Generally speaking, I do not recommend applying for airline cards. I feel strongly that earning transferable points are the way to go. With that said, the Alaska Airlines credit card is one to consider applying for. There are several reasons for this that I cover in more detail below and that you can find here.
Before diving in, it’s important to note that Alaska also offers the Alaska Airlines Business credit card. As I mentioned in my review, this is a business card that travelers should consider adding to their wallets.
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Alaska Airlines Credit Card Details
New Alaska Airlines credit card account members earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. Alaska miles have a ton of value so these bonus miles can go a long way in booking award travel. Learn more about the value of Alaska miles here.
In addition to the bonus miles, the card comes with a $75 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. In my opinion, you can easily offset your annual fee by taking advantage of the Companion Fare.
Alaska Airlines Credit Card Perks
The perk to get excited about on the Alaska Airlines credit card is the Companion Fare. In addition, the card comes with Free Checked Bags, Inflight Rebates, and Discounted Lounge Passes.
Here’s how the Companion Fare works. You receive the Companion Fare after meeting the minimum spending requirements for the signup bonus. Separately, the Companion Fare is available within the first two billing cycles after your anniversary date. The code from Alaska you receive allows you to book an additional round-trip/one-way economy ticket from $121.
As far as restrictions, multiple stopovers are not allowed. Your ticket and the Companion Fare ticket must be booked with your Alaska Airlines credit card. Upon receipt of the code from Alaska to book the Companion Fare, the code has a 12-month expiration date from issuance. Separately, the Companion Fare ticket must be booked with a full-fare ticket.
Travelers who check bags on Alaska flights may love the Free Checked Bag benefit. You and up to six guests on the same reservation receive one free checked bag. Alaska does not require you to pay for your Alaska flight with the Alaska card to receive this benefit.
Another potentially rewarding benefit for those who regularly travel on Alaska flights is the 20% Inflight Rebate. This rebate covers purchases on food, beverage, and onboard Wi-Fi. Your Alaska Airlines credit card must be used to receive the rebate.
The last perk to mention is the 50% Lounge Pass Discount. When you pay for an Alaska Lounge day pass with your Alaska Airlines credit card, you receive a 50% discount.
How to Earn Miles with the Alaska Card
As mentioned earlier, earning transferable points what I recommend. However, earning 3x miles on Alaska purchases with your Alaska Airlines credit card is a solid earn rate. Eligible purchases include Alaska tickets, inflight food/beverages, lounge memberships, and in-lounge food/beverages.
It’s helpful to note that other cards have high earn rates in similar bonus categories. The AmEx Platinum, Citi Prestige, or Chase Sapphire Reserve are alternate cards to consider. AmEx Platinum and Citi Prestige cardmembers earn 5x points on airfare. You earn 3x points on airfare with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
How to Redeem Miles with the Alaska Card
Alaska Airlines continues to have one of the most valuable loyalty programs. Alaska has individual airline partnerships allowing you to access many parts of the world. The challenge has always been how to consistently earn Alaska miles for all of these amazing redemptions.
To give you a taste of how valuable the loyalty program is, here are examples of one-way award flights that you can book 1) 62.5k miles to fly Cathay Pacific business class US to South Africa, 2) 70k miles to fly Japan Airlines first class US to Japan, 3) 70k miles to fly Qantas first-class US to Australia, 4) 45k miles to fly LATAM business Class US to South America.
What Cards Compete with the Alaska Card
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex, United Explorer Card, and Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite compete against the Alaska Airlines credit card. If it’s up to me, I want to earn Alaska miles over Delta, United, and American.
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex cardmembers earn 2x miles at restaurants, US grocery stores, and Delta purchases. You earn 2x miles on United purchases, at restaurants and on hotel stays with the United Explorer. Citi / AAdvantage cardmembers earn 2x miles on American purchases, at restaurants, and at gas stations.
Common Alaska Airlines Card Questions
Is Alaska Airlines credit card worth it?
If you can use the Companion Fare every year, the Alaska Airlines card is likely worth the annual fee.
What kind of credit score do you need for Alaska Airlines credit card?
Industry data points suggests a credit score of more than 650 is required to be approved for the Alaska Airlines card.
Which Alaska credit card is best?
Alaska offers a personal and business version of this credit card. Both cards are similar in the earn rates and benefits. If you have a business, it can make sense to apply for both cards.
What bank is the Alaska Airlines credit card?
Bank of America issues Alaska credit cards.
Conclusion on the Alaska Airlines Card
One of the best ways to justify the Alaska Airlines card annual fee is to use the Companion Fare every year. As a result, paying the annual fee is an afterthought. Cardmembers who are unable to use the Companion Fare may have a tough time justifying the annual fee.
Do you have this card? What do you think of this Alaska Airlines Card Review? Please let me know in the comments or by sending me an email pointswithq@gmail.com.
Disclaimer: If you click and/or sign up for a credit card through certain links on this site or any of my related social media platforms, I may make a commission from that click-through. The editorial content on this page and the user comments are not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are mine alone.
