What the Alaska Airlines Visa Card Does
The Alaska Airlines Visa is a co-branded credit card issued by Bank of America that earns miles toward Alaska Airlines flights. Every purchase you make with the card gives you miles, and the card comes with perks like a free checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights and priority boarding. You can redeem miles for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards through the Alaska Airlines program.
The card is designed for people who fly Alaska Airlines regularly or want to accumulate miles for future trips. Unlike some airline cards that restrict rewards to airline purchases, this card earns miles on everyday spending — groceries, gas, restaurants — so you build your balance faster.
Key Takeaways
- The card earns miles on all purchases, with bonus miles for the first few months and higher earning rates on Alaska Airlines tickets and certain categories.
- You get a free checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights, which saves money if you travel with luggage regularly.
- An annual fee applies, so you should calculate whether the perks and miles you earn justify the cost for your travel habits.
- Miles can be redeemed for Alaska Airlines flights, seat upgrades, and partner airline tickets, but their value depends on when and where you book.
- The card requires a credit check and approval from Bank of America, and your credit limit depends on your credit history and income.
How Miles Earning Works on This Card
When you use the Alaska Airlines Visa for purchases, you earn miles at different rates depending on what you buy. You typically earn a higher rate on Alaska Airlines tickets purchased directly from the airline, a different rate on restaurants and gas, and a base rate on everything else. The exact earning structure changes periodically, so check the current terms on the Bank of America website or the card's terms document before you open an account.
New cardholders usually receive a welcome bonus of miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months. This bonus can be substantial — sometimes worth hundreds of dollars in flight value — but you have to spend a set amount to unlock it. Read the offer details carefully to understand what spending counts toward the minimum and how long you have to reach it.
Miles do not expire as long as your account remains open and active, so you can hold them indefinitely. However, if you close the card, your miles may be forfeited depending on your account status, so check the terms before canceling.
Annual Fee and When It Makes Sense
The Alaska Airlines Visa charges an annual fee, which is deducted from your account each year. The fee amount varies and can change, so confirm the current fee before you open the card. Some cardholders offset this fee by using the free checked bag benefit — if you take even one round-trip flight per year with a checked bag, the savings can cover part or all of the annual cost.
To decide if the card is worth the fee, estimate how much you would spend on the card annually and what miles you would earn. Then compare that to the annual fee and the value of the perks. If you rarely fly Alaska Airlines or don't check bags, the fee may outweigh the benefits. If you fly Alaska Airlines multiple times per year or use the card for most everyday spending, the miles and free bag can make it worthwhile.
Redeeming Miles for Flights and Upgrades
Miles can be redeemed through the Alaska Airlines website or by calling their reservations line. You can use miles to book a full flight, pay for part of a ticket, or upgrade an existing reservation to a higher cabin. The number of miles required varies by route, season, and how far in advance you book — a short flight might cost 5,000 miles while a long-haul flight could cost 50,000 or more.
Alaska Airlines also partners with other airlines, so you can sometimes redeem miles on partner carriers like American Airlines, Delta, or United. Partner redemptions often require more miles than Alaska Airlines flights, so compare the cost before you book. You can also use miles for hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel expenses through the Alaska Airlines rewards portal, though flight redemptions typically offer the best value.
Miles have no fixed cash value, so their worth depends on what you book and when. A mile used for a short flight might be worth less than a mile used for a premium cabin seat on a long flight. Booking during off-peak times usually requires fewer miles, so flexibility with your travel dates can stretch your balance further.
Other Card Benefits Beyond Miles
The free checked bag is the most concrete benefit — you get one free checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights when you use the card to purchase your ticket. This applies to you and any companion traveling on the same reservation, so a family of four saves money on multiple bags. The benefit applies to your first checked bag only; additional bags still incur fees.
The card typically includes priority boarding, which means you board before general passengers and can find overhead bin space more easily. Some versions also offer other perks like statement credits for incidental travel expenses, lounge access, or discounts on Alaska Airlines purchases. Check the current card benefits on the Bank of America website, as these can change.
How to Open the Card and What You Need
You can open the Alaska Airlines Visa online through Bank of America's website, by phone, or at an Alaska Airlines ticket counter. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, income, employment status, and Social Security number. Bank of America will run a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
You need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number. Your approval depends on your credit score, income, and credit history — people with fair credit or better have the best chance of approval. If you are denied, you can call Bank of America to ask why and whether you can reapply later.
Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online or by phone, then start earning miles when ready on your first purchase. Your credit limit is set by Bank of America based on your creditworthiness and can be increased later by requesting a limit increase.
Comparing This Card to Other Alaska Airlines Options
Bank of America offers more than one Alaska Airlines card, including a version without an annual fee that earns miles at a lower rate. The no-fee version is better if you spend less than a few thousand dollars per year on the card or rarely fly Alaska Airlines. The premium card with the annual fee makes more sense if you spend heavily on the card or take multiple Alaska Airlines flights yearly.
Other airlines offer similar co-branded cards with different earning rates, annual fees, and perks. If you fly multiple airlines equally, a general travel card that earns points redeemable across many airlines might be more flexible. If Alaska Airlines is your primary carrier, the Alaska Airlines Visa is designed specifically for that loyalty and usually offers better value than a generic travel card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my miles if I close the card?
Miles may be forfeited if you close the card, depending on your account status and how long the account has been open. Contact Alaska Airlines directly before closing to understand what happens to your balance. Some cardholders transfer miles to a companion or use them before closing to avoid losing them.
Can I use this card outside the United States?
Yes, you can use the card internationally, but foreign transactions may include a currency conversion fee. Check the card's terms for the exact percentage. Using the card abroad still earns miles at the same rate as domestic purchases, so it can be useful for international travel spending.
Do I earn miles on balance transfers or cash advances?
No, balance transfers and cash advances typically do not earn miles. Only regular purchases and sometimes specific categories earn rewards. Cash advances also usually carry a fee and higher interest rate, so they are not recommended.
How long does it take to earn enough miles for a free flight?
This depends on your spending and the welcome bonus. A welcome bonus alone might cover a short domestic flight, but longer flights require more miles. If you spend $5,000 per year on the card and earn 1 mile per dollar, you would earn 5,000 miles annually plus any bonus, which could cover a short flight or partial upgrade in one to two years.
Can I transfer miles to another person?
Alaska Airlines allows you to transfer miles to a companion traveling with you on the same reservation, but you cannot transfer miles to someone else's account. You can also use your miles to purchase a ticket for another person, which is another way to share your rewards.