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Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card Review: Soar with Rewards and Perks
What Is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card?
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card issued by Bank of America. This card is designed for frequent flyers of Alaska Airlines and its global partners, offering a range of travel-centric benefits and rewards. With its attractive sign-up bonus, annual Companion Fare, and mile-earning potential, this card has become a popular choice among aviation enthusiasts and regular travelers.
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Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus of 50,000 bonus miles after meeting spend requirements
- Annual Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23)
- Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on the same reservation
- 3x miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights
- 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases
Cons:
- $95 annual fee
- Limited redemption options outside of Alaska Airlines and its partners
- Lower earning rate on non-Alaska Airlines purchases
- Requires good to excellent credit for approval
Who Is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card For?
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card is ideal for:
- Frequent Alaska Airlines flyers: If you often travel with Alaska Airlines or its partners, this card's benefits can significantly enhance your travel experience and help you accumulate miles faster.
- West Coast travelers: Given Alaska Airlines' strong presence on the West Coast, residents or frequent visitors to this region can maximize the card's benefits.
- Companion travelers: The annual Companion Fare benefit is particularly valuable for those who often travel with a partner, friend, or family member.
- Mile collectors: Those who enjoy accumulating and redeeming airline miles for travel will appreciate the card's earning structure and Alaska's versatile frequent flyer program.
- International travelers: With no foreign transaction fees, this card is suitable for those who frequently travel abroad.
Comparing Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card with Other Credit Cards
When considering the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the premium travel card category:
The Platinum Card® from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $695
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- Standout feature: Extensive airport lounge access and hotel elite status
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.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $395
- Sign-up bonus: 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
- Annual fee: $550
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3X points on travel and dining
- Standout feature: $300 annual travel credit and 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card is designed for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers
- The Platinum Card® from American Express 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
While the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card offers excellent benefits for Alaska Airlines loyalists, it's essential to maximize your rewards across all your credit cards. This is where Kudos comes in handy. Kudos is a free AI-powered smart wallet that helps you get the most out of your credit cards whenever you shop online.
With Kudos, you can:
- Receive personalized credit card recommendations for each purchase
- Multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events
- Discover new cards that align with your spending habits
- Work with over 15,000 stores to maximize your rewards
By using Kudos alongside your Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card, you can ensure you're always using the best card for each purchase, potentially earning even more rewards than you would with the Alaska card alone.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card is a solid choice for frequent Alaska Airlines travelers, particularly those based on the West Coast or who often fly with a companion. Its standout features include the annual Companion Fare, free checked bags, and the ability to earn miles on everyday spending.
However, the card's value diminishes for those who don't frequently fly with Alaska Airlines or its partners. If you're not loyal to a specific airline, a general travel rewards card might offer more flexibility.
To truly maximize your credit card rewards, consider using the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card in conjunction with Kudos. This powerful combination can help you earn optimal rewards on Alaska Airlines purchases while ensuring you're using the best card for all your other spending.
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Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card FAQ
How do I earn the 50,000 bonus miles sign-up offer?
You can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
How does the Companion Fare work?
The Companion Fare allows you to book a companion ticket from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) once per year on your account anniversary.
Can I use Alaska miles on other airlines?
Yes, you can use Alaska miles on Alaska's airline partners, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Japan Airlines, among others.
Is there a fee for checked bags?
Cardholders get their first checked bag free on Alaska Airlines flights for themselves and up to six other passengers on the same reservation.
How many miles do I earn on purchases?
You earn 3 miles per $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Does this card have foreign transaction fees?
No, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Can authorized users get the same benefits?
Authorized users can enjoy some benefits like free checked bags, but the Companion Fare is only available to the primary cardholder.
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Supercharge Your Credit Cards
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
