What the Allegiant Credit Card offers
The Allegiant Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Barclays in partnership with Allegiant Air. It earns rewards points on Allegiant purchases and offers perks tied to flying with that airline. The card does not require an annual fee, which sets it apart from many other airline cards.
The main benefit is earning points on Allegiant bookings. You also get a checked bag waiver on your first checked bag per round trip when you use the card to buy your ticket. Some versions of the card have offered a sign-up bonus in the past, though the current offer changes periodically and you should check Barclays' website directly for what is available now.
Points earned on this card can be redeemed for Allegiant flights, seat upgrades, and baggage fees. The redemption rate and point value vary depending on how you use them, so the actual value you get depends on your redemption choices.
Key Takeaways
- The Allegiant Credit Card has no annual fee and earns points on Allegiant Air purchases and other spending.
- You receive a checked bag waiver on your first checked bag per round trip when you use the card to purchase your ticket.
- Points can be redeemed for Allegiant flights, seat upgrades, and baggage fees, though the point value depends on what you redeem for.
- The card's value depends heavily on how often you fly Allegiant and whether you would otherwise pay for checked bags or seat upgrades.
How points and rewards work on this card
You earn one point per dollar spent on Allegiant Air purchases when you use the card to book. The earning rate on other purchases is lower — typically one point per dollar on general spending, though this can vary. Check your card agreement or Barclays' website for the current earning structure, as it may change.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. This means you can accumulate them over time if you do not redeem when ready. However, if your account is closed or becomes inactive for an extended period, the issuer may have policies about point forfeiture — review your terms to understand when that happens.
The value of each point depends on how you use it. Redeeming for a flight on Allegiant may give you a different per-point value than redeeming for a baggage fee waiver. Allegiant does not publish a fixed cent-per-point value, so you need to compare the dollar amount of what you are buying against the points you are spending to see if the redemption makes sense for you.
Checked bag benefit and how to use it
The card waives the fee for your first checked bag on each round trip when you use the card to purchase your ticket. This applies to you as the cardholder; it does not automatically extend to companions traveling with you unless they have their own card or Allegiant's frequent flyer status provides the same benefit.
To receive the waiver, you must present the card at check-in or have it linked to your Allegiant booking. If you check in online or through the app, you may need to add the card information to your reservation beforehand. Allegiant's website has specific instructions for linking your card to your account, and you should follow those steps before your flight to avoid being charged at the airport.
Allegiant's checked bag fee is one of the highest among U.S. airlines, so this waiver can save you money on every round trip. However, the savings only matter if you actually check a bag — if you travel with carry-on only, the benefit has no value to you.
Annual fee and other costs to know
The Allegiant Credit Card has no annual fee. This is a significant advantage over many competing airline cards, which charge $95 to $450 per year. Because there is no annual fee, you do not need to generate a minimum amount of rewards to break even on the card's cost.
However, no annual fee does not mean the card is free to use. You will pay interest on any balance you carry from month to month. The card's interest rate (APR) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. If you carry a balance, the interest charges will likely exceed any rewards you earn, so paying your full statement balance each month is essential to getting value from the card.
You may also face late fees, over-limit fees, or foreign transaction fees depending on how you use the card. Review the full fee schedule in your card agreement or on Barclays' website to understand all potential charges.
Who this card makes sense for
The Allegiant Credit Card is most valuable if you fly Allegiant multiple times per year and would otherwise pay for checked bags. Each checked bag waiver saves you money, and if you fly four times per year, that is four round trips where you avoid the baggage fee. The points you earn on those bookings add up faster if you are a frequent Allegiant traveler.
The card is less valuable if you rarely fly Allegiant, travel only with carry-on luggage, or prefer other airlines. In those cases, the rewards and benefits may not offset the opportunity cost of using a different card that earns rewards on categories you actually spend in, like groceries or gas.
The card also works best if you pay your balance in full each month. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the interest charges will quickly outpace any rewards or fee waivers you receive.
How to compare this card to other airline cards
Airline cards vary widely in their structure. Some charge an annual fee but offer a free checked bag for you and a companion, lounge access, or a statement credit toward future travel. Others, like the Allegiant card, have no annual fee but offer fewer perks. The right choice depends on your specific travel patterns and spending habits.
If you fly multiple airlines, a general rewards card that earns cash back or flexible points may be more valuable than a single-airline card. A 2% cash back card, for example, gives you value on all your spending, not just Allegiant bookings. If Allegiant is your only airline, the single-airline card can make more sense.
Use a spreadsheet to calculate your expected annual value: multiply your annual Allegiant bookings by the points you earn, estimate the dollar value of those points based on past redemptions, add the value of checked bag waivers, and subtract any annual fee. Compare that total to what you would earn with a competing card over the same period. The card that produces the higher net value is the better choice for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the checked bag waiver explore to my traveling companion?
No, the waiver applies only to the cardholder's first checked bag per round trip. Your companion would need their own card or Allegiant frequent flyer status to receive a waiver. You can check Allegiant's website for information about their frequent flyer program and what benefits come with different membership levels.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Points are typically forfeited if your account is closed. Review your card agreement or contact Barclays directly to confirm the exact policy, as it may vary. If you are considering closing the card, redeem any remaining points before you do.
Can I use points for flights on airlines other than Allegiant?
No, points earned on the Allegiant Credit Card can only be redeemed for Allegiant Air flights, seat upgrades, and baggage fees. They cannot be transferred to other airlines or redeemed for cash.
Is there a sign-up bonus with this card?
Sign-up bonuses for the Allegiant Credit Card have been offered in the past, but the current offer changes periodically. Visit Barclays' website or Allegiant Air's website to see what bonus, if any, is available now. Offers vary and are subject to change.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Barclays does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Generally, airline cards are easier to obtain with a good credit score (typically 670 or higher), but approval depends on your full credit profile, income, and other factors. You can check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com before you explore.