Alaska Airlines Credit Card Review: Unlock The Skies

Alaska Airlines Credit Card Review

FUNDSamentally Rating

At a glance

	Alaska Airlines Visa®
Annual Fee	– $95
Sign up bonus	– 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Penalty APR	– up to 29.99% apr
Foreign transaction fee	– None
APR	– 20.24% – 28.24% variable apr on purchases and balance transfers
Value of points redeemed	– 1 cent
Balance transfer APR	– 20.24% – 28.24% variable apr on purchases and balance transfers
Other benefits

Introduction to the Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card

The Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card, issued by Bank of America, is a top-tier airline credit card for travelers who frequently fly Alaska Airlines and its partners. With generous rewards, free checked bags, priority boarding, and an annual companion fare, this card offers exceptional value to those who often travel to West Coast destinations, Hawaii, and beyond.

For a moderate annual fee of $95, cardholders get perks that can easily outweigh the cost, especially with the annual Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™, which lets you bring a travel companion for as little as $122 ($99 fare + taxes and fees from $23).

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card, including its rewards program, benefits, fees, and how to maximize its value.

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Key Features of the Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card

1. Generous Sign-Up Bonus

• Earn 50,000 Alaska Mileage Plan™ miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Miles can be redeemed for flights on Alaska Airlines and over 20 global airline partners.

2. Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ (Annual Benefit)

• Every year, receive a companion ticket for $99 + taxes and fees starting at $23.
• This can save hundreds of dollars when traveling with a companion, making the card well worth the annual fee.

3. Earn Rewards on Every Purchase

• 3X miles per $1 spent on Alaska Airlines purchases, including flights, in-flight purchases, and baggage fees.
• 2X miles per $1 spent on gas, local transit (rideshare, taxis, parking, tolls), and cable streaming services.
• 1X mile per $1 on all other purchases.

4. Free Checked Bag for You and Up to 6 Companions

• Save $60 per round trip per person on baggage fees.
• A huge benefit for families or group travelers, as up to 6 travel companions get the same perk.

5. No Foreign Transaction Fees

• Travel abroad without worrying about extra charges—ideal for international travel.

6. Priority Boarding on Alaska Airlines Flights

• Board early and secure overhead bin space before general passengers.

7. Alaska Airlines Lounge Discount

• Get a $100 discount on an Alaska Lounge+ membership, which provides access to Alaska Airlines lounges in select airports.

8. Travel Protections & Shopping Perks

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Extended warranty on eligible purchases

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How to Maximize the Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card

1. Use the Companion Fare Every Year

• The companion fare can easily save you $300–$500 (or more) on flights.
• Use it for expensive or long-haul flights to maximize value.

2. Book Flights Directly with Alaska Airlines

• Earn 3X miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases.
• Combine with Alaska Mileage Plan™ elite status for even more rewards.

3. Use the Card for Gas, Transit, and Streaming Services

• Earn 2X miles on gas and commuting expenses—a great way to rack up miles fast.

4. Take Advantage of Free Checked Bags

• Traveling with family? Up to 6 companions also get free checked bags, saving you hundreds per trip.

5. Redeem Miles with Partner Airlines

• Alaska Airlines is part of Oneworld, allowing you to use miles for international flights on airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, and Japan Airlines.

6. Use the Card Abroad

• No foreign transaction fees mean you can save 3% on international purchases compared to other cards.

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Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card vs. Other Airline Credit Cards

Alaska Airlines Visa® vs. United℠ Explorer Card

Feature	Alaska Airlines Visa®	United℠ Explorer Card
Bonus Offer	50,000 miles	50,000 miles
Companion Fare	Yes ($99 + taxes)	No
Free Checked Bag	Yes (for up to 6 people)	Yes (for up to 2 people)
Earning Rate	3X on Alaska, 2X on gas & transit	2X on United, dining, hotels
Best For	Frequent Alaska Airlines travelers	United Airlines flyers

Alaska Airlines Visa® vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex

Feature	Alaska Airlines Visa®	Delta SkyMiles® Gold
Bonus Offer	50,000 miles	40,000 miles
Companion Fare	Yes	No
Lounge Benefits	$100 lounge discount	None
Best For	West Coast travelers	Delta frequent flyers

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Who Should Get the Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card?

✔ Frequent flyers who travel with Alaska Airlines
✔ West Coast travelers who want to maximize rewards
✔ Families or groups who can benefit from free checked bags
✔ Anyone who can use the companion fare for high-value flights
✔ Travelers who want to earn miles with Alaska’s global airline partners

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Bottom Line: Is the Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card Worth It?

The Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card is one of the best airline credit cards for frequent Alaska Airlines travelers. With a strong sign-up bonus, an annual companion fare, 3X miles on Alaska purchases, and valuable travel perks, it can easily pay for itself year after year.

If you regularly fly with Alaska Airlines or its partners, the free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge discounts make this card a smart investment. The companion fare alone can justify the $95 annual fee, making it a great choice for couples, families, and business travelers.

However, if you rarely fly with Alaska Airlines, a more flexible travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture Rewards Card might be a better option.

Final Verdict: The Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card is a Must-Have for Alaska Loyalists 🚀