Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Review: Is It the Right Card for Your Travel Needs?
What Is the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa?
The Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Credit Card is a co-branded credit card offered by Bank of America in partnership with Alaska Airlines. This card is designed for frequent travelers who prefer flying with Alaska Airlines and want to maximize their mileage earnings and travel perks. As part of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan loyalty program, this card offers various benefits tailored to enhance your travel experience and help you accumulate Alaska miles faster.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "44", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Mileage Earnings", "headerHint" : "Alaska Airlines Travelers" } ]]
Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days
- Annual Companion Fare: Get Alaska's famous companion fare from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) on your account anniversary
- Free checked bag: First checked bag free for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation
- Earn miles on purchases: 3X miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2X miles on eligible gas, EV charging stations, local transit, and streaming services, and 1X mile on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights
Cons:
- Annual fee: $75, not waived the first year
- Limited redemption options outside of Alaska Airlines and its partners
- No lounge access included
- Requires good to excellent credit for approval
Who Is the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa For?
The Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Credit Card is ideal for:
- Frequent Alaska Airlines flyers: If you often travel with Alaska Airlines or its partners, this card can help you accumulate miles quickly and enjoy travel perks.
- West Coast travelers: Alaska Airlines has a strong presence on the West Coast, making this card particularly valuable for residents of or frequent travelers to this region.
- Companion travelers: The annual Companion Fare benefit can provide significant savings for those who often travel with a partner or friend.
- Mileage Plan enthusiasts: If you're already a fan of Alaska's Mileage Plan program, this card can help you boost your earnings and reach elite status faster.
- Travelers seeking free checked bags: The free first checked bag benefit can lead to substantial savings for those who frequently check luggage.
Comparing the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa With Other Credit Cards
When considering the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Credit Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the premium travel card category:
The Platinum Card® from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $695
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- Standout feature: Extensive airport lounge access and hotel elite status
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $395
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X on vacation rentals and on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
- Annual fee: $550
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3X points on travel and dining
- Standout feature: $300 annual travel credit and 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Credit Card is designed for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers
- The Platinum Card® from American Express offers premium travel perks
- Capital One Venture X provides high rewards on travel bookings
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® features flexible travel credits and point redemptions
[[ CARD_LIST * {"ids": ["106","2888", "510"]} ]]
Consider Using Kudos
While the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Credit Card offers great benefits for Alaska Airlines loyalists, it's always wise to maximize your credit card rewards across all your purchases. This is where Kudos comes in handy. Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you get the most out of your credit cards when shopping online.
With Kudos, you can:
- Receive personalized credit card recommendations for each purchase
- Earn rewards at over 15,000 stores
- Multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events
- Discover new cards that align with your spending habits
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa Credit Card is a solid choice for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers and West Coast travelers. Its standout features include the annual Companion Fare, free checked bag benefit, and generous mile-earning structure. However, its value diminishes for those who don't frequently fly with Alaska Airlines or its partners.
For travelers who value flexibility and aren't loyal to a specific airline, a general travel rewards card might be a better fit. Additionally, using tools like Kudos can help you maximize rewards across all your credit cards, ensuring you're always using the best card for each purchase.
Ultimately, the decision to apply for the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa should depend on your travel patterns, spending habits, and how much you value Alaska Airlines-specific perks. If you can take advantage of the Companion Fare and free checked bag benefits, the $75 annual fee can easily be offset, making this card a valuable addition to your wallet.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "44", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Mileage Earnings", "headerHint" : "Alaska Airlines Travelers" } ]]
Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa FAQ
How do I earn the 50,000 bonus miles sign-up offer?
You can earn 50,000 bonus miles by spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
What is the annual fee for the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa?
The annual fee is $75, and it is not waived for the first year.
How does the Companion Fare work?
On your account anniversary, you'll receive a Companion Fare code. This allows you to book a companion ticket from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) when purchasing a regular-priced ticket on Alaska Airlines.
Can I use Alaska miles on other airlines?
Yes, you can redeem Alaska miles on Alaska Airlines and its partner airlines, which include American Airlines and several international carriers.
Does the Alaska Airlines Platinum Visa have foreign transaction fees?
No, this card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel.
How many free checked bags do I get with this card?
You and up to 6 guests on the same reservation each get one free checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights.
Can I earn elite status with this card?
While the card itself doesn't grant elite status, the miles you earn from card spending count towards elite status qualification in Alaska's Mileage Plan program.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
