Picking up a hidden gem card, looking on the upside of shutdowns, a Hyatt safety tip and more (Week in Review) - Frequent Miler

What the report says

Frequent Miler’s latest Week in Review centers on a contributor’s attempt to convert a U.S. Bank Altitude Go card into the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect, a no-annual-fee travel card the site describes as an underappreciated option. The writer said live chat was difficult to find on desktop but was eventually available in the bank’s app. After two unsuccessful chat attempts, a representative listed product-change choices including Cash+, Smartly, Shield Visa and Altitude Connect.

According to the post, the appeal of the Altitude Connect includes four annual Priority Pass visits, including restaurant use, and complimentary 5GB GigSky eSIM access for 15 days. The writer noted the eSIM benefit can be requested repeatedly if enough time passes between activations, potentially helping on multiple international trips. The account had not yet updated online after several days, so the product change still appeared to require follow-up.

The roundup also highlights several other Frequent Miler items from the week. Greg the Frequent Miler discussed account shutdown issues involving Citi, Capital One and Wells Fargo, including concern over credit card points after a Wells Fargo checking account closure tied in the post to suspected identity theft or overseas logins. Another item warned World of Hyatt members that free-night certificates may effectively need attention earlier than the visible expiration date suggests.

Additional posts covered points-based travel planning in New York, Canada and the Montreal Jazz Festival; Southwest fare and seating observations; an updated guide to booking Preferred Hotels with points; and commentary on destinations that cost more or less than expected. The broader significance is for travel-rewards readers managing card benefits, loyalty points and account-risk scenarios.