The Alaska Airlines credit card has undergone major updates in 2025, making it one of the most talked-about airline credit cards in the U.S. This year, Alaska Airlines and Bank of America introduced new benefits, expanded travel partnerships, and a refreshed rewards program aimed at frequent travelers who want more value for their loyalty.
If you’re a U.S. traveler who loves flying with Alaska or its partners, the new features and perks under the airline’s revamped rewards system could make this credit card more valuable than ever.
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What’s New with the Alaska Airlines Credit Card in 2025
The Alaska Airlines credit card has been reimagined to align with the airline’s broader transformation, including its new Atmos Rewards Program—a combined loyalty system with Hawaiian Airlines and select Oneworld partners.
Here’s what stands out for cardholders this year:
- New rewards structure that earns more miles per dollar spent on travel, dining, and everyday purchases.
- Expanded airline partnerships across the Oneworld Alliance, allowing easier redemption for flights on international carriers like British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Qantas.
- Enhanced welcome offers for new cardholders—reaching up to 80,000 bonus miles with qualifying purchases.
- Exclusive perks such as companion fares, priority boarding, and free checked bags remain core benefits.
- No foreign transaction fees and a flexible redemption system for both domestic and international routes.
The changes reflect Alaska Airlines’ commitment to rewarding frequent flyers with premium benefits while maintaining flexibility for occasional travelers.
Key Features of the Alaska Airlines Credit Card
The Alaska Airlines credit card comes in two versions tailored to different traveler profiles—each with unique perks and benefits.
1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® (Ascent Card)
Perfect for moderate travelers, this version offers a balance between affordability and strong rewards.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 60,000 miles after meeting the initial spending requirement.
- Earning Rates:
- 3 miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases
- 2 miles per dollar on dining and eligible streaming services
- 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
- Key Perks:
- Free first checked bag for you and up to six companions
- Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare ($99 + taxes) annually after spending $6,000
- 20% savings on in-flight food, beverages, and Wi-Fi purchases
- Access to exclusive travel offers through Bank of America
2. Alaska Airlines Visa Infinite® (Summit Card)
The premium version is designed for frequent flyers who want luxury travel perks and faster rewards accumulation.
- Annual Fee: $395
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 80,000 miles plus a Global Companion Award after qualifying purchases.
- Earning Rates:
- 4 miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases
- 2 miles per dollar on travel and dining
- 1 mile per dollar on other purchases
- Key Perks:
- Complimentary Alaska Lounge+ membership
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement
- Up to $200 annual flight credit
- Priority boarding, free upgrades, and elite-qualifying miles on eligible purchases
- Companion Fare and premium travel protections
Both versions maintain Alaska Airlines’ signature value—the ability to earn and redeem miles easily while offering unique benefits that many airline cards in the same price range lack.
Earning and Redeeming Miles
How You Earn Miles
Using the Alaska Airlines credit card daily helps you accumulate miles faster than before.
- Earn bonus miles on travel and dining purchases, not just Alaska Airlines flights.
- Special promotions often give you additional miles for spending at Alaska’s partner retailers or booking through the airline’s website.
- Bank of America occasionally introduces limited-time offers for cardholders to earn double miles.
How You Redeem Miles
The redemption system now operates under Atmos Rewards, giving you access to more destinations and airlines:
- Redeem miles for flights on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and all Oneworld partners.
- Book award tickets directly through Alaska’s website for ease and transparency.
- Use miles for seat upgrades, Alaska Lounge access, or vacation packages.
- Minimum redemption starts at 5,000 miles for select domestic routes.
Exclusive Travel Benefits
Holding an Alaska Airlines credit card means enjoying travel experiences that go beyond earning miles.
Free Checked Bags
Cardholders and up to six companions receive their first checked bag free, saving up to $70 per round trip per person.
Companion Fare
This remains the card’s signature perk. Each year, you can book a roundtrip ticket for a companion for only $99 plus taxes and fees, often saving hundreds of dollars.
Priority Boarding
Skip the lines and board early—cardholders get early boarding privileges on Alaska-operated flights.
Lounge Access (Summit Card Only)
Enjoy complimentary access to Alaska Lounges and partner lounges worldwide, including Oneworld hubs.
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
Receive up to $100 credit every four years to cover the application fee for faster security and customs processing.
