What the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa card does

The Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa card is a co-branded rewards card that earns points on every purchase you make, with bonus points on Alaska Airlines tickets and purchases. You earn one point per dollar spent on most things, and the points convert directly to Alaska Airlines miles at a 1:1 ratio. The card comes with an annual fee, a sign-up bonus that varies by offer, and perks like a free checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights.

The card is issued by Bank of America and works like any other Visa — you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just for Alaska Airlines bookings. The miles you earn can be used for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards through Alaska Airlines' program.

Key Takeaways

  • You earn one point per dollar on most purchases and two points per dollar on Alaska Airlines tickets and certain travel purchases, with points converting to Alaska Airlines miles at 1:1.
  • The card charges an annual fee (the amount varies by card version and changes over time), and you should confirm the current fee before opening an account.
  • New cardholders typically receive a sign-up bonus in miles after meeting a spending threshold, though the bonus amount and spending requirement change with different offers.
  • The card includes a free checked bag benefit on Alaska Airlines flights for you and up to two companions on the same reservation, which can offset the annual fee if you fly Alaska even once a year.
  • You need good to excellent credit to be considered for this card, as Bank of America typically requires a credit score of 670 or higher.

How the rewards structure works

Every dollar you spend on the card earns one Alaska Airlines mile, except in categories where you earn two miles per dollar. Those categories usually include Alaska Airlines tickets purchased directly from the airline, hotels booked through Alaska Airlines' travel portal, and rental cars booked the same way. Some versions of the card also earn two miles per dollar at gas stations and restaurants, though this varies by which version you hold.

Miles never expire as long as your account stays open and active. You can redeem them for flights on Alaska Airlines and its partners, or for seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other travel-related purchases within the Alaska Airlines program. Unlike some airline cards, there is no minimum redemption amount — you can use miles for a single segment if you want.

The sign-up bonus is typically offered as a lump sum of miles after you spend a certain amount within a set timeframe (usually three to six months). The exact bonus and spending threshold change depending on the current offer Bank of America is running, so you should check the card's current terms before opening an account.

Annual fee and whether it makes sense for your travel

The Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa card charges an annual fee. The exact amount varies depending on which version of the card you have and whether Bank of America has changed the fee, so you should confirm the current fee on Bank of America's website or by calling their customer service before you open the account.

The free checked bag benefit is the main way cardholders offset this fee. If you fly Alaska Airlines at least once a year and check a bag, the value of that free bag (typically $30 to $35 per flight) can cover or exceed the annual fee. If you don't fly Alaska Airlines, or if you never check bags, the annual fee becomes a pure cost with no offsetting benefit.

Some cardholders keep the card active just for the checked bag benefit and the miles they earn on everyday spending, even if they don't actively use the card for new purchases. Others close the card after a year if they don't travel enough to justify the fee.

Credit score and approval requirements

Bank of America typically considers applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher for this card, though the exact threshold can vary. A higher score (750 or above) generally improves your chances of approval and may result in a higher credit limit.

When you explore, Bank of America will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. The inquiry stays on your report for about two years but stops affecting your score after 12 months. If you've been denied for credit recently or have multiple recent applications, waiting a few months before explore can improve your odds.

Bank of America also looks at your income, existing debts, and account history with them. If you already have a checking or savings account with Bank of America, mentioning that in your process may help, though it is not required.

How to compare this card to other Alaska Airlines options

Alaska Airlines offers co-branded cards through other issuers as well, and the rewards rates, fees, and perks differ. The Bank of America version is one of the most widely available, but you should compare the current sign-up bonus, annual fee, and earning rates across all Alaska Airlines cards before deciding.

If you don't fly Alaska Airlines often but want an airline card, a general travel rewards card (not tied to one airline) may give you more flexibility. Those cards typically earn points that can be transferred to multiple airlines or redeemed for cash back, which can be useful if your travel plans change.

If you fly Alaska Airlines frequently and have elite status with the airline, the perks and earning rates may be worth more to you than they would be to an occasional flyer. Check whether Alaska Airlines offers a higher-tier version of the card with additional benefits.

What happens after you open the account

Once your process is approved, Bank of America will mail your physical card, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can usually request a temporary digital card number to use online while you wait for the physical card. You'll also receive a welcome packet with your card terms, the current rewards rates, and instructions for activating the card.

To earn the sign-up bonus, you'll need to spend the required amount within the stated timeframe. Bank of America counts only new purchases toward this threshold, not balance transfers or cash advances. Once you meet the spending requirement, the bonus miles post to your Alaska Airlines account within a few weeks.

Your Alaska Airlines miles are linked to your Alaska Airlines frequent flyer account, so make sure you have one set up before you open the card. If you don't have an account yet, you can create one for free on Alaska Airlines' website. Your miles will post automatically once the accounts are linked.

Common reasons people close this card

Many cardholders close the Bank of America Alaska Airlines card after the first year because the annual fee outweighs the benefits for their travel patterns. If you don't fly Alaska Airlines regularly, the free checked bag benefit disappears once you close the account, so there's no reason to keep paying the fee.

Others close it because they've used up their sign-up bonus and don't earn miles fast enough on everyday spending to justify the cost. If you spend less than $10,000 per year on the card, the miles you earn may not add up to a full flight, making the annual fee a net loss.

Some cardholders switch to a different Alaska Airlines card if Bank of America changes the terms or if another issuer offers a better bonus. Before you close an account, check whether Bank of America will waive the annual fee or offer you a retention bonus to keep the card open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the free checked bag benefit for family members?

Yes. The free checked bag benefit covers you and up to two companions on the same reservation. All three of you need to be on the same flight, and you must present the card at check-in. If your family members are on a different reservation, they won't be covered.

What happens to my miles if I close the card?

Your Alaska Airlines miles stay in your frequent flyer account and don't disappear when you close the credit card. However, you lose the free checked bag benefit and stop earning miles on new purchases. Miles can expire if your Alaska Airlines account is inactive for 24 months, so use them or keep your account active.

Do I have to use the card to keep it open?

No, but Bank of America may close accounts that show no activity for an extended period (usually 12 months or longer). If you want to keep the card for the free checked bag benefit alone, make a small purchase every few months to keep the account active.

Can I transfer my miles to another airline?

Alaska Airlines miles cannot be transferred to other airline programs. You can only redeem them for Alaska Airlines flights, upgrades, and other Alaska Airlines program benefits. Some partner airlines accept Alaska miles, but you book through Alaska Airlines' website.

What if I'm denied for the card?

If Bank of America denies your process, you can call their reconsideration line to ask why and see if there's anything you can do to reverse the decision. Common reasons for denial include a low credit score, high existing debt, or recent credit inquiries. Waiting a few months and reapplying after improving your credit may increase your chances.