The Best Alaska Credit Card Offers

The newest member of the Oneworld airline alliance, Seattle-based Alaska Airlines, has partnerships stretching all over the globe. And although it provides some pretty valuable airline miles, a lack of partnerships with flexible point currencies can make these somewhat difficult to earn.

Happily, for Alaska Airlines loyalists, the company has two different co-branded credit cards that'll earn these miles. One is targeted toward personal users, while the other is geared towards small businesses. Let's take a look at the best Alaska credit card offers, the different benefits of Alaska's credit cards and the airlines with which Alaska partners.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card vs. the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card

Let’s compare the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card and the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card across welcome bonuses, annual fees and provided benefits.

A closer look at Alaska credit card offers

Welcome bonus

Both cards offer a pretty similar welcome offer. The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card is offering: Get 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Meanwhile, the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card is offering: Get 50,000 bonus miles, $100 statement credit and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Be aware that it's relatively simple to qualify for a business credit card. So if you walk dogs on the side, sell things occasionally on eBay or enjoy house sitting for folks, you may be eligible for one of these cards.

» Learn more: Is the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card right for me?

Annual fee

The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card charges a $95 annual fee, which is lower than many other airline credit cards. In return, you'll receive an annual companion pass.

The Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card operates a little differently; its base annual fee is $70 for the company and $25 per card.

This means that if you've got just one card, you'll pay $75 per year. However, if you end up with a few of these for your employees, you may need to pay substantially more.

Earning structure

Both cards feature virtually identical benefits, right down to their earning structure. This encompasses the ability to earn 3 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles per dollar spent on all Alaska purchases, including airfare.

Eligible spending on gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and local transit (including rideshares) using the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card earns 2 miles per dollar. The business card also offers 2 miles per dollar on on eligible gas, EV charging station, shipping and local transit including rideshare purchases.

All other purchases will earn 1 mile per dollar spent.

Annual companion fare

The most valuable feature of these credit cards, Alaska's annual companion fare, provides a discounted ticket for a guest of your choice. It can cost as little as $122 for a flight: $99 for the fare, plus taxes and fees starting at $22. Keep in mind that these taxes can change depending on where you're going, so you may end up paying more than $122.

These companion fares are awarded to you each year on your account anniversary. Existing Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card cardholders prior to Jan. 18, 2023, still earn a Companion Fare regardless of spend, whereas new cardholders must meet a $6,000 minimum spend annually to be eligible for the perk.

Free checked bag

Alaska charges $30 for your first checked bag on a flight. On a round trip booking, this comes to $60 worth of fees you'll need to pay.

However, the personal and business versions of Alaska's credit cards offer a free checked bag for you and up to six guests traveling on the same reservation, saving you and your traveling party money.

Alaska lounge pass discounts

Alaska Airlines has eight lounge locations spread across the continental U.S. You can purchase a day pass to access these lounges, though the cost will vary depending on the lounge you're visiting.

In San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York-JFK, day passes cost $60. Locations in Portland, Anchorage and Seattle have suspended the sale of day passes to maintain social distancing for lounge members.

For the lounges that still offer day passes, Alaska business cardholders will receive 50% off the cost of the pass, whereas those who hold the personal card will get $100 off an annual Alaska lounge membership.

» Learn more: What to know about Alaska Airlines lounges

In-flight purchase discount

If you're someone who enjoys a nice drink in economy, either of the Alaska credit cards may be a good option for you. This is because both cards provide a 20% discount on all in-flight purchases that you make.

» Learn more: What's the value of Alaska Airlines miles?

Which airlines are partnered with Alaska Airlines?

Before joining up with Oneworld, Alaska had already forged various lucrative airline partnerships. Now, Alaska flyers have even more choices regarding earning and redeeming their miles.

As you can see, you'll find representation here from all Oneworld members, in addition to a few non-affiliated airlines and even options from Star Alliance.

Be aware that Alaska has some limited contact with these airlines; you'll want to double-check that you can both earn and redeem Alaska miles for flights before booking.

» Learn more: Award sweet spots using Alaska Airlines miles

Choose the best Alaska credit card offer for you

Alaska has just two co-branded credit cards from which to choose. With nearly identical benefits, the decision shouldn't be too difficult. The personal version offers substantial benefits for a lower-than-average annual fee if you're a consumer.

If you own a small business, you may opt for the business version of the card. Although you'll pay a fee per card, the ability to earn valuable Alaska Airlines miles can more than make up for the cost.