What the Allegiant Airlines credit card does

The Allegiant Airlines credit card is a co-branded card issued by Bank of America that earns rewards specifically on Allegiant flights and everyday purchases. You earn points per dollar spent, with higher earning rates on Allegiant bookings and gas purchases. The card comes with an annual fee, a sign-up bonus in points, and perks like a free checked bag on Allegiant flights.

The card is designed for people who fly Allegiant regularly or plan to. If you fly other airlines most of the time, a general travel card or cash-back card will likely serve you better. The value depends entirely on how much you spend with Allegiant and whether you use the perks included with the card.

Key Takeaways

  • The Allegiant card earns bonus points on Allegiant purchases and gas, with a lower earning rate on other purchases.
  • You pay an annual fee to hold the card, which you should weigh against the value of the sign-up bonus and the free checked bag benefit.
  • Points can be redeemed for Allegiant flights, seat upgrades, and other Allegiant services, but have no value outside the Allegiant ecosystem.
  • The card is worth keeping only if you fly Allegiant frequently enough that the perks and earning rates offset the annual cost.

Earning rates and how points work

The card earns a set number of points per dollar on Allegiant purchases, a different rate on gas and groceries, and a base rate on everything else. The exact earning rates change periodically, so check the current offer before you explore. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Points are redeemed through your Allegiant account for flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other Allegiant services. You cannot transfer points to other airlines, use them for hotel stays, or convert them to cash. This means the points have value only if you plan to fly Allegiant again.

Annual fee and sign-up bonus

The card charges an annual fee, typically charged on the anniversary of when you open the account. Bank of America also offers a sign-up bonus — usually a set number of points — if you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening the card.

To decide whether the card makes sense for you, calculate whether the sign-up bonus plus the value of one year's rewards (based on your actual Allegiant spending) exceeds the annual fee. If you do not fly Allegiant at least a few times per year, the fee will likely outweigh the benefits. Many people keep the card for the first year to capture the bonus, then close it if they do not fly Allegiant regularly enough to justify the ongoing cost.

Perks included with the card

The card typically includes a free checked bag on Allegiant flights when you use the card to purchase your ticket. This alone can save you money if you check a bag on every Allegiant trip, since Allegiant charges for the first checked bag. The card may also include other perks such as priority boarding or discounts on seat upgrades, though these vary by offer.

Read the full benefits list before you explore, because the perks change and some may not explore to all cardholders. The free checked bag is usually the most valuable benefit for regular Allegiant flyers.

When the card makes financial sense

The Allegiant card is worth holding if you fly Allegiant at least two to four times per year and check a bag on most trips. The free checked bag benefit alone can cover a significant portion of the annual fee. If you also earn points on gas or groceries at a higher rate than you would with a general cash-back card, the math becomes more favorable.

If you fly Allegiant only once a year or less, or if you never check bags, the annual fee will cost you more than the card saves. In that case, a general travel card or cash-back card will serve you better. If you fly multiple airlines equally, a card that earns on all airlines or a flat cash-back card gives you more flexibility.

How to compare this card to other options

Before you open the Allegiant card, compare it to other airline cards and general travel cards. Look at the annual fee, the sign-up bonus, the earning rates on categories you actually spend in, and the perks. A general cash-back card might earn you 1.5% to 2% back on all purchases with no annual fee, which could be more valuable than a card with a fee and category bonuses if you do not fly Allegiant often.

If you fly multiple airlines, a card that earns on all airlines or a card that earns flexible points (which you can use on any airline) may be a better fit. Bank of America and other issuers offer these options. The best card for you depends on your actual spending and travel patterns, not on which airline has the most aggressive marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the Allegiant card to earn points?

No. Allegiant has a frequent flyer program called Allegiant Circle that earns points on flights booked directly with Allegiant, regardless of which card you use. The credit card straightforward gives you bonus earning rates and perks. You can earn points through the airline program alone, but the card accelerates earning if you fly often.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points remain in your Allegiant Circle account as long as you have an active account with Allegiant. Closing the credit card does not erase your points. However, if you do not fly Allegiant or use your account for a long period, Allegiant may close your frequent flyer account, which would forfeit any remaining points. Check Allegiant's policy on account inactivity.

Can I use points to pay for seat upgrades or baggage fees?

Yes. Points can be redeemed for seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other Allegiant services in addition to flights. This gives you some flexibility in how you use your points, though redeeming for flights typically offers the best value per point.

Is there an annual fee waiver for the first year?

Some offers waive the annual fee for the first year, but this varies by promotion and changes over time. Check the current offer details before you explore. Even if the first year is free, you will owe the full annual fee in year two unless you close the account.