What the Bank of America Alaska Airlines card does
The Bank of America Alaska Airlines card is a co-branded rewards card that earns points on purchases, which you can redeem for Alaska Airlines flights, seat upgrades, and other travel perks. You earn miles on every dollar you spend, with bonus miles for the first few months and higher earning rates in certain categories like gas and groceries. The card also comes with an annual fee, which Bank of America waives the first year.
The card is designed for people who fly Alaska Airlines regularly or want to build up miles toward a free flight. Unlike some airline cards that lock you into one carrier, you can use Alaska miles on partner airlines too, though the redemption rates vary. The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so using it responsibly can help build your credit history.
Key Takeaways
- You earn Alaska Airlines miles on every purchase, with higher earning rates in bonus categories like gas, groceries, and dining.
- The card waives the annual fee for the first year, then charges a set amount each year after that.
- New cardholders typically receive a sign-up bonus of miles after spending a certain amount in the first few months.
- Alaska Airlines miles can be redeemed for flights on Alaska Airlines or partner carriers, seat upgrades, and other travel benefits.
- Your credit score affects the interest rate you receive, and carrying a balance means paying interest on purchases.
How miles and rewards work on this card
Every time you use the card, you earn miles at a rate that depends on what you buy. For example, you might earn one mile per dollar on most purchases, but three miles per dollar at gas stations or two miles per dollar at grocery stores. These rates change based on the card version, so check your cardholder agreement for the exact breakdown.
When you first open the account, you receive a sign-up bonus — typically a large number of miles if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. This bonus is often enough to cover a domestic flight or get you partway to an international one. After that, miles accumulate with every transaction and never expire as long as your account stays open and in good standing.
You redeem miles through the Alaska Airlines website or mobile app. You can book a flight directly, upgrade your seat, or use miles toward baggage fees and other travel costs. Partner airlines like American, Delta, and United also accept Alaska miles, though the number of miles required for a seat varies by airline and route.
Annual fees and when they explore
Bank of America does not charge an annual fee during your first year. After that, the card carries an annual fee that varies depending on which version of the Alaska Airlines card you hold. Some versions have a lower annual fee, while premium versions cost more but include additional benefits like annual miles bonuses or travel credits.
The fee posts to your account on your card anniversary — the date you opened the account. You can see this date in your Bank of America online account or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. If you decide the card is not worth keeping, you can close it before the anniversary date to avoid paying the fee.
Interest rates and how they work if you carry a balance
The interest rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history. Bank of America will tell you the rate range when you explore, but your actual rate comes after they review your credit report. If you carry a balance from month to month, you pay interest on that balance at your card's annual percentage rate (APR).
The best way to avoid interest charges is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you cannot pay the full balance, pay as much as you can — even a partial payment reduces the interest you owe. Bank of America charges interest daily on any unpaid balance, so the longer you carry a balance, the more interest accumulates.
How this card affects your credit score
Opening a new credit card temporarily lowers your score because Bank of America pulls your credit report and the new account counts as a recent inquiry. Over time, using the card responsibly — paying on time and keeping your balance low — helps your score recover and eventually improve. The card reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, so your payment history shows up on all three credit reports.
Your credit utilization ratio also matters. This is the percentage of your credit limit that you are using at any given time. For example, if your limit is $5,000 and you carry a $1,500 balance, your utilization is 30 percent. Keeping this ratio below 30 percent helps your score. Paying down your balance before your statement closes is one way to keep utilization low, even if you pay the full balance later.
Comparing this card to other airline cards
Other banks offer co-branded airline cards with different earning rates, annual fees, and sign-up bonuses. Some cards earn miles faster in certain categories, while others offer more generous travel credits or lounge access. The right card depends on how often you fly, which airline you prefer, and whether the annual fee is worth the benefits you will actually use.
If you do not fly Alaska Airlines specifically, a general travel rewards card from Bank of America or another issuer might give you more flexibility. These cards earn points that you can use with any airline or hotel, rather than locking you into one carrier. Compare the earning rates, annual fees, and sign-up bonuses side by side before deciding which card fits your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Alaska Airlines miles expire?
Miles do not expire as long as your account remains open and you have account activity at least once every 24 months. Activity includes earning miles, redeeming miles, or even just logging into your Alaska Airlines account. If your account closes or goes inactive for more than 24 months, Alaska Airlines may cancel your miles.
Can I transfer miles to someone else?
Alaska Airlines does not allow you to transfer miles to another person's account. However, you can use your miles to book a flight for someone else — you just have to be the one who makes the reservation. Some people book flights as gifts this way, though the ticket is issued in the recipient's name.
What happens if I close the card before paying off my balance?
Closing the card does not erase what you owe. You still have to pay the remaining balance, and Bank of America will continue charging interest on it until it is paid off. The interest rate stays the same even after you close the card, so you should pay down the balance as quickly as possible.
Can I get the annual fee waived after the first year?
Some cardholders have had success calling Bank of America customer service and asking for a fee waiver, especially if they have a good payment history or hold other accounts with the bank. There is no may provide, but it does not hurt to ask. If they decline, you can decide whether to keep the card or close it before the fee posts.
How do I know how many miles I have?
Log into your Alaska Airlines account online or open the mobile app to see your current mile balance. You can also call Alaska Airlines customer service or check your Bank of America statement, which shows miles earned each month. Your balance updates within a few days of each purchase.