Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card Review

The Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card is a compelling choice for frequent travelers, especially those loyal to Alaska Airlines. With a robust rewards program, generous bonus miles, and a suite of travel benefits, this card aims to deliver significant value to its users. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into various aspects of the card, from its key features and benefits to its pros and cons, to help you determine if this card is the right fit for your financial and travel needs.

Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card Key Takeaways

1. Miles Earning Structure:
– Earn 3x miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.
– Earn 1x mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
2. Sign-Up Bonus:
– Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
3. Annual Fee:
– $75 annually.
4. APR:
– Purchase APR: 20.24% – 28.24% Variable
– Balance Transfer APR: 20.24% – 28.24% Variable
– APR for Cash Advances: 23.24% – 29.24% Variable
5. Additional Fees:
– Balance Transfer Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
– Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
– Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.
– Penalty APR: 29.99%.
6. Travel Benefits:
– Free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation.
– Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ Offer.
– 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases.
– 50% off day passes for Alaska Airlines lounges.
7. Additional Features:
– No foreign transaction fees.
– Fraud protection.
– Payment flexibility.
– Purchase protection.
– Travel insurance.

Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros:

– Generous Bonus Offer: The 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days is a significant incentive, especially for frequent travelers.
– Free Checked Bag: The free checked bag benefit can save a substantial amount of money, particularly for families or groups traveling together.
– Companion Fare Offer: Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ can provide excellent value for those traveling with a companion.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a considerable advantage for international travelers, as it can save a lot on transaction costs abroad.
– Inflight Savings and Lounge Access: The 20% back on inflight purchases and 50% off day passes for Alaska Airlines lounges enhance the overall travel experience.

Cons:

– Annual Fee: The $75 annual fee may be a drawback for those who do not travel frequently enough to offset the cost with the card’s benefits.
– No Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers: The absence of an introductory APR offer makes this card less attractive for those looking to finance significant purchases or consolidate debt.
– Extra Fees: Balance transfer and cash advance fees can add up quickly, making it less ideal for those considering these types of transactions.

Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card Benefits

Travel Benefits

Free Checked Bag:
One of the standout features of the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card is the free checked bag benefit. Cardholders and up to six guests on the same reservation can check their first bag for free. This can equate to savings of $60 per person roundtrip, making it an invaluable perk for frequent travelers and families.
Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™:
Another significant benefit is Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ Offer. After spending $2,000 in the first 90 days, cardholders can purchase a companion fare ticket for $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees starting at $22). This benefit can provide substantial savings, especially on longer or more expensive routes.
Inflight Savings:
Cardholders get 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases, including food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. This can make long flights more enjoyable and affordable.
Discounted Lounge Access:
Cardholders can enjoy 50% off day passes for Alaska Airlines lounges. These lounges offer a more comfortable and productive environment to relax or work while waiting for flights, complete with amenities such as complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, and more.

Rewards Program

The rewards program of the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card is tailored to benefit Alaska Airlines customers:
3x Miles on Alaska Airlines Purchases:
Earning 3x miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases allows frequent flyers to accumulate miles quickly, making it easier to redeem rewards for future flights.
1x Mile on All Other Purchases:
While the 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases is standard, it ensures that everyday spending also contributes to the accumulation of miles, providing a steady stream of rewards points.
Sign-Up Bonus:
The 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days is a significant incentive. This bonus alone can be enough for multiple roundtrip flights, depending on the route and time of booking.

Additional Benefits

No Foreign Transaction Fees:
For international travelers, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a major advantage. This can save a substantial amount of money, as many cards charge up to 3% per transaction for purchases made outside the United States.
Fraud Protection:
The card includes robust fraud protection measures, ensuring that cardholders are not held liable for unauthorized transactions.
Payment Flexibility:
The card offers flexible payment options, allowing cardholders to manage their payments in a way that suits their financial situation best.
Purchase Protection:
Purchases made with the card are covered by purchase protection, which can provide peace of mind in case of damage or theft shortly after the purchase.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance coverage is another valuable benefit, offering protection in the event of trip cancellations, delays, or interruptions.

Conclusion

The Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card is a robust offering, particularly for frequent travelers and loyal Alaska Airlines customers. The card’s generous rewards program, significant sign-up bonus, and extensive travel benefits make it a compelling choice. The free checked bag benefit, Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™, and no foreign transaction fees provide substantial savings and added convenience.
However, the card does come with a $75 annual fee, which may be a consideration for those who do not travel frequently enough to justify the cost. Additionally, the absence of an introductory APR offer and the presence of balance transfer and cash advance fees are potential drawbacks.
Ultimately, if you fly frequently with Alaska Airlines and can take full advantage of the travel-related benefits, the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card offers substantial value. For those who are occasional travelers or are looking to finance large purchases or consolidate debt, it may be worth considering other options with lower fees and introductory APR offers.
In summary, this card is tailored for the travel enthusiast, offering a plethora of benefits that can enhance the travel experience and provide significant savings. If you fit this profile, the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card is well worth considering.