What the Alaska Air credit card offers
The Alaska Airlines Visa card is issued by Bank of America and earns points on every purchase you make. The card comes with a sign-up bonus — typically a large number of miles awarded after you spend a certain amount in the first few months — though the exact bonus changes throughout the year. You earn miles faster on Alaska Airlines purchases and gas station spending than on other categories.
The card charges an annual fee, which Bank of America waives for the first year on most versions of the card. After that, you pay the fee each year unless you close the account. The card also includes perks like free checked bags on Alaska Airlines flights (for you and one companion on the same reservation) and priority boarding, which can add real value if you fly Alaska regularly.
Miles earned on this card can be redeemed for Alaska Airlines flights, seat upgrades, or transferred to partner airlines and hotels. Unlike some airline cards that lock you into one carrier, Alaska Airlines has a large network of partners, which gives you more options for where your miles go.
Key Takeaways
- The Alaska Airlines Visa card earns bonus miles on Alaska Airlines purchases and gas, plus a sign-up bonus after you meet a spending threshold in the first months.
- The card includes two free checked bags per trip on Alaska Airlines flights, which saves money if you travel with luggage regularly.
- An annual fee applies after the first year, so you should calculate whether the perks and miles you earn justify keeping the card open.
- Miles can be used for Alaska Airlines flights, upgrades, or transferred to partner airlines and hotels, giving you flexibility in how you redeem.
- Bank of America issues the card, so you manage it through their online portal and mobile app like any other Bank of America credit card.
How the sign-up bonus works
When you open an Alaska Airlines Visa card, Bank of America offers a sign-up bonus if you spend a set amount within a set timeframe — usually three months. The bonus is stated as a number of miles. For example, you might see an offer for 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in the first three months.
The bonus posts to your account once you meet the spending requirement. You do not have to do anything to claim it; it appears automatically. The spending threshold is based on purchases you make with the card, not on balance transfers or cash advances. If you do not reach the spending amount within the timeframe, you do not receive the bonus.
Sign-up bonuses change frequently, so the offer you see today may be different from the offer next month. If you are considering the card, check the current offer on Bank of America's website or the Alaska Airlines website to see what is being promoted right now.
Annual fee and when it applies
The Alaska Airlines Visa card has an annual fee that Bank of America typically waives for the first year. After that first year, the fee renews each year on your account anniversary — the date you opened the card — unless you close the account before that date.
The fee amount varies depending on which version of the card you hold. Bank of America offers different tiers of the Alaska Airlines card, and each has a different annual fee. Check your card agreement or log into your Bank of America account to see the exact fee for your card.
Many cardholders keep the card open because the perks — especially the two free checked bags and the miles they earn — offset the annual fee. Others close the card after the first year if they do not fly Alaska Airlines often enough to justify the cost. The decision depends on your travel habits and how much you value the benefits.
Earning miles on everyday purchases
The Alaska Airlines Visa card earns miles at different rates depending on what you buy. On Alaska Airlines purchases and gas station spending, you earn more miles per dollar than you do on other purchases. On everything else — groceries, restaurants, utilities — you earn a lower rate of miles per dollar.
Miles are added to your account automatically as you use the card. You can check your balance anytime by logging into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app. There is no separate login or portal for Alaska Airlines miles; Bank of America tracks them as part of your card account.
Miles do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if you close the card, your miles may be forfeited depending on the terms of your account. Before closing an account, redeem any miles you want to keep or transfer them to an Alaska Airlines frequent flyer account if you have one.
Free checked bags and other travel perks
One of the main reasons people carry the Alaska Airlines Visa card is the free checked bag benefit. When you pay for your Alaska Airlines flight with the card, you and one companion on the same reservation each get one free checked bag. This benefit applies to the first checked bag on each flight segment.
The card also gives you priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights, which means you board before most other passengers. This is useful if you want to find overhead bin space or prefer to settle in early. You also receive a discount on additional checked bags and seat upgrades, though these are not free.
Some versions of the card include other perks like travel insurance or roadside information. Review your card agreement to see the full list of benefits that come with your specific card.
How to redeem miles
You redeem Alaska Airlines miles through the Alaska Airlines website or mobile app, not through Bank of America. Log into your Alaska Airlines frequent flyer account and search for flights using miles instead of cash. You can also call Alaska Airlines customer service to book over the phone.
Miles can be used for one-way or round-trip flights on Alaska Airlines and its partner airlines. You can also use miles to upgrade a paid ticket to a higher cabin class, book a seat, or add a companion ticket. Some miles can be transferred to hotel and car rental partners, though the transfer rate varies.
The number of miles required for a flight depends on the route, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. Peak travel times typically cost more miles than off-peak times. You can search for award availability before you decide whether to use miles or pay cash for a particular flight.
Comparing the Alaska Airlines card to other airline cards
Other airlines issue their own credit cards through different banks. The main differences come down to the sign-up bonus, the annual fee, the earning rates, and the perks. If you fly one airline much more than others, a card from that airline usually makes sense. If you fly multiple airlines equally, a general travel card or a cash-back card might be a better fit.
The Alaska Airlines card is strongest if you live in the West or Pacific Northwest, where Alaska Airlines has the most flights and the most frequent flyer value. If you live on the East Coast or rarely fly Alaska, the perks may not justify the annual fee.
Before you open any airline card, think about how often you actually fly and which airline you use most. A card with a high annual fee is only worth it if you use the perks enough to cover that cost and earn miles you will actually redeem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an Alaska Airlines frequent flyer to open this card?
No. You can open the card without an existing Alaska Airlines account. However, you will need to create a frequent flyer account to redeem miles. You can do this for free on the Alaska Airlines website anytime after you open the card.
What happens to my miles if I close the card?
Miles may be forfeited if you close the card, depending on your account terms. Before closing, transfer your miles to an Alaska Airlines frequent flyer account if you have one, or redeem them for a flight. Contact Bank of America or Alaska Airlines to confirm what happens to your specific account.
Can I use this card outside the United States?
Yes, the Alaska Airlines Visa card works internationally. However, Bank of America charges a foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S., so check your card agreement for the exact percentage. You earn miles on international purchases at the same rate as domestic ones.
How long does it take for the sign-up bonus to post?
The bonus usually posts within one to two billing cycles after you meet the spending requirement. You can check your account online to see when it appears. If the bonus does not post within a reasonable timeframe, contact Bank of America customer service.
Can I earn miles on balance transfers or cash advances?
No. Miles are earned only on regular purchases made with the card. Balance transfers and cash advances do not earn miles and typically come with fees and higher interest rates.