Is the Alaska Airlines Credit Card Worth It in 2026? Guide & Review

Dreaming of your next adventure but want to travel smarter? The new Alaska Airlines credit card lineup might just be your golden ticket to affordable travel. Whether you're eyeing a quick getaway to Hawaii or planning a cross-country adventure, these cards offer incredible perks that can transform how you fly. Let's dive into everything you need to know about the Alaska Airlines credit card offers in 2025.

Overview of the Latest Alaska Airlines Credit Card

Alaska Airlines has revamped its credit card portfolio in 2025 under the newly rebranded Atmos Rewards program, offering travelers more ways to earn and redeem points than ever before. The lineup now includes three distinct cards: the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature for everyday travelers, the premium Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite for frequent flyers, and the Atmos Rewards Business card for entrepreneurs.​

Following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, cardholders can now earn and redeem points across both airlines, dramatically expanding travel options from the West Coast to the Pacific Islands. The cards are issued by Bank of America and come with no foreign transaction fees, making them particularly attractive for international travelers.​

Key Features and Benefits of the New Offer

The Alaska Airlines credit card offer comes packed with benefits that make every dollar spent work harder for your travel goals. Here's what you can expect:

Earning Structure:

The Ascent card earns 3 points per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases, 2 points per dollar on gas, EV charging, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and streaming services, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. The premium Summit card takes it further with 3x points on dining and all foreign transactions—a rare perk among airline cards.​

Travel Perks:

Cardholders enjoy a free checked bag for themselves and up to six guests on the same reservation, priority boarding, and a 20% rebate on inflight purchases including food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. There's also a $100 discount on Alaska Lounge+ membership, which normally costs $795.​

Elite Status Acceleration:

You can earn one status point for every $3 spent on the card, helping you fast-track your way to Atmos Rewards elite status.​

Complete Alaska Airlines change and cancel flights policy with fees and rules

How Much is the Alaska Airlines Credit Card Bonus?

If you've heard whispers about the Alaska Airlines credit card 80,000 miles bonus, you're not dreaming—it's real. The bonus offers vary depending on which card you choose.​

For the Atmos Rewards Ascent card, the best publicly available offer has been 80,000 bonus points plus a $99 Companion Fare after spending $4,000 within the first 120 days of account opening. The current offer provides 60,000 bonus points plus a Companion Fare and a 30% global flight discount code after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.​

The premium Summit card takes things up a notch with 80,000 bonus points plus a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 in 90 days—with the highest offer reaching 100,000 bonus points. These points can easily be worth over $1,200 toward flights when redeemed strategically.​

Is the Alaska Airlines Credit Card Worth It?

So, is Alaska Airlines credit card worth it? The answer is: Absolutely, if you fly Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines even a few times per year.

The math is compelling. The Companion Fare alone can save you hundreds on a single trip. For instance, using it on a round-trip flight from Orlando to Seattle could save approximately $480 more than five times the $95 annual fee. Add in the free checked bag benefit (worth $35 per bag per flight) for up to seven travelers, and the card pays for itself quickly.​

The card becomes particularly valuable if you travel with a partner or family regularly, live near an Alaska Airlines hub (Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Anchorage), or want to leverage Alaska's extensive partner network through the oneworld alliance for international travel. Points can be redeemed on partner airlines like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and American Airlines, often at excellent rates for premium cabin flights.​

Pros and Cons of Owning the Alaska Airlines Credit Card

Pros:

• Annual Companion Fare can save hundreds on flights, available on both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines within North America​

• Free checked bag for cardholder and up to six companions on the same reservation​

• Earn Alaska miles redeemable on 15+ partner airlines through oneworld alliance​

• No foreign transaction fees for international purchases​

• 20% discount on inflight purchases​

• Priority boarding when tickets purchased with the card​

• Relatively low annual fee compared to benefits received​

Cons:

• Best value only if you fly Alaska or Hawaiian regularly​

• Annual fee applies (though modest at $95)​

• Companion Fare has restrictions including $6,000 minimum spend requirement for renewal years​

• Fewer everyday bonus categories compared to general travel cards​

• No complimentary airport lounge access on the Ascent card​

Detailed Alaska Airlines seat selection guide and how to choose seats

What is the Annual Fee for the Alaska Airlines Credit Card?

The Alaska Airlines credit card annual fee varies by card tier. The Atmos Rewards Ascent card carries a $95 annual fee, which is quite reasonable for an airline card with substantial benefits. The premium Summit card has a $395 annual fee but includes elevated perks like lounge passes and Global Companion Awards.​

For business owners, the Atmos Rewards Business card charges $70 for the company plus $25 per card. Given that the Companion Fare benefit alone can easily exceed the annual fee in savings, most frequent Alaska flyers find the cost justified.​

What is the Alaska Airlines Credit Card Companion Fare?

The Alaska Airlines credit card companion fare is arguably the card's most beloved benefit. Here's how it works: when you book a ticket for yourself, you can bring a companion along for just $99 plus taxes and fees (starting from $23), regardless of how expensive your ticket is.​

This benefit is available annually on your card anniversary after spending $6,000 or more on purchases in the prior year. New cardholders typically receive a Companion Fare as part of their welcome bonus after meeting the initial spend requirement.​

Alaska Airlines UMNR (Unaccompanied Minor) policy for kids traveling alone

Conclusion

The Alaska Airlines credit card lineup offers genuine value for travelers who appreciate the airline's West Coast-centric route network and exceptional partner options. With bonus offers reaching up to 80,000 points, an unbeatable Companion Fare benefit, and everyday perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, these cards punch well above their weight in the airline credit card arena. 

Looking to get the best Alaska Airlines travel benefits? Visit AffluenceTravels and apply for your Alaska Airlines credit card today to start earning rewards faster!

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