The Alaska Airlines Visa Card offers rewards on Alaska Airlines flights and everyday purchases
The Alaska Airlines Visa Card is issued by Bank of America and earns points on purchases with Alaska Airlines and at other merchants. The card comes with an annual fee, a welcome offer for new cardholders, and benefits tied to Alaska Airlines frequent flyer membership. The specific terms—annual fee amount, points per dollar spent, and welcome offer details—change periodically, so you should check the current offer before you open an account.
This card is designed for people who fly Alaska Airlines regularly or want to accumulate points toward future flights. If you rarely fly Alaska or prefer another airline, a different card may suit you better. The rewards structure and benefits only work if you use the card and redeem points with Alaska Airlines.
Key Takeaways
- The Alaska Airlines Visa Card earns points on Alaska Airlines purchases and everyday spending, with bonus points offered to new cardholders for a limited time after opening the account.
- The card charges an annual fee, which you should weigh against the value of the rewards and benefits you expect to use.
- Cardholders receive benefits like checked baggage discounts, priority boarding, and companion fare offers that may offset the annual cost if you fly Alaska frequently.
- You must have a credit history and meet Bank of America's underwriting standards to open the account; the bank will review your credit report during the process process.
- Points earned on the card can be redeemed for Alaska Airlines flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related purchases through the Alaska Airlines website or app.
How the Welcome Offer Works
New cardholders receive a welcome offer that typically includes bonus points after you meet a spending requirement within a set timeframe—usually three to six months. The exact number of bonus points and the spending threshold vary depending on the current promotion. You should read the offer terms carefully before you explore, because the bonus only posts once you have met the spending requirement.
The welcome offer is the largest reward you will earn in the first year, so it makes sense to plan your spending around it. If you know you have upcoming travel or regular expenses you can charge to the card, opening the account during a strong welcome offer period can be worthwhile. If you cannot meet the spending requirement within the timeframe, you may not receive the bonus points.
Earning Points on Purchases
The Alaska Airlines Visa Card earns a set number of points per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases and a lower rate on other purchases. The exact earning rates depend on the current card terms. You earn points on every purchase you make with the card, whether you are buying a flight, paying for groceries, or filling up gas.
Points accumulate in your Alaska Airlines frequent flyer account and do not expire as long as your account remains active. You can combine points from multiple sources—the credit card, flights you take, and Alaska Airlines partners—to reach redemption thresholds faster. The more you spend on the card, the more points you accumulate, but the annual fee means you need to earn enough value to justify keeping the account open year after year.
Annual Fee and Cardholder Benefits
The Alaska Airlines Visa Card charges an annual fee that renews each year on your account anniversary. This fee is separate from any interest charges or late fees and applies whether or not you use the card. You should factor this cost into your decision about whether the card makes sense for your spending habits.
The card includes several benefits that may offset the annual fee. These typically include a checked baggage discount for you and one companion on Alaska Airlines flights, priority boarding, and periodic companion fare offers that let you purchase a second ticket at a reduced rate. If you fly Alaska Airlines at least once or twice per year, these benefits alone may cover the annual cost. If you do not fly Alaska, the annual fee becomes a pure expense with no offsetting value.
How to Open an Account
You can open an Alaska Airlines Visa Card account online through Bank of America's website, by phone, or at an Alaska Airlines ticket counter. The online process is the fastest route and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information.
Bank of America will pull your credit report and make a decision within minutes in most cases. If you are approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can begin earning points as soon as you set up the card, which you do by calling the number on the back or logging into your Bank of America online account. The welcome offer bonus points post once you meet the spending requirement, not when you open the account.
Using Points to Book Flights
You redeem Alaska Airlines points through the Alaska Airlines website, mobile app, or by calling their reservations line. Points can be used to book any Alaska Airlines flight or flights on partner airlines that Alaska Airlines has agreements with. You can also use points for seat upgrades, standby fees, and baggage fees, though redeeming for flights typically offers the best value.
The number of points required for a flight depends on the route, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. Peak travel times require more points than off-peak flights. You can search for award availability on the Alaska Airlines website before you commit to redeeming points, so you know exactly what your points are worth for the trip you want to take.
Comparing the Alaska Airlines Card to Other Airline Cards
Several other credit card issuers offer airline-branded cards with different earning rates, annual fees, and benefits. The best card for you depends on which airline you fly most often and how much you value the specific benefits each card offers. If you split your flying between Alaska and another carrier, a general travel rewards card that lets you transfer points to multiple airlines might work better than a single-airline card.
Before you open the Alaska Airlines card, think about your actual flying patterns over the next year. If you book most of your flights on Alaska, the card's bonus points and companion offers can add real value. If you fly Alaska occasionally but use other carriers more often, the annual fee may not be worth it. Comparing the welcome offer, annual fee, and earning rates across cards helps you make the right choice for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points remain in your Alaska Airlines frequent flyer account even after you close the credit card. The points do not expire as long as your frequent flyer account stays active, which requires at least one account activity every 24 months. You can continue to redeem points for flights and other rewards after the card is closed.
Can I get the welcome offer again if I had this card before?
Bank of America typically restricts welcome offers to customers who have not held the card within the past 24 months. If you closed the card more than two years ago, you may be able to open a new account and receive the welcome offer again, but you should check the current terms before you explore.
Do I earn points on the annual fee itself?
No, the annual fee does not earn points. Only purchases you make with the card earn rewards. The annual fee is a separate charge that appears on your statement each year.
What if I want to downgrade to a card with no annual fee?
Bank of America may allow you to downgrade the Alaska Airlines card to a different Bank of America Visa card without closing your account. Downgrading eliminates the annual fee but also ends the Alaska Airlines-specific benefits like baggage discounts and companion offers. Call the customer service number on the back of your card to ask about downgrade options.
How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?
The number of points needed for a flight varies by route and season, typically ranging from 7,500 to 50,000 or more. The welcome offer bonus alone may cover a short domestic flight, but earning enough points for longer flights or peak-season travel usually requires several months of regular spending on the card plus the points you earn from actual flights.