off at the end. It doesn't always so I consider myself to be very lucky!
Wow this is such an great setup. The 4.5% on mobile wallet is actually insane. I use apple pay 90% of the time now even at restaurants. Also such a clean, no bs setup too. Nice work Stan!!
Thanks so much Jake! Yeah, I think once you realize how often you actually use mobile wallets, it really opens your eyes to a lot of possibilities with this card! And yeah, I see a lot of credit card setups with overlap, and I'm a big fan of setups that are clean and have very little overlap as possible. Gotta balance simplicity with value!!
@@TheCreditFrog How do you actually get the 1.5cpp ??? Just by using the text message feature it gets you that boost?
@@15enric15 Yup, you sign up for Real Time Rewards and when you make a qualifying transaction, you get a text message asking if you want to redeem your points for that purchase, just confirm and you get the 1.5X back. Categories are airfare, hotel, car rentals, and other travel for 1.5X
@@TheCreditFrog Wow, that sounds amazin, what does qualify for the 1.5cpp? I am following your steps and my goal is to get this card in couple of months By a product change from the US Bank Altitude Go Card, it has been a challenge opening that basic Altitude Go card i Have to say. Is US Bank the hardest bank to get Cards Fom?
@@15enric15 US Bank is not the hardest one, but it's certainly not the easiest. The expenses that qualify for 1.5X are airlines, hotels, car rentals, and "other travel" which is defined in the RTR category list when you sign up for the program. I'd have to look back to see specifically what those are. Definitely try to get those hard pulls and new accounts to be 0-1 over 6 months and maybe look into getting a checking account with US Bank. This will help out your application for sure!
Just got approved after watching your videos and doing the research. I do have a 14 year relationship with US Bank and hold their Platinum and Cash plus Visa's with 10k and 8k credit lines. They approved me for $12k which I was hoping would be higher for $30k total credit line with all three cards. I'll be using this for the mobile wallet and travel. Thanks for the info.
Very cool! Congrats on the new card!! 🎉. $12k is still a very respectable credit line, and it's good that you have the card so you can use that 3X travel and mobile wallet multiplier. It's definitely a game changing card for me and I'm sure it'll be the same for you!
That whole Real-Time Rewards is very interesting! Great message graphic too haha.
That box is very nice! What the hell, better than my Platinum box!
Nice Stan, your unboxings are always unmatched!
Thanks Tony! Yeah, I love a good unboxing - especially when a box is offered! I know, Amex needs to step up their credit card box game! I just about to finish the SUB so I'll have some points to experiment with RTRs. Looking forward to getting me some sweet cash back value!
you only get the 4.5X on real time rewards if its travel related, correct? Otherwise it's 3X I assume.
@@romangabriel007I have the same question lol
Yes, the RTR redemption has to be travel related.
@@TheCreditFrog thank you for clarifying this
Beautiful card! Congrats Sir! Hope you are enjoying it! 👍
Thank you! Yes, I'm enjoying it a lot!!
Congrats Stan. Beware not all real time rewards. Redemptions happens at 1.5 cents per point. Only certain travel related categories with certain minimum limits give 1.5 cents per point redemption with RTR. Also, please note that unlike Chase/BoA the travel category is very restrictive and does not include Airbnb or transit charges.
Thanks! I appreciate those tips as well. I'll definitely keep an eye out for categories that do NOT get me that 1.5X multiplier because I don't want to fall into the trap. And yeah, it's unfortunate that the Travel category is not inclusive of travel, but that's where BofA comes in so it's nice to have access to cards from both issuers!
@@TheCreditFrog the best way I get 1.5 cents per point is adding it as payment method on Uber/Eats for any overflow amount due after Amex credit.. So even the small amount generates real time redemption requests at 1.5 cents per point...
Where can I find the list of what is included in the 1.5cpp redemption option?
@@TheCreditFrog Could you expand on bow to get the 1.5cpp redemption option?
@@15enric15 see my reply to your other comment
I almost upended my entire strategy to get a 4.5% catch-all (almost) card, only to find out the 1.5x multiplier is only when redeemed for travel. Still a great card, just not as great as I was hoping for
Yeah, I think it's important to figure out both the earnings and redemptions to see what works best for you! The fine print is always what gets you, but I'm glad you were able to figure that out before making a lot of moves!
I'm farming for this setup!
