Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Review (old review NOT being updated)
Updated September 17, 2022. Please see the updated review here.
The Facts
The Math
For quiet a while, the $99 companion certificate was redeemable on first class, which made it a sweet deal. That is why it was on our Top List. However, Alaska changed the policy in mid 2012 making the companion certificate issued after August 1, 2012 redeemable on economy class only. With that, you may still get a good value out of it, but the value of the companion certificate has been diluted quite a bit.
For general spending, we used to recommend old Amex SPG Card instead, due to the 25% more miles earning. However, effective August 2018 with the revamp of Amex SPG Card, BofA Alaska Visa has become the best way of earning Alaska miles through spending, not only for the 3x category but also for general spending.
The Conclusion
For those who can make good of the $99 companion certificate, BofA Alaska Visa has been a card to keep. With the revamp of Amex SPG Card in August 2018, BofA Alaska Visa has become a great card for general if collecting Alaska miles is your primary goal.
The Facts
- Annual Fee: $75
- Signup Bonus: 50,000 miles + one $99 companion certificate (which allows you to take a companion for $99 plus fees and taxes starting $22 when you pay your own ticket) after $2,000 spent within 3 months of new account opening. Historical best bonus: (1) 65,000 miles + one $99 companion certificate in 2020 & 2021; (2) 60,000 miles + one $99 companion certificate in 2022; (3) $200 statement credit + 40,000 miles + $99 companion certificate in 2022; (4) 50,000 miles + one $99 companion certificate in 2021 & 2022; (5) 40,000 miles + one free companion certificate in 2018 and 2019; (6) 40,000 miles + $100 statement credit + one $99 companion certificate in 2020.
- Application Landing Page (personal)
- Rewards: 3x Alaska, 1x everywhere else. Even though BofA advertises this card returns up to 5x at select restaurants, in fact any credit card that is enrolled in the Mileage Plan Dining Rewards has the same benefits. And note that other airlines have similar dining programs as well, and they are all powered by the same 3rd party company - Rewards Network and generally the coverage is limited.
- Best Use of Mileage Plan Miles: Mileage Plan is Alaska Airlines' frequent flyer program and surely you can use the miles on their flights. Even though Alaska is not in any airline alliance, it partners with more than a dozen airlines (including American, Delta, British, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, etc.) to allow you to use Alaska miles on partners' metal.
- Alaska Benefits: (1) Receive an annual $99 companion certificate, meaning that you can take a companion for $99 (plus fees and taxes starting $22) on any Alaska flight if you pay your ticket (effective August 2012 on economy class only). Both passengers will get miles for that trip. This companion certificate is still the best among those provided by credit cards since unlike others that can only be used in the contiguous U.S., Alaska's can be used on any Alaska flight including to Hawaii and Alaska. (2) You and up to 6 passengers on your reservation will check the first bags for free. (3) Receive $50 off the Board Room initiation fee. (4) Receive 50% off the Board Room day pass. (5) Receive 20% back on your in-flight purchases.
- The business version shares all the features of the personal card, except for the annual fee: $50 per company and $25 per card. The current signup bonus of the business card is 70,000 miles + one $99 companion certificate after spending $4,000 within 3 months of new account opening. Historical best bonus: (1) 70,000 miles + $99 companion certificate in 2022; (2) 60,000 miles + $99 companion certificate in 2022; (3) 40,000 miles + $200 statement credit + $99 companion certification in 2020.
- Application Landing Page (business)
The Math
For quiet a while, the $99 companion certificate was redeemable on first class, which made it a sweet deal. That is why it was on our Top List. However, Alaska changed the policy in mid 2012 making the companion certificate issued after August 1, 2012 redeemable on economy class only. With that, you may still get a good value out of it, but the value of the companion certificate has been diluted quite a bit.
For general spending, we used to recommend old Amex SPG Card instead, due to the 25% more miles earning. However, effective August 2018 with the revamp of Amex SPG Card, BofA Alaska Visa has become the best way of earning Alaska miles through spending, not only for the 3x category but also for general spending.
The Conclusion
For those who can make good of the $99 companion certificate, BofA Alaska Visa has been a card to keep. With the revamp of Amex SPG Card in August 2018, BofA Alaska Visa has become a great card for general if collecting Alaska miles is your primary goal.