The Alaska Airlines credit card offers some great benefits for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers, including an annual companion fare, free checked bags, and Alaska’s famous Companion Fare from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) for the primary cardholder. However, the card comes with a $75 annual fee and doesn’t offer bonus categories for earning extra miles.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the pros and cons, who should get it, and how it compares to other airline credit cards. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to help you decide if the Alaska Airlines credit card is worth it for you.
Pros of the Alaska Airlines Credit Card
Here are some of the biggest benefits of the Alaska Airlines credit card:
- Annual Companion Fare from $121(fare + taxes/fees from $22): This allows you to bring a companion on a paid flight for just the cost of taxes and fees. It can lead to huge savings, especially on more expensive routes.
- Free first checked bag: Cardholders and up to 6 others on the same reservation get their first checked bag free. At $30 per bag each way, this perk can quickly pay for the annual fee.
- 50% off Alaska lounge day passes: Get reduced rate access to Alaska’s lounges when you have a flight on Alaska or its partners.
- Earn 3x miles on Alaska purchases: Rack up extra miles on Alaska tickets to get you closer to an award flight.
- $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days.
- Free upgrades, discounts, and perks: Enjoy Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare, free checked bags, and discounted lounge access. Cardholders also get 20% back on inflight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases.
- Easy online account access: Manage your account, check statements, redeem miles, and more through the Alaska Airlines credit card login portal.
Cons of the Alaska Airlines Credit Card
The Alaska card does come with a few drawbacks:
- $75 annual fee: While not high, it does add to the card’s costs each year.
- No bonus categories: You only earn 1 mile per dollar on non-Alaska purchases. Many other airline cards earn 2-3x miles in categories like dining or groceries.
- Foreign transaction fees: Cardholders are charged 3% on purchases made outside the U.S.
Overall, the Alaska Airlines credit card is best suited for loyal Alaska flyers who can take advantage of the Companion Fare and free checked bag perks. For spending in non-Alaska categories, you may want to consider pairing it with a card that earns more rewards on dining, groceries, etc.
Alaska Airlines Credit Card Login
To login to your Alaska Airlines credit card account online, follow these steps:
- Go to the Bank of America Alaska Airlines credit card login page at https://secure.bankofamerica.com/login.
- Enter your card number or username and security code when prompted.
- You will be directed to a page to enter your full account login credentials, including your password.
- Once logged in, you can view your account activity, make payments, redeem rewards, and more.
The online account portal is easy to use and gives cardholders full access to manage their account and utilize benefits. Being able to login online to book award flights or redeem miles for other Alaska perks is convenient.
Who Should Get the Alaska Airlines Credit Card?
The Alaska Airlines Credit Card is a good option if you:
- Fly Alaska Airlines frequently, especially on longer routes where the Companion Fare discount makes a bigger impact.
- Check bags often on Alaska flights. Getting the first bag free saves $30 roundtrip per person.
- Want Alaska lounge access when flying with Alaska or partners? You can get 50% off day passes.
- Are loyal Alaska customers and would use the additional air discounts and preferred seating offers.
- Appreciate the convenience of being able to login online to manage your account, book awards, and more.
Occasional Alaska flyers may also benefit. However, you’ll need to carefully evaluate if the perks justify the $75 annual fee.
For those who don’t fly to Alaska that often, you may be better off with a more flexible travel card (e.g. Chase Sapphire Preferred).
The rest of the article remains the same. Let me know if you would like me to expand on anything else related to the Alaska Airlines credit card login.
The Alaska Airlines credit card offers some great benefits for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers, including an annual companion fare, free checked bags, and Alaska’s famous Companion Fare from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) for the primary cardholder. However, the card comes with a $75 annual fee and doesn’t offer bonus categories for earning extra miles.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the pros and cons, who should get it, and how it compares to other airline credit cards. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to help you decide if the Alaska Airlines credit card is worth it for you.
Pros of the Alaska Airlines Credit Card
Here are some of the biggest benefits of the Alaska Airlines credit card:
- Annual Companion Fare from $121(fare + taxes/fees from $22): This allows you to bring a companion on a paid flight for just the cost of taxes and fees. It can lead to huge savings, especially on more expensive routes.
- Free first checked bag: Cardholders and up to 6 others on the same reservation get their first checked bag free. At $30 per bag each way, this perk can quickly pay for the annual fee.
- 50% off Alaska lounge day passes: Get reduced rate access to Alaska’s lounges when you have a flight on Alaska or its partners.
- Earn 3x miles on Alaska purchases: Rack up extra miles on Alaska tickets to get you closer to an award flight.
- $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days.
- Free upgrades, discounts, and perks: Enjoy Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare, free checked bags, and discounted lounge access. Cardholders also get 20% back on inflight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases.
Cons of the Alaska Airlines Credit Card
The Alaska card does come with a few drawbacks:
- $75 annual fee: While not high, it does add to the card’s costs each year.