1. US BAR (building the relationship)
2. BofA Premium Rewards as my everything else
3. My churning card of the month/year.
4. VentureX (have currently for Travel, but might consider dropping).
Not in my wallet:
5. Marriott Boundless for Marriott only (deciding if it's worthwhile).
6/7. Two CCRs for Gas/EV and Housing expenses that are autopay.
Planning to drop my AmEx Gold, once I get the Schwab Platinum to cashout. Just need to get out of pop-up jail.
That's awesome Vernon! Nice to see that we're working towards the same setup! I'll speak to this in a later video, but I find that my CCR is better used towards online shopping as long as your gas station accepts mobile wallets so the USBAR can cover it. I also plan on canceling the Gold and keeping the Platinum (for lounge and FHR). Great minds think alike 🧠!
@@TheCreditFrog - Now that I think about it, Tesla app, ChargePoint and Electrify America all use Mobile Wallets, so maybe I can re-purpose one of my CCR slots. A good thought!
ETA: Since I had two already, once is back to Dining as a backup card and the other is for online shopping. Now to farm for that US BAR. :)
The biggest thing that stops me from getting mobile wallet-focused cards like this or the Kroger Mastercard is that a large portion of my spend is at grocery stores, specifically H-E-B, and my local H-E-B doesn't accept mobile wallet payments.
Oh no! Yeah, mobile wallets are definitely location-specific. The same problem happens with Wal-Mart since they don't accept them either, at least, in-store. I think in your case, you'd have to weigh the pros and cons - or you could get a solid grocery store card like the Citi Custom Cash to go along with the mobile-wallet card!
Yet. Patience. Kroger didn’t take them until just this year. If they take chipped cards they’re set up for Apple Pay too, it’s just a matter of back end stuff.
Agreed, for myself also as most of my time is spent abroad.
@@TheCreditFrog This was a shock to me. Now I never used apply pay until I got this card. Imagine my surprise to learn Wally doesn't accept it as they have this wal-mart pay setup. Anyway I used at my wife's hair salon, for oil changes and auto repairs, cellphone, internet, Insurance..apply pay is accepted at literally all the places I like to shop.
Little update for anyone who’s watching this. If you have good credit & get denied the card, just send them a letter in the mail and they’ll mostly approve you afterwards. That’s what happened for me & I got it
Thanks for letting us know of your experience! Congrats on the new card!! 🎉🎉
What did you include in the letter?
Congrats Stan... I'm thinking about getting the Altitude Connect in the future... That Reserve comes in a nice package though
Thanks so much Sledge! Yeah, that Altitude Connect card is also very good, especially for no annual fee the first year. Wish that the Altitude Connect could transfer points to the Altitude Reserve because that would be such an OP setup! Yes, I'm happy with the packaging with this card as well!
Altitude Connect is a solid card, I just opened a secured USB Altitude Go card was tired of the odd approval odds. The lounge access on the Altitude Connect is a nice touch and it now has no AF!
Thanks for this awesome video!
You’re welcome!
Love and enjoying your videos. With this US Bank Reserve Card not sure how I can use digital wallet to make purchases and pay utilities online.
Thanks! Not sure if there’s a way to do that. I would use the US Bank Cash+ for 5% back on home utilities!
@@TheCreditFrog Not sure if I should just stick with the Chase Trifecta instead since there good value redemption with transfer partners and have great point value. Not sure the Reserve cash rewards will meet my travel needs. Your thoughts.
@@alanwu3678 if you want a simple one card cash back setup - this is the card for you! But if you want the ability to do transfer partners forties value, then I’d recommend sticking with the Chase trifecta.
Congratulations!🎉🎊 Beautiful card and great unboxing Stan! Thanks for the detailed overview and information!🫵
Thanks César. Glad you enjoyed the unboxing, and I appreciate you brother! 👊
Congratulations on the new card! I eventually want this card. I’m working on the 60k SUB on the Business Altitude Connect. Looks like all of the redemption options are only at 1 cent per point.
Thanks! Yeah the Altitude Connect is a solid card, but sadly the redemption value is capped at 1cpp and you can’t transfer points to another card! If US Bank allowed this, it would change the game!
@@TheCreditFrogit sure would!
The Altitude Reserve looks great! I was considering joining Bank of America for the premium rewards system. But the AR seems like a simple setup! I will definitely consider it once I get burnt out with juggling my multi card set up
Thanks LK! Yeah, the USB AR + BofA PR is a great combo to use IMO - lots of value in a simple package - maybe an endgame setup you look into one day!
