The Alaska Airlines credit card has evolved into one of the most versatile and rewarding airline credit cards available to U.S. travelers in 2025. With a refreshed rewards structure, new perks, and an updated loyalty program that now connects with global partners, Alaska Airlines and Bank of America have transformed this card into a serious contender for anyone looking to maximize travel benefits.
If you travel frequently — or even a few times a year — with Alaska Airlines or its partner carriers, this card could easily become one of your most valuable travel tools.
What’s New with the Alaska Airlines Credit Card in 2025
In 2025, Alaska Airlines introduced a completely restructured rewards ecosystem called Atmos Rewards, integrating both its existing Mileage Plan and the newly acquired Hawaiian Airlines’ loyalty program. This integration led to a complete refresh of the Alaska Airlines credit card, with two primary versions tailored for different types of travelers:
- Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® (Ascent Card) – A mid-tier option designed for everyday travelers who value flexibility and savings.
- Alaska Airlines Visa Infinite® (Summit Card) – A premium card built for frequent flyers who want elevated perks, faster mileage earning, and elite-level benefits.
These two cards share the same foundation: earning Alaska miles (now Atmos Rewards points), enjoying companion benefits, and unlocking travel perks across more than 900 global destinations through Alaska’s partnerships in the Oneworld Alliance.
The Alaska Airlines Ascent Visa Signature® Card
The Ascent Card retains much of the charm of the classic Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card but with enhanced flexibility and improved earning rates.
Annual Fee
$95 — a moderate fee for the benefits it delivers.
Welcome Offer
Earn up to 60,000 bonus miles after meeting the required minimum spend within the first 90 days of account opening.
Earning Structure
- 3 miles per $1 on Alaska Airlines purchases
- 2 miles per $1 on dining and eligible streaming services
- 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases
Key Benefits
- First Checked Bag Free: For you and up to six companions on the same reservation.
- Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare: Each year after meeting $6,000 in purchases, you receive a companion ticket for $99 plus taxes and fees.
- 20% In-flight Savings: Discount on food, beverages, and Wi-Fi.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
- Fraud Protection: Bank of America’s Zero Liability coverage.
The Ascent card offers strong value to casual travelers, families, and small-business owners who fly Alaska Airlines occasionally but still want meaningful rewards and savings.
The Alaska Airlines Summit Visa Infinite® Card
The Summit Card is Alaska Airlines’ premium-tier offering, crafted for frequent flyers who prioritize comfort, convenience, and faster travel rewards.
Annual Fee
$395 — positioned to compete with cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum, but focused on airline loyalty.
Welcome Offer
Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles after meeting spending requirements, plus a Global Companion Award that allows one companion to travel on the same itinerary at a heavily reduced or zero-mile rate.
Earning Structure
- 4 miles per $1 on Alaska Airlines and partner airline purchases
- 2 miles per $1 on dining and travel
- 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases
Premium Perks
- Lounge Access: Complimentary membership to Alaska Lounge+ locations, including partner lounges across Oneworld airports.
- $200 Annual Flight Credit: Automatically applied when booking directly with Alaska Airlines.
- Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $100 every four years.
- Free Checked Bags: For you and six companions.
- Priority Boarding & Upgrades: Access to early boarding and complimentary upgrades on select routes.
- Companion & Global Awards: Use your companion fare or redeem a Global Companion Award for international travel.
- Trip Protections: Reimbursement for trip delays, cancellations, and lost baggage.
The Summit card is Alaska’s first luxury-tier offering, merging traditional airline perks with high-end travel benefits that make sense for frequent flyers.
Earning Miles Made Simple
Both Alaska Airlines credit cards let you earn valuable miles faster than before.
How to Earn
- Book flights directly with Alaska Airlines or partner airlines.
- Spend on dining, travel, and everyday purchases.
- Take advantage of special limited-time promotions announced in your Alaska app or via email.
How to Redeem
The cards connect to Atmos Rewards, which allows redemptions on:
- Alaska Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Oneworld Alliance partners (including British Airways, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and more)
Redemption starts at 5,000 miles for short-haul flights, and premium international seats on partner airlines often deliver exceptional value, sometimes exceeding 2¢ per mile.
You can also redeem for:
- Upgrades to premium or first class
- Alaska Lounge access
- Vacation packages and hotel stays
Alaska Airlines Companion Fare — The Signature Benefit
The Companion Fare remains Alaska Airlines’ standout perk and one of the most generous in the industry.
How It Works
- Each year you receive a code after meeting spending thresholds.
- The companion ticket costs only $99 + taxes and fees, which typically range from $22 to $121.
- The companion travels on the same itinerary, earning full miles and elite-qualifying credits.
- There are no blackout dates or seat restrictions.
For couples or families, this benefit alone can offset the entire annual fee — a single roundtrip flight between Los Angeles and Anchorage, for instance, can save $400 or more.
Atmos Rewards: Alaska’s Revamped Loyalty Program
The transition to Atmos Rewards marks one of the most significant changes to Alaska’s loyalty ecosystem.