- No bonus categories: You only earn 1 mile per dollar on non-Alaska purchases. Many other airline cards earn 2-3x miles in categories like dining or groceries.
- Foreign transaction fees: Cardholders are charged 3% on purchases made outside the U.S.
Overall, the Alaska Airlines credit card is best suited for loyal Alaska flyers who can take advantage of the Companion Fare and free checked bag perks. For spending in non-Alaska categories, you may want to consider pairing it with a card that earns more rewards on dining, groceries, etc.
Who Should Get the Alaska Airlines Credit Card?
The Alaska Airlines Credit Card is a good option if you:
- Fly Alaska Airlines frequently, especially on longer routes where the Companion Fare discount makes a bigger impact.
- Check bags often on Alaska flights. Getting the first bag free saves $30 roundtrip per person.
- Want Alaska lounge access when flying with Alaska or partners? You can get 50% off day passes.
- Are loyal Alaska customers and would use the additional air discounts and preferred seating offers.
Occasional Alaska flyers may also benefit. However, you’ll need to carefully evaluate if the perks justify the $75 annual fee.
For those who don’t fly to Alaska that often, you may be better off with a more flexible travel card (e.g. Chase Sapphire Preferred).
How Does It Compare to Other Airline Credit Cards?
The Alaska Airlines card is somewhat unique since Alaska isn’t part of one of the major airline alliances. However, it does have partnerships with America and Delta among others.
Here’s a quick comparison of two other popular airline credit cards:
Alaska Airlines Card
- $75 annual fee
- Companion Fare from $121
- Free first-checked bag
- 50% off Alaska lounge passes
- 3x miles on Alaska purchases
Delta SkyMiles Gold Card
- $99 annual fee, waived first year
- Main cabin companion pass for $39+ on Delta flights
- First checked bag free
- 20% savings on in-flight purchases
- 2x miles at restaurants, groceries
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUpSM Card
- $0 annual fee
- 25% savings on in-flight food/drink
- Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
- 2x miles at grocery stores
- No foreign transaction fees
The Delta and American cards have some similar benefits like free checked bags, discounts on in-flight purchases, and companion discounts. However, the actual companion discounts and fares have some key differences compared to Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare.
The Delta and American cards also earn bonus miles on everyday purchases, while the Alaska card only earns 1x (the exception is 3x on Alaska purchases).
Overall, the Alaska card stands out for its generous companion fare if you fly Alaska frequently enough to use it. But the other cards are better for bonus earning potential on non-airline purchases.
Alaska Airlines Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the Alaska Airlines credit card:
How does the Companion Fare work?
The primary cardholder gets an annual Companion Fare code good for one roundtrip coach companion flight fare from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22). It’s valid for travel in the 48 contiguous United States. You must book by phone.
Some key details:
- The primary cardholder must be on the reservation.
- Taxes and fees for the companion from $22 must be paid at checkout. This is in addition to the fare for the primary flyer.
- No blackout dates, but subject to limited availability. Book early for the best chance at dates/routes you want.
- Companion fare discount applies to base airfare and carrier-imposed surcharges only. Does not cover regional carriers, codeshare flights, and certain blackout cities.
What credit score do I need to qualify?
You’ll generally need good to excellent credit (690+ FICO score) to qualify for this card. Having existing accounts with Bank of America can help your odds as well.
When does the annual companion fare certificate expire?
The certificate expires 12 months after being issued. Book your discounted companion flight within that period.
Can I earn and redeem miles with other airlines?
Yes, the Alaska Airlines card is part of the Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program. That means you can potentially pool and redeem rewards on other participating airline programs like American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, etc.
Is there a signup bonus?
Yes, you can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. This helps offset part of the annual fee.
Does the card have airport lounge access?
No lounge membership is included, but cardholders get 50% off day passes for Alaska’s airport lounges when flying on Alaska Airlines or its partner airlines.
Is there a business version of the card?
Yes, the Alaska Airlines Business credit card has many of the same benefits with some adjustments like getting the companion fare for only $99 (no taxes/fees) and a higher minimum spend requirement for the welcome bonus. Annual fee is $50.
Conclusion: A Strong Option for Loyal Alaska Flyers
The Alaska Airlines credit card offers a valuable yearly Companion Fare and a free first-checked bag for those who fly Alaska frequently enough to take advantage. However, it lacks bonus earn rates compared to some other airline cards.
Frequent Alaska flyers should strongly consider getting the card for savings on multiple trips per year. But occasional travelers may want to look at alternatives like the Delta or American Airlines co-branded cards for their bonus miles on dining/groceries.
Overall, the Alaska Airlines credit card deserves consideration for any regular Alaska customer thanks to the exclusive discounts and perks you can’t get anywhere else. Just be sure to evaluate your travel habits to determine if the benefits outweigh the $75 annual fee.
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