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U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Introduces Olympics-Linked Welcome Offer

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When it comes to rewards credit cards, oftentimes cardholders will see the greatest injection of value from welcome bonuses. Typically, when you open a new card, the issuer will offer you the chance to earn a significant number of points, miles, or cash back, provided that you spend a pre-determined amount on your new card within a certain amount of time (usually three to six months from account opening). However, a new US Bank promotion has a unique twist as applicants may be able to earn an even larger bonus depending on how the U.S. Olympic team performs at the Winter Games.

From now until February 20th, 2022, those who apply and are approved for the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card will have a chance to earn bonus points thanks to Visa and Team USA. First, new cardholders who spend at least $2,000 on their Altitude Connect card within their first 120 days will earn 50,000 points. This bonus alone amounts to $500 in value, which can be used toward cashback, travel, gift cards, and more.

However, customers will also have the chance to earn up 10,000 additional points based on Team USA’s medal count at the 2022 Winter Olympics. If the team earns fewer than 35 total medals, cardholders will still earn 5,000 bonus points. Meanwhile, if Team USA can take home 36 medals or more, customers will earn 10,000 bonus points — for a total of 60,000 points between the welcome offer and this special bonus.

This is actually not the first time U.S. Bank and Visa have offered point-earning opportunities as part of the Olympics. In 2016, those who applied for the (now discontinued) FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa could earn points for every medal Team USA won at the Summer Games.

Turning back to the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card itself, the product offers rewards that could benefit cardholders long after the Winter Games have closed. For one, the card earns 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center. Cardholders will also earn 4x points on all other travel purchases, as well as at gas stations and EV charging stations. Plus, the card earns 2x points at grocery stores (including grocery delivery, on dining, and on streaming services purchases as well as 1x on all other eligible purchases. Speaking of streaming, cardholders earn up to a $30 credit on select streaming services. Note that the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect does carry a $95 annual fee, although that is waived for the first year.

For context, the United States won 23 medals at the 2018 Winter Games and 28 in 2014, although they did score 37 at the 2010 games. Therefore, while 36 medals is not out of the question, it’s certainly no guarantee. Still, the 5,000 point (the equivalent of $50) bonus is a fun and easy win for those interested in the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card.

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