I replaced my chase trifecta with my US bank altitude go and reserve a couple months ago😂 i thaught it was a superior setup with 4% on dining and 3 on everything else except for some gas stations where u have to pay at pump those are 2%
That’s awesome! Yeah, the Chase Trifecta has two downsides: gas and groceries, and I think the USB AR covers that very well with that 3X mobile wallet category! Even better if you have the Altitude Go! I always go to Costco for gas so luckily mobile wallets are always accepted there provided that it’s a VISA, which USB AR is!
I got my altitude reserve
thru product change
I still get welcome bonus 50k point
Just wanted to share
Thank you as always
@@friendswithkobe8934 Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Everyone’s sleeping on the Alt Reserve, is that because no lucrative referral side hustle? Only $250/mo spend needed to offset the $75 effective AF vs a 2x catch all
I actually think the lack of a referral program is a part of it because, yes, this card is incredible, and I'm really enjoying it! The travel credit is super easy to use and I'm getting so much value on my everyday spending!
Very cool card, Stan! I think the 25k limit is amazing, but you definitely did your homework to show them you wanted a relationship with them, so it’s probably a rare limit to start out with - especially for your first card with them!
I give you 6 months, TOPS, before the honeymoon phase is over and you make it your primary MOBILE WALLET card, with your main driver going back to an Amex card.
Love your content.
- ivan
Thanks Ivan! Yeah, I'm happy with the CL I was given being that it was my first US Bank credit card. I plan on using this as my primary card moving forward so we'll see if I ever decide to revert back to Amex, but with their recent changes, I'm not really enthused with them right now, haha!
Did the packaging change now? I got a sleeve style mail. Not a fancy box
It probably did!
Great card. US bank is an underrated lender. Conservative but underrated.
For sure. Definitely agree!
I have an 18 year relationship with US Bank. Although my accounts are dormant as I've moved on to using a local credit union, USB has as special place in my heart as they were my first bank, and their service is always excellent. Their app is pretty bad though.
Excellent video & info! Thanks
Of course! You’re welcome!
Im thinking i get the altitude connect in December, and then garden for another 6 months and go for the reserve next sunmer. I got way too many cards in 2023.
That sounds like a solid plan! Yeah, you definitely should garden before pulling the trigger for the AR. Having a lot of new accounts tends to spook US Bank when it comes to the approval!
I swear if USB had a referral program like Chase or Amex then it would way more popular! Hopefully you bring more exposure to this card Stan!
Haha, I wish they had a referral program Eduardo! I would be referring this card left and right because it truly has changed the game for me in terms of getting value from my everyday spending! Also, they need to make combining points from their other Altitude cards available, because that would be so OP and people would be lining up to get this card left and right!
@@TheCreditFrog I hope I see some news soon since Wells Fargo has stepped up their game! I don’t want to see USB fall behind lol
Really enjoyed the video, Stan! The US Bank AR is the next card on my list and this video sold the power of this card even more. Do you know if this card gives access to restaurants and spas within priority pass as part of your 8 visits?
That's awesome Matt! The USB AR is an amazing card, and I've been using it nonstop since I got it! And yes, the PP does include access to restaurants and spas just like you'd expect on the Chase versions of the PP!
I went ahead and balls to the wall just apply without doing all that additional stuff. Took a gamble and got approved!
Awesome!! Fortune favors the bold haha!
When you transition off your old set up. Are you product changing or downgrading your cards
Yes so for the BofA card, I’ll be product changing, but for the Amex Gold, there is no NAF option so it will be canceled!
@Stan The Credit Frog…. What exactly does it mean when it says eligible mobile wallet spend; aren’t all types of mobile spend eligible for 3x points or are we talking about a certain category of mobile wallet spend that will earn that 3x points?
US Bank mobile wallets only include Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay, specifically
@@TheCreditFrog Sorry, but you misunderstood the question I was asking. The question was is there a certain product category that you must spend on using your eligible mobile wallet to get that 3x, or those that 3x count towards any purchase made with your eligible mobile wallet?
@@DreLBrown529 Oh ok sorry about that. It's for any purchase using a mobile wallet. Anything.
@@TheCreditFrogThanks for responding… Also, can I use my Altitude Reserve 8 Priority Pass complementary visit to get others into the lounge?
