The Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card offers valuable benefits for those who frequently fly Alaska Airlines and need a card to boost mileage earnings. With an annual companion fare, free checked bags, discounted lounge access, and Alaska’s straightforward award chart, it’s easy to get value from this airline card.
In this article, we’ll break down how the Alaska Visa works along with tips to maximize perks from your card membership.
A Top Airline Card for West Coast Travelers
Alaska Airlines has an extensive route network up and down the West Coast with its hub airports in Anchorage, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle. The airline also partners with numerous worldwide carriers to provide access to global destinations.
Frequent Alaska Airlines flyers can amplify travel rewards with the Alaska Airlines Visa. Cardholders earn miles on everyday purchases plus even more miles on Alaska flights and vacation packages. Miles redeem toward Award Travel on Alaska and partners with set rates.
The current signup bonus offer also means accelerating your mileage balance quicker. New cardmembers can earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 within the first 90 days. As we’ll outline, strategic spending and redemption help offset the $95 annual fee.
How the Alaska Airlines Credit Card Works
The Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card provides cardholders several avenues to earn Mileage Plan miles:
New Cardholder Bonus: 60k miles after $2k spend in 90 days
Alaska Purchases: 3x miles per $1 spent Dining, Groceries, Streaming Services: 2x miles per $1
All Other Purchases: 1x mile per $1
Miles never expire, plus accrued miles count toward Mileage Plan elite status. Additional Visa cardholder benefits include free first checked bag, 20% inflight discount on food/drinks, and discounted access to Alaska Lounge airport locations when traveling on Alaska flights.
Next let’s explore how to maximize two of the best Alaska Visa perks: Companion Fare and Alaska Lounge access discounts.
Strategically Use the Annual Companion Fare
The Alaska Visa Companion Fare essentially buys one, get one free ticket for Alaska/Virgin flights when traveling with the primary cardholder. Activate the annual code strategically when fares peak to maximize value. Best uses:
- Holiday/seasonal high-demand travel
- Last-minute trips
- Mileage runs
Discount on Alaska Lounge Memberships
Cardholders receive discounts on Alaska Lounge day passes, monthly and annual access memberships:
- Day Pass – Save $10 off the $45 general public rate
- Monthly Pass – $14 savings cutting cost to $56 per month
- Annual Pass – $94 discount dropping price to $381 per year
If you visit Alaska Lounges even occasionally, the up to 25% savings easily offset the card’s annual fee. Add guest access for $15 more per visit.
Card Benefits & Perks
Along with the major benefits we covered already, the Alaska Airlines Visa Card extends additional travel perks and savings:
First Bag Free – Check your first standard bag free for you and up to 6 other guests. That’s $120 roundtrip savings per person.
Free TSA PreCheck/Global Entry – Get an application fee credit every 4-5 years for TSA Pre✓ or Global Entry to speed through airport queues.
20% Inflight Discount – Purchase Alaska’s Signature Fruit and Cheese Platter or other meals, premium drinks and WiFi with 20% off.
Rental Car Discounts – Save up to 30% off base rates plus elite benefits with Avis, Budget, and Payless rental cars.
Trip Delay & Lost Luggage Coverage – Reimbursement for necessities if bags are delayed 6+ hours or lost.
Purchase Protection – 120 days of coverage on new items against damage or theft up to $10k per claim and $50k annually.
Extended Warranty – Extend original manufacturer’s warranty by one year on warranties of 3 years or less.
Visa Concierge Service – Get help booking travel, restaurants or finding hard-to-get tickets and gifts.
Together these cardholder benefits add peace of mind, cost savings and elevated travel experiences.
Tips to Earn More Points
Rack up Alaska Visa points faster with these strategic tips:
- Meet minimum card spending requirements to earn the signup bonus
- Use mobile wallet or contactless payments which earn 200 bonus miles monthly
- Shop bonus categories like supermarket, dining and entertainment
- Book Alaska flights and vacation packages to triple dip on miles
- Refer friends and family – receive 5k miles per approved referral
- Use card for business travel expenses reimbursed by your employer
Pushing routine spending through the card combines with bonuses, flight activity, and referrals to quickly scale your mileage balance.
Monitor your statement’s Alaska Airlines Summary page showing miles earned from purchases plus account adjustments like bonuses or transfers. Review this before monthly closing to strategize spending toward hitting the next rewards threshold if close.
How to Apply
Applying for the Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card is quick and easy online. Simply visit the Alaska Airlines Visa Card website and click “Apply Now.”
You’ll need to provide personal details including:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Social security number
- Income and employment info
In most cases you will instantly receive a decision on approval after submitting the application.
Tips to Activate Your Card
Once approved, you will receive your new Alaska Visa Card by mail within 10 business days. It will come with instructions on how to activate it before use.
Activate your card by calling the number on the sticker on the front. This also sets up fraud protection and your security PIN.
How to Login Online
After activating your card, register online at the Alaska Airlines Visa login page. Here you can access statements, pay your bill, view transaction activity, redeem miles, and manage your Mileage Plan account.
Provide your new card number, name, and ZIP code to register. Going forward, login with your chosen email and password.
Tips to Make Payments
You have options to pay your Alaska Visa bill including:
- Online via account login
- Automated phone system
- Scheduling one-time or recurring payments from a bank account
- Mailing a check or money order
Try to pay in full each month to avoid interest charges. Late fees apply if you miss the minimum payment due date by over 15 days.
Conclusion
The Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card delivers outstanding long-term utility for Alaska Mile
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