What the Bank of America Alaska Credit Card offers
The Bank of America Alaska Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Bank of America in partnership with Alaska Airlines. It earns points on purchases that you can redeem for Alaska Airlines flights, seat upgrades, and other travel expenses. The card comes with an annual fee, a welcome bonus after you meet a spending threshold, and perks tied to Alaska Airlines frequent flyer status.
Unlike some airline cards that lock you into one carrier, this card lets you use points for any Alaska Airlines route or partner airline. You also earn points on everyday purchases outside of flying — groceries, gas, restaurants — which means the card can work for people who don't travel constantly.
Key Takeaways
- The card earns a set number of miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases and a lower rate on everything else, with bonus categories that vary by card version.
- You pay an annual fee to hold the card, which Bank of America offsets partially through an annual statement credit toward Alaska Airlines purchases.
- New cardholders receive a welcome bonus of miles after spending a certain amount within the first few months, but you must meet the spending requirement to earn it.
- The card's value depends on how often you fly Alaska Airlines and whether you can use the annual statement credit before it expires each year.
Annual fee and statement credit
Bank of America charges an annual fee to hold this card. The exact amount varies depending on which version of the Alaska card you have — the bank offers more than one product under this name. When you receive your card, your welcome materials will state the fee clearly.
To offset the fee, the card comes with an annual statement credit that you can use toward Alaska Airlines purchases. This credit appears once per year and typically covers a portion of the annual fee, though not always all of it. The credit expires if you don't use it within the calendar year, so you need to plan Alaska Airlines spending or gift card purchases to capture the full benefit.
How points are earned and redeemed
You earn Alaska Airlines miles on every purchase you make with the card. The earning rate is highest on Alaska Airlines tickets and purchases — typically 3 miles per dollar or more, depending on your card version. On all other purchases, you earn a lower rate, usually 1 mile per dollar.
Some versions of the card offer bonus categories — for example, extra miles on dining or gas purchases for the first few months. Check your card's terms to see which categories explore to yours, because these bonuses are time-limited and vary by product.
You redeem miles through your Alaska Airlines account by booking flights directly on their website or by calling their reservations line. Miles can also cover seat upgrades, baggage fees for companion travelers, and purchases from Alaska Airlines partners. One mile typically equals one cent in value when redeemed for a flight, though the actual value depends on the route and how far in advance you book.
Welcome bonus and spending requirements
New cardholders receive a welcome bonus of miles after they spend a certain amount on the card within a set timeframe — usually three months. The bonus amount and spending threshold vary by offer and change over time. You must meet the full spending requirement to earn the bonus; partial spending does not result in a partial bonus.
The spending requirement counts purchases you make yourself but typically does not count balance transfers, cash advances, or fees. If you're considering the card primarily for the welcome bonus, calculate whether you can realistically spend that amount in the timeframe without overspending just to reach the threshold.
Alaska Airlines status benefits and perks
Holding the card gives you certain perks with Alaska Airlines beyond earning miles. These typically include a checked baggage fee waiver for you and one companion on the same ticket, priority boarding, and bonus miles on your Alaska Airlines flights. Some versions also provide a companion ticket discount or annual miles bonus on your account anniversary.
The specific perks depend on your card version and your Alaska Airlines frequent flyer status level. If you already have elite status through flying, the card's perks may overlap with what you already receive, so review both sets of benefits before deciding whether the card is worth the annual fee for you.
When this card makes financial sense
The Bank of America Alaska Credit Card works best for people who fly Alaska Airlines regularly — at least a few times per year — and can use the annual statement credit. If you live in the Pacific Northwest or Alaska, or if Alaska Airlines serves your home airport with frequent flights to your preferred destinations, the card's earning rate and perks add up faster.
The card is less valuable if you fly Alaska Airlines rarely or if you travel primarily on other carriers. In that case, a general travel rewards card or a card from your preferred airline may give you better value. Similarly, if you cannot use the annual statement credit before it expires, you're paying the full annual fee without the offset, which reduces the card's benefit.
Comparing this card to other airline cards
Airline cards from other carriers — United, American, Delta, Southwest — follow a similar structure: annual fee, welcome bonus, earning rates tied to the airline, and perks like baggage waivers. The main difference is which airline you earn miles with and which routes you can book.
If you have a choice of carriers from your home airport, compare the earning rates, annual fees, and statement credits across cards. Also consider whether you value the flexibility of flying one airline consistently or whether you prefer to split your travel across multiple carriers. A general travel rewards card that earns points with multiple airlines may also be worth comparing if you don't have a strong preference for Alaska Airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my miles if I close the card?
No. Your Alaska Airlines miles stay in your frequent flyer account even after you close the credit card. However, Alaska Airlines does have an inactivity policy — if your account has no activity for a certain period, the miles may expire. Check Alaska Airlines' current policy on their website for the exact timeframe.
Can I use my miles on flights I book through a travel website?
No. You must book through Alaska Airlines directly — either on their website or by phone — to use miles for payment. Flights booked through third-party travel sites cannot be paid with miles, though you may earn miles on the purchase depending on how the booking is processed.
What happens to my annual statement credit if I don't use it?
The credit expires at the end of the calendar year if you don't use it. It does not roll over to the next year. If you know you won't fly or purchase from Alaska Airlines before the year ends, consider buying an Alaska Airlines gift card to preserve the credit's value.
Does the card's welcome bonus count toward my annual spending for the statement credit?
No. The welcome bonus miles are separate from the earning you do on purchases. Your annual statement credit is based on your card's terms, not on how many miles you've earned. Refer to your card agreement for the exact terms of the statement credit.
What if I'm denied for the card?
Bank of America reviews your credit history, income, and existing accounts when you explore. If you're denied, you can contact the bank to ask why. You may be able to reapply after addressing the issue — for example, paying down existing balances or waiting a few months before explore again.