Skip to content
Credit Card Coups
COMPARE/UNITED EXPLORER VS U.S. BANK ALTITUDE RESERVE
FIRST CARD
SECOND CARD

Chase United Explorer or U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve?

Chase United Explorer returns $230 over its fee and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve returns $45, so the fee difference comes down to which categories you use.

Chase United Explorer
Chase United ExplorerChase · $150 fee · 4 credits
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
U.S. Bank Altitude ReserveU.S. Bank · $400 fee · 2 credits
NET VALUE+$230$380 credits
NET VALUE-$45$355 credits
BEST NET VALUE
Chase United Explorer
CHASEChase United Explorer
FEE$150
CREDITS$380
NET+$230
Category wins2 of 3
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
U.S. BANKU.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
FEE$400
CREDITS$355
NET-$45
Category wins1 of 3
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
LOUNGE ACCESS
Priority Pass Select (Limited Visits)
TAKE THE UNITED EXPLORER IF

You use food & dining, transportation. Food & Dining and Transportation alone are worth $180 here and nothing on the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve.

TAKE THE U.S. BANK ALTITUDE RESERVE IF

You use travel.

Track what you useAdd your card and mark the credits you collect. The calculator does the rest.
Start tracking free

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, Chase United Explorer or U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve?

The Chase United Explorer is better with $230 net annual value compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve at -$45. The Chase United Explorer wins by $275/year.

What's the difference between Chase United Explorer and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve?

The key differences: U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve has a $400 annual fee and $380 in annual benefits, while Chase United Explorer has a $150 annual fee and $355 in annual benefits. The annual fee difference is $250.

Which has a lower annual fee, Chase United Explorer or U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve?

The Chase United Explorer has a lower annual fee at $150 compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve at $400. However, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve offers $355 in total annual benefits.

Is the Chase United Explorer worth it compared to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve?

Yes, the Chase United Explorer offers better value with $230 net annual value compared to -$45 for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve. It also has a lower annual fee.

Chase vs U.S. Bank: which issuer is better?

For these specific cards, Chase's Chase United Explorer offers better value with $230 net annual value. Consider which issuer's broader ecosystem (transfer partners, redemption options) fits your needs.

Which card is better for travel?

The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve is better for travel with $325 in annual travel benefits compared to $200 for the Chase United Explorer.

Should I get the Chase United Explorer?

If you're deciding between the Chase United Explorer and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve, the Chase United Explorer is the better choice with $230 net annual value. However, make sure you can use the key benefits to maximize value. Compare the full benefit breakdown to see which fits your spending better.

Other comparisons

NET VALUE SHOWN FOR EACH
American Express Platinum+$2,109
VS
Chase Sapphire Reserve+$2,348
See the breakdown →
American Express Platinum+$2,109
VS
Capital One Venture X-$65
See the breakdown →
Capital One Venture X-$65
VS
Chase Sapphire Reserve+$2,348
See the breakdown →
American Express Business Platinum+$1,284
VS
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business+$1,155
See the breakdown →
American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve-$60
VS
Chase United Quest+$456
See the breakdown →
American Express Gold+$99
VS
American Express Platinum+$2,109
See the breakdown →

MORE UNITED EXPLORER COMPARISONS

MORE U.S. BANK ALTITUDE RESERVE COMPARISONS