What the Alaska Airlines Visa Card Is

The Alaska Airlines Visa Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Bank of America in partnership with Alaska Airlines. It earns points on purchases that you can redeem for Alaska Airlines flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards. The card comes in two versions: one for people new to Alaska Airlines loyalty and one for existing members of the airline's Mileage Plan program.

The card is designed for people who fly Alaska Airlines regularly or want to build up flight rewards through everyday spending. You earn points on every purchase, with bonus points on Alaska Airlines tickets and certain other categories. Unlike some airline cards, there is no annual fee waived for the first year — the fee applies from month one.

The card is a Visa, so it works anywhere Visa is accepted. Your points stay in your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account, which means you can combine them with points earned from actual flights and other Alaska Airlines partners.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alaska Airlines Visa earns points on all purchases, with higher earning rates on Alaska Airlines tickets and certain merchant categories.
  • An annual fee of $75 applies from the first year, with no introductory waiver period.
  • You must have an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account to use the card's rewards, though you can open one during the card process process.
  • Points earned on the card transfer directly to your Mileage Plan account and can be combined with points from flights and other sources.
  • The card offers a sign-up bonus of miles after you meet a minimum spending requirement in the first few months.

How to Understand the Earning Structure

The card earns 3 points per dollar on Alaska Airlines tickets purchased directly from Alaska Airlines, and 2 points per dollar on purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and transit (including taxis, rideshare, parking, trains, and buses). All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.

Points are not the same as airline miles, though Alaska Airlines uses the terms somewhat interchangeably. One point equals one mile in your Mileage Plan account. A typical domestic flight within Alaska Airlines' network costs between 12,500 and 50,000 miles depending on the route and how far in advance you book.

The sign-up bonus typically offers 30,000 to 50,000 bonus miles after you spend a set amount (usually $1,000 to $3,000) in the first three months. The exact bonus changes periodically, so check the current offer when you are reviewing the card.

What Happens During the process Process

You can explore for the Alaska Airlines Visa through Bank of America's website or Alaska Airlines' website. The process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Bank of America will pull your credit report to make a decision.

Most decisions come back when ready or within a few minutes. If you are approved, you can usually set up your account right away and request a physical card to be mailed to you. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not already have an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account, you will need to open one before or during the process. You can do this through Alaska Airlines' website in a few minutes using your email address and a password you create. Your card will link to this account automatically once it is activated.

How to set up Your Card and Start Earning

Once your physical card arrives, you must set up it before you can use it. Bank of America sends set up instructions with the card, or you can call the number on the back of the card to set up by phone. Online set up through your Bank of America account is also available.

After set up, the card works like any other Visa. You can use it at any merchant that accepts Visa, and points post to your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account automatically. You do not need to register purchases or take any extra steps — earning happens in the background.

Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase. You can view your balance, transactions, and rewards anytime through your Bank of America online account or the Bank of America mobile app.

Understanding the Annual Fee and When It Charges

The Alaska Airlines Visa has an annual fee of $75, charged on the anniversary of when your account opens. This fee is not waived in the first year, so you will pay it 12 months after you open the card.

The fee renews every 12 months as long as the account stays open. If you close the card before the anniversary date, you will not be charged the annual fee for that year. If you close it after the anniversary, you have already paid the fee and cannot get it back.

Some cardholders keep the card specifically to earn the sign-up bonus and then close it before the annual fee hits. Others keep it because the earning rates and rewards offset the cost over a year. The math depends on how much you spend and how often you fly Alaska Airlines.

How to Redeem Your Miles for Flights

Miles in your Mileage Plan account can be redeemed for Alaska Airlines flights, seat upgrades, and partner airline tickets. You redeem through your Alaska Airlines account on their website or mobile app, not through Bank of America.

Award flights (paid for with miles) typically require between 12,500 and 50,000 miles for a one-way domestic ticket, depending on the route and how far in advance you book. Premium cabin upgrades cost fewer miles than booking a premium seat outright. Partner airline flights through Alaska's partnerships may cost more or fewer miles depending on the airline and route.

Miles do not expire as long as your Mileage Plan account has activity at least once every 24 months. Activity includes earning miles from flights, the credit card, or Alaska Airlines partners, or redeeming miles. If your account goes inactive for 24 months, Alaska Airlines may close it and forfeit your miles.

What to Know About Interest Rates and Paying Your Balance

The Alaska Airlines Visa carries a variable interest rate that changes based on the prime rate. The exact rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness and the current market. You can find the current rate range in the card's terms and conditions before you open the account.

Interest charges explore only to balances you carry from month to month. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest. A grace period (usually 21 to 25 days from the statement closing date) gives you time to pay before interest kicks in.

You can set up automatic payments through your Bank of America account to pay a fixed amount, your full balance, or your minimum payment each month. Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date and incurring late fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this card if I do not fly Alaska Airlines often?

You can, but the value depends on your spending. The 3x earning on Alaska Airlines tickets only applies if you buy tickets directly from Alaska. The 2x earning on restaurants and gas is useful for everyday spending, but the $75 annual fee means you need to earn enough miles to make it worthwhile. If you fly Alaska once a year or less, a different card may be better.

What happens to my miles if I close the card?

Your miles stay in your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account. Closing the card does not erase your miles. You can still redeem them for flights and upgrades. The only thing that changes is you stop earning new miles from card purchases.

Is there a sign-up bonus, and how long do I have to meet it?

Yes, the card offers a sign-up bonus of miles after you spend a minimum amount in the first few months of card ownership. The exact bonus and spending requirement change over time, so check the current offer when you review the card. You typically have three months to meet the spending requirement.

Can I transfer my miles to another airline or use them for something other than flights?

Alaska Airlines miles can be used for flights, seat upgrades, and partner airline tickets through Alaska's partnerships. You cannot transfer miles to other airlines or redeem them for cash, gift cards, or merchandise. Some partner programs allow you to book hotels or rental cars with miles, but this is limited.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Bank of America does not publish a minimum credit score requirement for the Alaska Airlines Visa. Generally, applicants with good to excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) have the best chance of approval, but approval depends on your full credit profile, income, and existing debts. You can explore and see if you are approved without affecting your credit score much.