U.S. Bank Finally Launches Transfer Partners
U.S. Bank has finally launched transfer partners, but only for for Altitude Reserve cardholders, adding a long-awaited new way to redeem points.
The initial lineup includes Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles and ALL Accor Live Limitless. Transfers to the three airline programs are available at a 1:1 ratio, while Accor transfers at 2:1.
This is a significant upgrade for the Altitude Reserve, which previously lacked the ability to transfer points directly to airline and hotel loyalty programs.
U.S. Bank Transfer Partners
The initial partners and transfer ratios are:
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue 1:1
- Qantas Frequent Flyer 1:1
- Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles 1:1
- ALL – Accor Live Limitless 2:1
So 10,000 points would become 10,000 Flying Blue, Qantas or Ethiopian miles, or 5,000 Accor points.
Flying Blue is probably the most broadly useful option in the initial lineup, while Ethiopian is an especially interesting addition since it gives U.S. Bank a more unusual transfer partner that can provide some good value. With Flying Blue, Qantas and Ethiopian, cardholders now have access to programs representing SkyTeam, Oneworld and Star Alliance.
The Accor transfer ratio is less generous at 2:1, but Accor points have a relatively fixed value of about 2.3 cents each toward hotel stays, so it can still be useful for members who regularly stay with Accor.
U.S. Bank says transfers to participating travel loyalty programs are final once submitted. Most should process by the next business day, although transfers can take up to 72 hours.
The new benefit is especially interesting because the Altitude Reserve has been unavailable to new applicants since late 2024. Whether U.S. Bank plans to add more transfer partners, expand the feature to other cards or eventually bring back the Altitude Reserve remains to be seen.
Guru’s Wrap-Up
This is a major improvement for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve. Four partners is still a small lineup compared with Chase, Amex, Citi and Capital One, but it is a solid start.
Flying Blue is the standout for most travelers, while Ethiopian provides a more unique option and Accor gives cardholders a hotel transfer partner. More importantly, Altitude points now have significantly more upside than before.
Hopefully this is just the beginning, with more partners added over time ore available for more cardholders.
HT: FM
