Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card Review

In the dynamic world of business travel, having the right credit card can make a significant difference in managing expenses and maximizing rewards. The Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card from Bank of America is designed specifically with travelers in mind, offering a robust set of benefits and reward structures that cater to frequent flyers, particularly those loyal to Alaska Airlines. This review delves into the intricate details of the card, providing a comprehensive analysis based on my expertise and unique insights as a financial expert.

Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card Review

The Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card is a compelling option for business owners who frequently travel with Alaska Airlines. This card stands out with its attractive rewards rates and valuable travel perks that can enhance your travel experience while making it more cost-effective.

Rewards Structure

One of the standout features of this card is its rewards structure. Cardholders earn 3x miles for every dollar spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. This can include flight tickets, in-flight purchases, and other Alaska Airlines services. For all other purchases, cardholders earn 1x mile per dollar spent. This straightforward rewards system makes it easy to accumulate miles, especially if Alaska Airlines is your primary airline for business travel.

Sign-Up Bonus

The sign-up bonus is another highlight. New cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ (where the companion fare is $99 plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. This bonus can significantly boost your mileage balance, allowing you to redeem miles for flights sooner.

Travel Benefits

The travel benefits offered by this card are designed to make your travel experiences more comfortable and cost-effective. Cardholders receive a 50% discount on day passes at the Alaska Lounge, which can provide a relaxing environment to work or unwind before a flight. Additionally, you get 20% back on all Alaska Airlines in-flight purchases when you pay with your card.
One of the most valuable benefits is the free checked bag for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation. This can save you up to $60 per person on a round trip, making it a substantial saving for business trips involving multiple employees.

Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card Key Takeaways

– Rewards Rate: Earn 3x miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and 1x mile on all other purchases.
– Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days.
– Annual Fee: $50 for the company and $25 per card.
– Variable APR: 21.24% – 29.24% for purchases and balance transfers.
– Travel Perks: 50% off Alaska Lounge day passes, 20% back on in-flight purchases, free checked bag for you and up to six guests, annual companion fare.

Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Generous Rewards Rate: The card offers a high rewards rate of 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases, which is particularly beneficial for frequent flyers of the airline.
2. Attractive Sign-Up Bonus: The 50,000 bonus miles and companion fare can provide significant value right from the start.
3. Valuable Travel Perks: Benefits like free checked bags, discounts on lounge access, and in-flight purchase rebates enhance the travel experience.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a crucial benefit for businesses that operate internationally or have employees who travel abroad frequently.
5. Comprehensive Travel Insurance: The card includes $1,000,000 in travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance, and travel and emergency assistance services.

Cons

1. Annual Fee: The card comes with an annual fee of $50 for the company and $25 per card, which might be a deterrent for some small businesses.
2. High APR: The variable APR of 21.24% – 29.24% is relatively high, making it less ideal for businesses that may carry a balance.
3. No Intro APR Period: The lack of an introductory APR period for purchases or balance transfers could be a disadvantage for businesses looking to manage upfront expenses.

Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card Benefits

Rewards Program

The rewards program is the cornerstone of the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card. Earning 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases means that frequent flyers can accumulate miles quickly, which can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. The 1x mile on all other purchases ensures that every dollar spent contributes to your mileage balance.

Companion Fare

The annual companion fare is a unique and valuable benefit. Each year on your account anniversary, you’ll receive a companion fare which allows you to book a companion flight from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22). This can be a significant saving for businesses that need to book multiple tickets for employees traveling together.

Travel Discounts

Cardholders enjoy a 50% discount on day passes at the Alaska Lounge, providing a comfortable and productive environment before flights. The 20% back on in-flight purchases, including food and beverages, adds another layer of savings during travel.

Free Checked Bags

The free checked bag benefit for you and up to six guests on the same reservation is a standout feature. This can save a considerable amount of money, especially for businesses that frequently send multiple employees on trips.

Travel and Emergency Services

The card offers comprehensive travel and emergency services, including travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance, emergency ticket replacement, lost luggage assistance, and legal and medical referrals when you’re away from home. These benefits provide peace of mind and financial protection during travel.

Conclusion

The Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card from Bank of America is a powerful tool for businesses that prioritize travel, particularly with Alaska Airlines. The card’s robust rewards program, valuable travel benefits, and comprehensive travel insurance make it an excellent choice for frequent flyers. While the annual fee and high APR may be considerations, the overall value provided by the card’s benefits can outweigh these costs for many businesses.
In summary, if your business involves regular travel with Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card can be a strategic asset. The ability to earn and redeem miles efficiently, coupled with significant travel perks, can enhance your travel experience and contribute to your business’s financial efficiency. As a financial expert, I recommend evaluating your travel needs and spending patterns to determine if this card aligns with your business goals and can provide the maximum return on investment.