@DreLBrown529 Yup! Each guest will use one pass though. There are no free guests with a single pass
THANK YOU STAN👍🏼
I decided to apply for the USBAR after watching this awesome video. I received my USBAR in the January 2024 and I just received my 50000 bonus points in March.
I really enjoy my USBAR so far and I
just applied for the USB Altitude Connect and got approved. Do you know if I could pool the points from both cards to redeem for rewards?
You're welcome Pat! That's amazing, and late congrats on the new USBAR card (and USB AC)! It's definitely my favorite card at this point, and it's super easy to use the card and the $325 credit! Unfortunately, I don't think you can combine points from both cards - it was be amazing if you could though!
Great video. Can the $325 travel credit be used on anything travel related or are there specifics?
Thanks! It has to fit in the travel category for US Bank. This is inclusive only of airlines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, limousines, passenger trains and cruise line companies.
I think I am convinced to get this card, especially with a lot of Europe traveling lined up. However! I'm worried about the text message system. When I'm in Europe, I have data turned off.. I would much prefer an email so that I can receive redemption notifications over Wi-Fi, especially for this being a travel card.. Do you know if you can switch it?
I don’t think you can, but I’ve heard that RTR isn’t really a thing with international purchases. You can certainly still earn 3X on mobile wallet purchases so I would focus on that!
I just received the card today and set up the real-time-rewards. It was asking me to select categories (it had a whole bunch of different ones). Am I supposed to select all of them or just “travel” to get the 1.5 redemption boost? 🤔
@@MMSTUDIOS5 Awesome! Select Airfare, Lodging, Rental Car, and Other Travel, and then you will always RTR for 1.5X!
I may have to sign up for this card. For the $325 credit, do I have to use it as one transaction?
It's a great card! Nope, you can do multiple transactions until you hit the $325 limit!
@@TheCreditFrog Thanks. I'm going to apply for this card soon. The $325 is very easy to hit and I don't even have to really keep track.
Did you downgrade your BOA Elite? If yes, can you get the welcome bonus again from the BOA premium rewards?
I haven't yet, but if you downgrade the PR Elite to a card that is not the PR, certainly you can get the PR card welcome offer. But if you downgrade to the PR card, I'm not sure if you can again because based on the terms and conditions, it's not clear.
Curious if you considered Savor One in lieu of Bilt
I did, but the Bilt card would be more valuable to me since I still rent
I got my card last week but only a 10k limit.
Congrats! 10k limit is also very solid!
Did your card also come in a box? I just got approved also with a 10k limit. The email I received from them also said, “card will arrive by mail in about 6 days”. How soon did you get your card?
@@dakotadrone Yes, mine came in a nice box about 3 days after I applied. I added to my and the wife's mobile wallets and went out to try it out. We used it at a restaurant and got the credit for dinner applied about 3 days after the transaction posted. Same with the hotel room we booked for a wedding. The 10k limit is a bit low for my liking but I was not a current customer so maybe they want to see how reliable I am. I will wait about 6 months and ask for an increase as this is my new daily driver card. The best thing is I can pay my Insurance, cable, cellphone and a few other bills through apply pay when using their apps so I'm racking up points fast.
@@dakotadrone My box came arrived in about 3 days
Can you decide for which transaction you can apply the $325 credit or is it automated for everyday dining, flight?
It’s automated for the transactions you make
@@TheCreditFrog thanks for the info! Tempted to apply for this for the 3X and $325 credit. Currently, I can get 4X on groceries (amex gold), 4X (amex gold)/ 6X (BILT rent day) on dining, 3X (amex gold)/ 4X (BILT rent day) on traveling. Trying to justify if I can negate the $75 fee somehow. You got any tips?
@@ichigokurosaki1119 If you want a simpler setup, as well as a card with primary auto rental collision damage waiver and 8 Priority Passes per year, including restaurants, then this is the card to get!
Curious if you sock drawered your Amex platinum or cancelled it outright
I use the Platinum still, but only to get into lounges and sometimes for booking FHR properties!
This setup is so good. I NEED IT lol
It is! Time to roadmap it out! This is where the fun begins.
Even though Airbnb isn’t included in Travel category for 3X, the Airbnb app has ApplePay feature when booking. So you should still receive 3X for mobile purchase, correct?
Yes, this should still work for 3X under the ApplePay category!
Awesome! Thanks for the quick response too @@TheCreditFrog
Will you be making a video on the redemption process soon with the USBAR?
