Which credit card should you use for Alaska Airlines flights?
Editor's Note
Quick summary
Before booking your next Alaska Airlines flight, you might wonder which credit card to use. Is the one that reads "Alaska" on the front your best option, or should you pay with a different card?
Alaska Airlines has two credit cards — both issued by Bank of America — that could make sense. However, you may be better off with a general travel rewards card.
Let's compare these credit cards to see what your best option is for booking Alaska flights.
Comparing credit cards for Alaska Airlines flights
Here's a look at some popular credit card options for Alaska flights, including what you would earn from these payment methods and any benefits they offer during the flight:
| Card name | Earning rate on Alaska Airlines flights | Value of the rewards earned* | Alaska-related benefits from the card | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card | 3 miles per dollar spent | 4.5 cents | First checked bag free for you and up to six companions on the same reservation
20% back on inflight purchases when paying with your card | $95 |
| Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card | 3 miles per dollar spent | 4.5 cents | First checked bag free for you and up to six companions on the same reservation
20% back on inflight purchases when paying with your card | $70 for the company and $25 for each card issued |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 5 points per dollar spent (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) | 10 cents | None, but you can choose Alaska Airlines as your preferred airline to cover up to $200 per year in airline incidental credits for things like checked baggage or preferred seat fees (enrollment required) | $695 (see rates and fees) |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 3 points per dollar spent (or 5 points per dollar spent if booked via the Chase Travel℠ portal) | 6.15 cents (or 10.25 cents) | None, but you can offset some of your purchases with the $300 in annual travel credits offered on the card | $550 |
| American Express® Green Card | 3 points per dollar spent | 6 cents | None | $150 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | 2 miles per dollar spent (or 5 miles per dollar spent if booked in the Capital One Travel portal) | 3.7 cents (or 9.25 cents) | None, but you can offset some of your purchases with the $300 annual credit available when booking with Capital One Travel | $395 (see rates and fees) |
* Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG's July 2024 valuations and not the card issuer.
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Which card should you use for Alaska Airlines flights?
Alaska's own credit cards have traditionally offered few incentives for booking Alaska-operated flights. More recently, though, the consumer cobranded Alaska airline card allows you to earn 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases. The Alaska card also comes in handy for inflight purchases, as you'll receive 20% back as a statement credit when you use it for these transactions.
If you're booking an Alaska flight and plan to check a bag, the Alaska Airlines Visa may be the best option. Doing so will also activate the priority boarding perk on the card.
On the other hand, if you never check a bag with Alaska and don't care about priority boarding, a general travel card may be a better option. This also holds true for anyone with elite status on Alaska, American Airlines, or really any Oneworld carrier. That's because you're entitled to free checked bags and priority boarding (along with other perks, depending on your tier of status) — regardless of the card you swipe for the ticket.
Related: Your complete guide to Oneworld alliance benefits
Bottom line
Alaska Airlines miles are worth 1.5 cents apiece according to TPG's July 2024 valuations — one of the highest-valued airline miles in our estimations. Earning these miles on purchases can represent a great return on spending, which is why the Alaska Airlines Visa card could be a great option for booking Alaska flights.
You'll need to use this card for your trip in order to check a bag for free and enjoy priority boarding.
However, if these perks aren't of value to you or you'd otherwise prefer earning flexible, transferable points on these purchases, you may want to use a travel rewards credit card that isn't affiliated with Alaska — especially if it offers additional travel protections for your trip.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here