The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card offers frequent travelers a robust suite of benefits, combining generous rewards with exclusive perks designed to enhance the travel experience. With its unique mileage earning opportunities and annual companion fare benefit, this card stands out as a valuable tool for those who fly frequently with Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airlines, known for its extensive network and customer service, partners with Bank of America to provide this co-branded credit card. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or looking to maximize your travel rewards, this card promises to deliver substantial value.

Key information about the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card

The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed for frequent travelers. It features a generous sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles and Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days.

Cardholders earn unlimited 3 miles per $1 spent on Alaska Airlines purchases and 2 miles per $1 on categories such as gas and streaming services. The card also includes perks like a 20% rebate on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases and no expiration on miles for active accounts, making it an attractive choice for avid Alaska Airlines flyers.

How does the annual fee work?

The annual fee for the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card is $95. This fee is charged annually and appears on the cardholder’s statement. It is not waived for the first year. The fee supports the card’s benefits and rewards structure, including features like the annual Companion Fare™ and mileage earning rates. While the fee is relatively standard among travel rewards cards, the value derived from benefits such as the Companion Fare™ can often outweigh the annual cost for frequent travelers.

How is the credit limit determined?

The credit limit for the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card is determined by Bank of America based on factors such as the applicant’s credit history, credit score, income, and existing debts. For conventional cards, these assessments help gauge the applicant’s ability to manage credit responsibly.

Secured cards require a deposit that typically sets the credit limit equal to the deposit amount, aimed at helping individuals establish or rebuild credit. Bank of America evaluates each application individually to assign a suitable credit limit aligned with the applicant’s financial circumstances and creditworthiness.

Credit card benefits 

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles and Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
• Companion fare™: Receive a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) each year after spending $6,000 or more in purchases within the prior anniversary year.
• Mileage earning: Earn unlimited 3 miles per $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2 miles per $1 on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services, and local transit purchases, and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
• Travel benefits: Enjoy a free checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, plus priority boarding when you use your card to purchase airfare.
• Inflight savings: Receive 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases when you pay with your Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card.
• Loyalty rewards: Get a 10% bonus on all miles earned from purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account, enhancing the value of accumulated miles.

Cash Back

The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card enhances your travel experience with a distinctive feature: you receive a generous 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases when using the card, ensuring that every flight not only accumulates miles but also provides additional rewards for onboard purchases.

Disadvantages

• Annual fee: The card has a $95 annual fee, which could be a drawback for those seeking a card with no annual fee.
• High APR: The variable APR ranges from 20.24% to 28.24%, which is relatively high, especially for those who carry a balance month to month.
• Companion fare limitations: While the Companion Fare™ benefit is attractive, it comes with restrictions such as availability on Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com and additional fees for taxes and charges, which may limit its practicality for some users.

Annual fee

The standout disadvantage of the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card is its $95 annual fee. For many users, particularly those who do not frequently utilize the travel benefits enough to offset this fee, the annual cost may be considered high compared to cards offering similar benefits with lower or waived annual fees.

Who can apply for this card?

The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card is typically available to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria. Applicants generally need to be at least 18 years old (or older, depending on state regulations), have a valid Social Security number, and meet the income requirements set by the issuer, which often varies. A good to excellent credit score is usually required for approval. This card may not be available to individuals who have had past issues with their credit or who do not meet the income thresholds specified by the issuer.

How to apply for the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card

Via WebSite

Applying for the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card through the Bank of America website involves a straightforward process designed to cater to potential cardholders seeking travel rewards and benefits. To begin, visit the dedicated Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card page on the Bank of America website. Here, you’ll find comprehensive details outlining the card’s features, including its rewards structure, annual fees, and other pertinent terms and conditions.

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the card’s offerings, click on the “Apply Now” button to initiate your application. You’ll be prompted to enter personal information such as your full name, address, Social Security number, and employment details. It’s crucial to provide accurate information to facilitate a smooth application process.

During the application, you’ll also need to disclose your income and other financial details. This information helps the issuer assess your ability to manage credit responsibly and determines your credit limit. Depending on your financial situation, additional documentation such as recent pay stubs or bank statements may be required to verify your income.

After completing the application form and agreeing to the terms and conditions, submit your application for review. Bank of America will then evaluate your application based on various factors, including your credit history and income level. The approval process typically takes a few business days, and you may receive an instant decision or further communication via mail or email.

Upon approval, your Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card will be mailed to the address you provided during the application. Follow the instructions included with your card to activate it and begin using it for purchases. Once activated, you can manage your account online through Bank of America’s secure platform, where you can track transactions, make payments, and explore additional benefits offered by the card.