I haven't made a direct video for this, but using RTR is pretty simple. Just need to activate it and they will send you text messages when you make a purchase to redeem. Just make sure to set those categories to air travel, lodging, car rental, and other travel, and you'll always be offered a 1.5X RTR redemption!
Is Airbnb for sure not included in travel category for $325 credit? I’m seeing conflicting things on Reddit and NerdWallet, they’re making it seem like it is now. Looks like it doesn’t qualify for RTR based on frequentmiler
@jmoon2532 Haven’t tried it myself so I’m not sure
I recently got this card as well. I was shocked the packaging was so much better than my Platinum card. Do you know if the travel credit includes Airbnb?
I agree - the packaging was definitely top notch! Unfortunately, the travel credit probably does not include AirBnB. From the terms, travel includes onlly airlines, hotels, car rentals, taxi cabs, limousines, passenger trains, and cruise line companies.
What lounges are my allowed to use. I just got approved.
Congrats on the new card! Priority Pass airport lounges, including Priority Pass restaurants are included
Thanks brother 👍
I don't want to sound ignorant. But I fly over 60 times a year for business. I always see the AMEX lounge. Is there a specific lounge that this card has access to? By the way, I've learned a lot from your videos.
@@davidborges2627 that’s great! Yeah for the Centurion lounges, you’ll need the Amex Platinum card so if you frequent those lounges, that’s the card to get! Alternatively you could go Delta Reserve if you fly Delta a lot as it can get you into the Centurion lounge as well with a valid Delta flight.
If I use ApplePay on my MacBook also trigger the mobile wallet 3X? Asking for a friend
I honestly don't know because I've never tried it, and don't use Apple Pay on my compute, specifically, but I assume it does since the payment is going through Apple Pay. I think you have to be careful to distinguish Apple Pay and Apple Wallet though.
Wel my expenses keep coming so another intro bonus here we go, was insta approved today! It’ll be a bit redundant in my wallet for a while but looking at that strong but simple hybrid long game.
I would’ve settled first for the Schwab Plat since my Clear is renewing but still pop up jailed for all personal cards but they’ll throw any business SUB at me!
Hey congrats on the new card!! Did you get approved for the USB AR or some other card? Sounds like it could be an Amex business card?
@@TheCreditFrog hey that was confusingly written yes I meant approved for AR but recently opened an Amex biz gold as well and just have a lot of SUBs to chase since I’m going through a massively higher than normal spending period
@WhatsThePoints1 Oh, dang! Congrats on 2 new cards then! Super congrats on the AR - it’s my new favorite card. The $325 credit is surprisingly easy to (completely) use which is more than I can say about the new Biz Gold monthly credits!
@@TheCreditFrogThanks again for being the only blogger even talking about this card! And here's to simplicity in a sea of complexity. My job is technical enough and at some point the endless coupon booking and having to decide between 5 different cards on every purchase (this is why pure cashback setups chasing 5% are ridiculous IMO-- for example saw a commentor on an RJ video about the AAA travel rewards which seems great but turns out Comity bank is a nightmare) needs to give way to ease of use.
With the AR now seriously considering downgrade my Venture X to a V1 because I'm mostly in Costa Rica which has tap to pay everywhere- so guaranteed 4.5x is better to me than 2x miles that unlike even Amex have no possible way to cash out beyond 0.5cpp. And for purchases in USD I can still use my BBP. My P2 just got a Savor One and coincidentally already has the V1 so we have a hybrid play there to keep the transferable miles coming in since Amex isn't accepted most places and my highest Chase card will likely be the Ink Pref. I do really wanna try the Cap1 lounges though!
Does this mean you gave up the Amex Plat? I figured you’d keep it given your use of Amex lounges.
No, will be keeping the Plat. But the Gold will be going away soon!
@@TheCreditFrogYes, I watched some more of your videos and saw that you've got the MS Plat. I was tempted to add the US Bank AR but I have heard mixed things about their customer service. One of the things that I rarely see covered in Cards videos is the value of Customer Service. AMEX forever seemed to be and may still be the gold standard. I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve and have had mixed experiences. In some cases they've been great, but when I had a return dispute (merchant wouldn't acknowledge receipt), Chase took forever to close it out in my favor and it felt like so much work. At that time, I realized that I may want to go back to AMEX even if it meant less flexible points. if US Bank AR had AMEX customer service (and maybe it does?), then that would be my dream card. For now, though, I am planning on moving back to AMEX. Thanks for all of your thoughtful videos. They're fun and informative.
