Alaska Airlines Credit Card: Key Insights and Advice
Unlock travel perks with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card—earn miles, enjoy companion fares, and save on flights and services.
Overview of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card, issued by Bank of America, is tailored for frequent flyers of Alaska Airlines. With a modest annual fee of $95, the card offers a suite of benefits that can significantly enhance your travel experience and provide substantial savings.New York Post+7Bank of America+7The Smart Investor+7My Points Life+2NerdWallet: Finance smarter+2Simple Flying+2
Key Benefits
Generous Sign-Up Bonus
New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. Additionally, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™, allowing a companion to fly with you for just $99 plus taxes and fees starting at $23. NerdWallet: Finance smarter+2One Mile at a Time+2The Points Guy+2One Mile at a Time+7NerdWallet: Finance smarter+7UpgradedPoints.com+7
Reward Earning Potential
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3 miles per $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.
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2 miles per $1 on eligible gas, EV charging stations, local transit, rideshare, cable, and select streaming services.
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1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. Alaska Airlines+2Simple Flying+2The Points Guy+2Alaska AirlinesCondé Nast Traveler
Companion Fare
After spending $6,000 annually, cardholders receive an annual Companion Fare™, enabling a companion to fly for $99 plus taxes and fees. Simple Flying
Free Checked Bags
Enjoy a free checked bag for yourself and up to six companions on the same reservation when flying Alaska Airlines. Intuit Credit Karma
Priority Boarding
Cardholders receive priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights, allowing you to settle in and access overhead bin space earlier. Alaska Airlines
Inflight Savings
Receive a 20% rebate on inflight purchases, including food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, when using your card. Alaska Airlines
Lounge Access Discount
Get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership when purchased with your Alaska Airlines credit card. Alaska Airlines+1UpgradedPoints.com+1
Travel Protections
The card offers travel protections through Visa Signature, including lost luggage reimbursement, rental car insurance, and travel and emergency assistance services. NerdWallet: Finance smarter+1FinanceBuzz+1
Maximizing Your Card Benefits
Utilize the Companion Fare
Plan annual trips with a companion to maximize the value of the Companion Fare. This benefit can offer significant savings, especially on longer or more expensive flights.Condé Nast Traveler+15Simple Flying+15My Points Life+15
Earn Elite Status
Starting January 1, 2025, spending on the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card contributes to earning Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs), helping you achieve elite status faster. The Points Guy+8UpgradedPoints.com+8TravelPander+8
Combine with Bank of America Accounts
If you have an eligible Bank of America account, you can receive a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned through card purchases. My Points Life
Redeem Miles with Partners
Alaska Airlines is part of the oneworld® Alliance, allowing you to redeem miles on over 1,000 destinations worldwide through partner airlines. UpgradedPoints.com+2Bank of America+2Condé Nast Traveler+2
Considerations
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Annual Fee: The card has a $95 annual fee, which can be offset by the benefits if you fly Alaska Airlines regularly.
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Limited Lounge Access: The card does not offer complimentary lounge access but provides a discount on annual memberships.
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Spending Requirement for Companion Fare: To receive the annual Companion Fare, you must spend $6,000 annually on the card.New York Post+6NerdWallet: Finance smarter+6My Points Life+6UpgradedPoints.com+1Alaska Airlines+1Forbes+3Simple Flying+3NerdWallet: Finance smarter+3
Is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card Right for You?
If you frequently fly with Alaska Airlines or its partners, this card offers valuable perks that can enhance your travel experience and provide substantial savings. The Companion Fare alone can offset the annual fee, and the additional benefits make it a strong choice for loyal Alaska Airlines travelers.
However, if you rarely fly with Alaska Airlines or prefer a card with more flexible travel rewards, you might consider other travel credit cards that align better with your travel habits.
Overall, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card is a compelling option for those looking to maximize their travel rewards and enjoy exclusive benefits with Alaska Airlines.NerdWallet: Finance smarter+7TravelPander+7Alaska Airlines+7