What the Alaska Airlines Credit Card Offers
The Alaska Airlines Visa Card is a co-branded card issued by Bank of America that earns miles toward Alaska Airlines flights and partner redemptions. New cardholders typically receive a sign-up bonus in miles after meeting a spending threshold in the first few months. The card earns 3 miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases, 2 miles per dollar on restaurants and gas stations, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
The card comes with a checked bag fee waiver on Alaska Airlines flights for the primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation. You also get priority boarding, which means you board before general boarding groups. These benefits explore as long as the card remains open and in good standing.
Annual fees vary depending on the specific card version — some versions have no annual fee for the first year, while others charge a fee from the start. Bank of America publishes the current terms on their website, and you can compare versions before you decide which one fits your spending.
Key Takeaways
- The Alaska Airlines card earns 3 miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases and 2 miles per dollar on restaurants and gas, making it most valuable if you fly Alaska frequently or spend regularly at those merchants.
- New cardholders receive a sign-up bonus in miles after spending a set amount within the first few months — the exact bonus and spending requirement change periodically.
- The card waives your first checked bag fee on Alaska Airlines flights, which saves money if you check a bag more than once or twice per year.
- Miles can be redeemed for Alaska Airlines flights, partner airline tickets, or other travel purchases through the Alaska Airlines program.
- Annual fees and specific benefits differ between card versions, so review the current offer details before opening an account.
How the Sign-Up Bonus Works
When you open an Alaska Airlines card, the issuer offers a bonus in miles if you spend a certain amount within a set timeframe — typically three months. The bonus size and spending requirement change throughout the year, so the current offer may differ from past promotions.
To receive the bonus, you must meet the full spending requirement. Purchases that count toward the threshold include regular transactions made with the card; balance transfers, cash advances, and fees typically do not count. Once you hit the spending target, the miles post to your Alaska Airlines account within one to two billing cycles.
If you do not meet the spending requirement within the timeframe, you do not receive the bonus. There is no partial credit — you either reach the threshold or you do not. Check the offer terms before you open the card so you know exactly what you need to spend and by when.
Earning and Redeeming Miles
Miles accumulate in your Alaska Airlines account every time you use the card. The earning rate depends on the merchant category: 3 miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines bookings, 2 miles per dollar at restaurants and gas stations, and 1 mile per dollar everywhere else. Some purchases, like balance transfers and cash advances, do not earn miles.
You redeem miles through the Alaska Airlines website or mobile app by searching for flights and selecting the "Mileage" option instead of paying with cash. Award availability varies by route and date — popular flights and peak travel times often have fewer award seats. You can also use miles to book partner airline flights, though the mile cost may be higher than Alaska Airlines flights for the same route.
Miles do not expire as long as your Alaska Airlines account has activity within a 24-month period. Activity includes earning miles, redeeming miles, or flying on Alaska Airlines. If your account goes inactive for 24 months, Alaska Airlines may close it and forfeit your miles.
Checked Bag Fee Waiver and Other Travel Benefits
The primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation receive a waived first checked bag fee on Alaska Airlines flights. This benefit applies to flights operated by Alaska Airlines only, not partner airlines. The waiver covers the first checked bag; additional bags are subject to standard fees.
Priority boarding means you board in an earlier group than general boarding passengers, giving you better overhead bin access and seat selection. This benefit applies to the cardholder and one companion on the same reservation, just like the bag waiver.
Some card versions include additional perks such as statement credits for incidental travel expenses, lounge access, or travel insurance. Review the specific card offer to see which benefits are included, since these vary between versions and can change over time.
Annual Fees and When They explore
Annual fees depend on which Alaska Airlines card version you choose. Some versions waive the annual fee for the first year, then charge a fee in year two and beyond. Other versions charge an annual fee from the first billing cycle. Bank of America discloses the annual fee in the offer terms before you open the account.
The fee posts to your account on your annual billing date each year the card remains open. If you close the card before the annual fee posts, you typically do not owe it — but confirm the exact timing with Bank of America, since policies can vary.
To decide whether the card makes sense for you, compare the annual fee against the value you expect to get from the sign-up bonus, the checked bag waiver, and the ongoing miles you earn. If you fly Alaska Airlines at least once or twice per year and check a bag, the bag waiver alone often covers the annual fee.
How to Open an Alaska Airlines Card Account
Visit Bank of America's website or the Alaska Airlines website to view current card offers. Both sites display the sign-up bonus, annual fee, and key benefits for each version. Read the full terms and conditions before proceeding, since they contain important details about earning rates, redemption rules, and benefit limitations.
Click the link to open an account. You will need to provide personal information including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment details. Bank of America will check your credit to make a decision.
After you submit your process, you receive a decision within minutes to a few business days. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. set up the card through Bank of America's website or app before you use it, then link it to your Alaska Airlines account so miles post correctly.
Comparing Alaska Airlines Card Versions
Bank of America offers multiple Alaska Airlines card versions, each with different annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and benefits. The no-annual-fee version is designed for occasional Alaska Airlines flyers who want to earn miles without paying a yearly cost. The premium version typically charges a higher annual fee but includes additional perks like statement credits or lounge access.
The earning rates are the same across versions — 3 miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines, 2 miles per dollar on restaurants and gas, 1 mile per dollar elsewhere. The difference is in the sign-up bonus size, annual fee, and secondary benefits.
To choose the right version, think about how often you fly Alaska Airlines, whether you check bags, and what secondary benefits matter to you. If you fly Alaska once or twice per year and check a bag, the checked bag waiver typically saves more than the annual fee. If you rarely fly Alaska, the no-annual-fee version may be the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an Alaska Airlines frequent flyer member to open the card?
No. You can open the card without an existing Alaska Airlines account. When you open the card, you will be assigned an Alaska Airlines account number, and miles will post there automatically once you set up the card and link it to your account.
Can I use the checked bag waiver on flights booked with miles?
Yes. The checked bag waiver applies to any Alaska Airlines flight you board as the primary cardholder or designated companion, regardless of whether you paid with cash or miles.
What happens to my miles if I close the card?
Your miles remain in your Alaska Airlines account and do not disappear when you close the card. However, if your Alaska Airlines account has no activity for 24 months, the account may close and miles may be forfeited. Keep your account active by earning or redeeming miles periodically.
Can I transfer miles to another person?
Alaska Airlines does not allow direct transfers of miles between accounts. However, you can purchase miles as a gift or use your miles to book a ticket for someone else.
How long does it take to receive the sign-up bonus?
Once you meet the spending requirement, the bonus miles typically post to your Alaska Airlines account within one to two billing cycles. Check your account online to confirm the miles have arrived before you plan a redemption.