This is my setup, Altitude Reserve, Bilt, VX (not BofA). Does Altitude Reserve PP include restaurants??
Very nice! VX is a great catch-all card! I'm not entirely sure, but I think that yes the AR PP includes restaurants too!
@TheCreditFrog Some said yes and some said no. So, really don't know.
Yes, both the AR and Connect Priority Pass includes the restaurant benefit (field tested fact)
@@ryansebers396 Thank you for this data point!
@ryansebers396 Wow awesome. Going get the Altitude connect next. Thanks!!
Does tap to pay with physical card also count as 3x earn?
No, it’s only using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay
Do Walmart/Sam's club app for in store or gas count as 3x?
No, unfortunately not. The only mobile wallets that count for 3X are Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Hi Stan, is having mortgage with US bank built a relationship with them?
Hi Jacqueline, yes, I think that would count!
Thanks!!!
I wonder why they can give a higher multiplier for using mobile wallet
I'm not sure, but I'm definitely happy with what they're offerring!
Stan, does this card work for Costco purchases?
It sure does!!
Awesome!!!
What does it pay for gas purchases?
3X if you use a mobile wallet!
Let’s go Stan! The Altitude Reserve is a great endgame card in my opinion. Bonus points to US Bank for actually sending it in a box haha.
Thanks so much Josh! Yeah, it's definitely a great card to get - probably once you've identified whether you're more on Team Cash Back or Team Travel. I will say that US Bank, like Capital One, have a increased approval tendency for those in the early to mid-stages of their credit card journey, but that's only based on DPs I've seen of people in their endgame getting flat-out denied like me, until they fight for it!
@@TheCreditFrog Good to know! Thanks Stan!
Can anyone confirm the 4.5% actually working on anything other than the whole "booking a refundable flight" loophole? I would love to look into getting this card but trying to establish a relationship and such with the bank seems like a ton of work for not much reward at 3% straight up versus other 5% cards.
I think that's the only way I'm familiar with to liquidate the 4.5X redemption value. Otherwise, it's just redeeming your points either through the travel portal or for travel purchases through real time rewards.
@@TheCreditFrog gotcha. In the video it sounds like you can use real time rewards for 1.5x on any purchases, so it took some combing for me to figure out exactly what the benefit meant.
@parkeranderson1172 Ah, yeah. It wasn’t super clear so my fault!
Tears of joy ~
😭😭😭
Us bank has actually a better mobile wallet card than the AR, it give you 5% cack back on mobile wallets payment for the first 3k dollar each year.
I think you’re referring to the Kroger Mastercard, which is also a great card! But I would say that the $3k cap is severely limiting and I would go with unlimited 4.5X mobile wallet vs 5% MW up to $3k because that extra .5% ($15) because the sky is the limit with the AR!
I want that card but they wont approve me
Damn 😕! Garden? 🌿
@@TheCreditFrog yup. Ill apply for it when i have 0 inquiries and 0/24. Currently 10/24 with a million inquiries 🤣
@@DCGEMINI202 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'm impressed and disgusted at the same time!
@@TheCreditFrog 😂😂😂
For anybody reading this,
Today i Got approved at 6/24👍🏾
They checked my Equifax and i have a 798. Applied at 1am and it Went to pending, woke up to a email saying approved for 10k
I have it I love it, but I actually hate the design of it. It looks cheap with that vertical design.
I think it looks ok! Not the most beautiful card, but a solid metal card. Luckily it should only exist in our mobile wallet anyways so there's that 🤣!
packaging looks better than amex plat
Even Bilt had better packaging than Amex Plat
Yes, I agree! It was much higher quality than that cardboard box!
@@LK_EBM Bilt packaging is probably the best I've seen (maybe the Centurion card is better, but questionable)
My Amex platinum is heavier-- not just in weight. This card is now "History" . 😅
Yup! But it is immortalized in my videos on TH-cam for all to see!
Second!
Congrats Zach! You are second 🥈
First!!
Great job CJ! You are indeed FIRST 🥇 🏆 🎉
🤤
💯
I'm jelly I got denied for too many new accounts and congrats lol
Ah dang! Not sure if you called the recon line yet, but if you didn't it's worth a shot! Too many new accounts is one of the more common reasons for denial with US Bank, but depending on how many, it's possible to get in through recon!