Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Review: Is It the Right Card for Your Travel Needs?

Who Is the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa For?

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The Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Credit Card is ideal for:

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1. Frequent Alaska Airlines flyers: If you often travel with Alaska Airlines or its partners, this card can help you accumulate miles quickly and enjoy travel perks.
2. West Coast travelers: Alaska Airlines has a strong presence on the West Coast, making this card particularly valuable for residents of or frequent travelers to this region.
3. Companion travelers: The annual Companion Fare benefit can provide significant savings for those who often travel with a partner or friend.
4. Mileage Plan enthusiasts: If you're already a fan of Alaska's Mileage Plan program, this card can help you boost your earnings and reach elite status faster.
5. Travelers seeking free checked bags: The free first checked bag benefit can lead to substantial savings for those who frequently check luggage.

Comparing the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa With Other Credit Cards

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When considering the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Credit Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the premium travel card category:

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American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees):

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• Annual fee: $895

• Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements

• Key rewards: 5x American Express Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotel bookings through American Travel including Trip hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection (minimum of two nights) booking, plus 5x on flights purchases directly with airlines through American Express Travel on up to 500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar after that

• Standout feature: Access to over 1,550 airport lounges and hotel elite status

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^{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card:

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• Annual fee: $395

• Welcome offer: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements

• Key rewards: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X on vacation rentals and on flights booked through Capital One Travel

• Standout feature: Annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®:

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• Annual fee: $795

• Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements

• Key rewards: 3x points on dining worldwide and 1x points on all other purchases

• Standout feature: $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year

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Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.

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Key Takeaways:

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• Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Credit Card is designed for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers

• American Express Platinum Card® offers premium travel perks

• Capital One Venture X provides high rewards on travel bookings

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® features flexible travel credits and point redemptions

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Consider Using Kudos

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While the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Credit Card offers great benefits for Alaska Airlines loyalists, it's always wise to maximize your credit card rewards across all your purchases. This is where Kudos comes in handy. Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you get the most out of your credit cards when shopping online.

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With Kudos, you can:

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• Receive personalized credit card recommendations for each purchase

• Earn rewards at over 15,000 stores

• Multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events

• Discover new cards that align with your spending habits

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If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.

Our Expert Takeaway

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The Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Credit Card is a solid choice for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers and West Coast travelers. Its standout features include the annual Companion Fare, free checked bag benefit, and generous mile-earning structure. However, its value diminishes for those who don't frequently fly with Alaska Airlines or its partners.

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For travelers who value flexibility and aren't loyal to a specific airline, a general travel rewards card might be a better fit. Additionally, using tools like Kudos can help you maximize rewards across all your credit cards, ensuring you're always using the best card for each purchase.

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Ultimately, the decision to apply for the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa should depend on your travel patterns, spending habits, and how much you value Alaska Airlines-specific perks. If you can take advantage of the Companion Fare and free checked bag benefits, the $75 annual fee can easily be offset, making this card a valuable addition to your wallet.

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Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa FAQ

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How do I earn the 50,000 bonus miles sign-up offer?

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You can earn 50,000 bonus miles by spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

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What is the annual fee for the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa?

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The annual fee is $75, and it is not waived for the first year.

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How does the Companion Fare work?

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On your account anniversary, you'll receive a Companion Fare code. This allows you to book a companion ticket from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) when purchasing a regular-priced ticket on Alaska Airlines.

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Can I use Alaska miles on other airlines?

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Yes, you can redeem Alaska miles on Alaska Airlines and its partner airlines, which include American Airlines and several international carriers.

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Does the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa have foreign transaction fees?

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No, this card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel.

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How many free checked bags do I get with this card?

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You and up to 6 guests on the same reservation each get one free checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights.

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Can I earn elite status with this card?

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While the card itself doesn't grant elite status, the miles you earn from card spending count towards elite status qualification in Alaska's Mileage Plan program.