Update: It is now a permanent benefit to be able to use the travel credit for dining purchases.
Update 11/26/20: This is now valid until June 30, 2021. Hat tip to reader Josh
Update 6/10/20: Readers wondered why this wasn’t being sent out to cardholders: reader Mark now finds it in the US Bank online credit card login (Reward Center > My Rewards > Redeem Rewards & Access Card Benefits > Access my card benefits > Dining Offer).
Original Post:
US Bank’s premium card the Altitude Reserve is getting two temporary benefits for June 1 through December 31, 2020:
- Dining, takeout, and food delivery purchases will count towards the $325 annual travel credit through the end of the year. This is an additional option on top of the Travel option.
- Card will earn 3x on dining purchases (regularly just 1x) through the end of the year; this category includes takeout and delivery as well.
We’ve received this information from reliable sources. According to the info we’ve received, these benefits are already live since June 1; if anyone can confirm seeing it already in their Altitude Reserve login, please let us know in the comments.
I imagine US Bank will communicate these new benefits to cardholders directly, and perhaps release it in the coming days in the media as well. It was just made known to their bankers today.
Worth noting that the $325 annual travel credit is based on cardmember year, not calendar year, so it’s possible that some people will be able to max out TWO years of $325 credits on Dining purchases if their card renews sometime during this 7-month timespan.
Our Verdict
We’ve seen most banks with premium cards make various additions/perks to their cards during this time of minimal travel; not surprising to see US Bank do the same. The dining credit option isn’t as easy as grocery/gas that Chase did or grocery/restaurant that Citi Prestige did, but it still is a nice additional option, especially with the takeout and delivery services being there as well.
The temporary addition of 3x dining is also a nice bonus on top of the ordinary 1x earning. A lot of people use mobile payments to get 3x everywhere, but this is useful for someplace that does not have a mobile payments option.