Trip Protections
Both card versions come with built-in travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delay, and baggage loss.
Why the Alaska Airlines Credit Card Stands Out
The U.S. credit card market is packed with travel cards, but Alaska Airlines continues to stand apart for a few reasons:
- Companion Fare Value: Unlike most airline companion tickets, Alaska’s fare applies to any economy flight—no blackout dates or limited fare classes.
- Global Access: Membership in the Oneworld Alliance has expanded redemption potential, offering access to more than 900 destinations worldwide.
- Customer Loyalty: Alaska consistently ranks among the top U.S. airlines for customer satisfaction, ensuring you’re earning miles with a reliable carrier.
- Flexibility: The Ascent card appeals to occasional travelers, while the Summit card competes with premium options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum.
For U.S.-based travelers, particularly those on the West Coast, Alaska Airlines provides one of the most versatile and rewarding credit card programs in 2025.
Who Should Get the Alaska Airlines Credit Card
This credit card is ideal for:
- Frequent Alaska Airlines flyers looking for perks like lounge access, free bags, and elite status credits.
- Couples and families who can maximize the annual Companion Fare.
- Travel enthusiasts who want flexibility in redeeming miles on international partner airlines.
- Budget-conscious travelers who want valuable benefits without high annual fees (Ascent version).
However, if you rarely fly Alaska Airlines or prefer another major carrier, you may not fully benefit from the perks.
Tips to Maximize Your Alaska Airlines Credit Card
To make the most of your card, follow these strategies:
- Use the Card for All Travel Purchases: Earn higher miles when booking flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- Leverage the Companion Fare: Book early to secure the best value and availability.
- Enroll in Atmos Rewards: Ensure your miles are credited automatically to your loyalty account.
- Take Advantage of Dining and Shopping Partners: Earn extra miles with Alaska’s Mileage Plan Dining and Shopping programs.
- Pay in Full Each Month: Avoid interest charges that can offset the card’s rewards value.
- Book Partner Flights Strategically: Use miles on Oneworld partners for premium cabins, where the redemption value is highest.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Alaska Airlines credit card offers tremendous value, it’s not without limitations:
- Annual Fees: At $95 or $395, the cost may be high for infrequent travelers.
- Limited Lounge Network: Alaska Lounges are fewer than Delta Sky Clubs or United Clubs, though access has expanded via Oneworld.
- Regional Airline: Alaska’s strongest presence is in the western U.S., making it less beneficial for travelers based elsewhere.
- Companion Fare Requirements: Some restrictions apply, such as booking through Alaska’s website and limited use on partner airlines.
Understanding these limitations helps you decide if this card fits your travel profile.
How to Apply for the Alaska Airlines Credit Card
You can apply directly through Alaska Airlines or Bank of America’s website. The approval process generally requires:
- Good to excellent credit score (700+)
- U.S. residency and income verification
- Agreement to terms of the Atmos Rewards program
Upon approval, you’ll receive your card within 7–10 business days. Make sure to activate your MyAlaska account or link your existing loyalty profile to start earning miles immediately.
Is the Alaska Airlines Credit Card Worth It?
Absolutely—if you fly Alaska Airlines at least a few times a year or value flexible travel redemptions. The combination of strong rewards, travel protections, and unique companion perks make this card one of the best in its class.
For premium travelers, the Visa Infinite (Summit) card competes head-to-head with luxury travel cards by offering elite-tier benefits at a slightly lower annual fee. Meanwhile, the Visa Signature (Ascent) version offers excellent value for everyday users who want solid rewards without overspending on fees.
If you frequently travel within the U.S., to Hawaii, or across the Pacific, this card could easily pay for itself within the first year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many miles can I earn with the Alaska Airlines credit card?
You can earn 3–4 miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases and additional miles on dining and travel, depending on your card tier.
Q2: Does the Alaska Airlines credit card have foreign transaction fees?
No. Both versions of the card waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travelers.
Q3: What is the Companion Fare, and how does it work?
Each year, cardholders receive a Companion Fare—allowing one guest to travel on the same itinerary for $99 plus taxes when booking through Alaska Airlines.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Terms, offers, and rewards associated with the Alaska Airlines credit card are subject to change by the issuer or Alaska Airlines. Always review the latest terms and conditions before applying or making financial decisions.