Key Features
- Flexible Earning: You can choose to earn based on miles flown or dollars spent, making it more adaptable to your travel style.
- Elite Tiers: Earn faster with credit card spending; Summit cardholders get automatic elite-qualifying mile bonuses.
- Broader Redemption: Book award flights seamlessly across the expanded Oneworld and Hawaiian network.
- Status Boosts: Frequent use of your Alaska credit card helps accelerate elite status — even without flying constantly.
Atmos Rewards positions Alaska as a global competitor while still maintaining the simplicity and friendliness that U.S. travelers associate with the brand.
Travel Protections That Matter
The Alaska Airlines credit card lineup doesn’t just earn rewards — it also protects your journeys.
Insurance Benefits
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption Coverage
- Trip Delay Reimbursement (up to $500 per eligible delay)
- Baggage Delay Coverage (up to $100 per day for essentials)
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Purchase Protection on new items bought with the card
These built-in features provide peace of mind, particularly for frequent travelers.
Why U.S. Travelers Love the Alaska Airlines Credit Card
For American travelers, especially those on the West Coast, the Alaska Airlines credit card has long been a favorite — and for good reason.
- Network Strength: Alaska offers extensive coverage across the U.S., Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico, along with international Oneworld destinations.
- High-Value Redemptions: Alaska miles traditionally deliver some of the best redemption rates in the industry.
- Flexible Loyalty: Atmos Rewards unites Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines’ networks, offering more flight options without extra restrictions.
- Strong Customer Service: Alaska Airlines consistently ranks among the top U.S. carriers for customer satisfaction.
- Ease of Use: Benefits like companion fares, free bags, and lounge access are automatic and easy to apply when booking.
For many cardholders, the combination of practicality, value, and travel perks makes this card one of the smartest airline credit card choices in 2025.
Maximizing Your Alaska Airlines Credit Card
Here’s how to get the most from your card:
- Use It for All Travel Purchases: Earn bonus miles when booking flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- Redeem Smartly: Use miles for premium cabins or long-haul flights for higher redemption value.
- Take Advantage of the Companion Fare: It’s one of the best two-for-one deals in the airline industry.
- Enroll in Atmos Rewards: Link your card to your loyalty account to ensure you earn elite status credits.
- Pay Your Balance in Full Each Month: Avoid interest charges that can reduce your reward value.
- Monitor Limited-Time Offers: Alaska frequently adds seasonal bonuses for dining or online shopping.
- Upgrade with Points: Combine your miles and card perks to elevate your travel experience.
Who Should Get the Alaska Airlines Credit Card
Perfect For
- Frequent Flyers: Regular travelers on Alaska or its Oneworld partners.
- Families & Couples: Take advantage of companion fares and free checked bags.
- Luxury Travelers: Those who want lounge access, flight credits, and travel protections.
- Business Travelers: Frequent fliers seeking premium perks without the Amex or Chase price tag.
Not Ideal For
- Infrequent Flyers: If you rarely travel, you may not fully use the benefits.
- Non-Alaska Markets: Travelers far from Alaska’s hubs might prefer a more universal travel card.
Potential Drawbacks
- High Annual Fee: The Summit card’s $395 fee may not make sense unless you fly regularly.
- Limited Lounge Network: While expanding, Alaska’s lounge access remains smaller than Delta or United’s.
- Companion Fare Limitations: Must book through Alaska’s website and applies to Alaska-operated flights only.
- Geographic Concentration: Alaska’s route strength is strongest in the western U.S.
Even with these considerations, most frequent travelers find the card’s benefits outweigh its costs.
How to Apply for the Alaska Airlines Credit Card
Applying for the card is simple through Bank of America or Alaska Airlines’ official website.
Basic Requirements
- Good to Excellent Credit Score (700+)
- U.S. Residency and Income Verification
- Enrollment in Atmos Rewards for mileage tracking
Approval decisions typically arrive within minutes, and cards are delivered within 7–10 business days.
Is the Alaska Airlines Credit Card Worth It in 2025?
Yes — for the right traveler, it’s one of the best airline credit cards available.
The Ascent Card offers affordability and everyday rewards, while the Summit Card delivers premium benefits that can easily outweigh the fee through lounge access, Global Companion Awards, and elevated mileage earning.
When paired with Atmos Rewards’ flexibility and Alaska’s strong reputation, the Alaska Airlines credit card provides lasting value, convenience, and global reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main difference between the Ascent and Summit versions of the Alaska Airlines credit card?
The Ascent card is affordable with solid perks, while the Summit version offers premium features such as lounge access, $200 flight credits, and a Global Companion Award.
Q2: Can I use Alaska Airlines credit card miles for partner airlines?
Yes. You can redeem miles on Oneworld partners like British Airways, Qantas, and Japan Airlines, as well as Hawaiian Airlines.
Q3: What is the Global Companion Award on the Summit card?
It’s a special benefit allowing one companion to travel with you on the same itinerary for a significantly reduced mileage rate, even in premium cabins.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. Offers, benefits, and terms for the Alaska Airlines credit card may change. Always check current rates and official terms before applying or making financial decisions.