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Alaska Airlines introduces premium credit card alongside new loyalty program

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Alaska Airlines introduces premium credit card alongside new loyalty program
Research
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Nicky Kelvin Senior director of content | The Points Guy

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have introduced the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card, a new premium credit card designed for frequent international travelers. The launch coincides with the rollout of Atmos Rewards, the airlines’ joint loyalty program.

The Summit card comes with a $395 annual fee and offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 Atmos Rewards points plus a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,000 within the first 90 days. According to The Points Guy’s August 2025 valuations, this bonus could be worth up to $1,813 if Atmos Rewards points retain the same value as Alaska miles. An additional 5,000 bonus points are available for those who registered interest before the end of 2024 and are approved for the card.

"You are eligible for the Summit welcome bonus even if you currently have or have had other Alaska or Hawaiian cards," according to The Points Guy.

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Bank of America issues the card and applies its standard application rules: customers can typically be approved for at most two new Bank of America cards in two months, three in a year, and four in two years. Additionally, applicants will usually be denied if they have opened three or more new cards with any issuer in the past year (or seven or more if they hold a Bank of America deposit account). These guidelines are not always strictly enforced.

Compared to other airlines' premium consumer cards—such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines which charge at least $595 annually—the Summit's $395 fee is lower. Southwest Airlines charges $229 for its top-tier card.

Cardholders earn three points per dollar spent on dining, foreign purchases, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases; all other purchases earn one point per dollar. Those with an eligible Bank of America account receive a 10% bonus on all points earned.

The Summit provides an annual 25,000-point Global Companion Award with no spending requirement and an additional 100,000-point award after $60,000 in yearly spending. These certificates can be used on Alaska, Hawaiian or partner airlines in any class of service.

"The annual 25,000-point award is worth about $363," according to The Points Guy.

Summit holders get eight Alaska Lounge passes each year—two per calendar quarter—which can be shared with friends or family by existing lounge members. Unlimited access is not included; American and United offer unlimited lounge access on their top-tier cards while Delta provides up to 15 visits unless significant spend thresholds are met. Through 2026, showing the Summit card at Alaska lounges grants access to an "all-new premium bar experience with elevated wines, signature cocktails and exclusive curations."

Additional benefits include receiving 10,000 status points annually on the card anniversary and earning one status point per every $2 spent without cap. With sufficient annual spending ($60,000), users can reach Atmos Rewards Gold status (Oneworld Sapphire equivalent).

When using the card for bookings on Alaska or Hawaiian flights (and paying with it), members—and up to six companions—receive free checked bags and preferred boarding (currently available on Alaska flights; coming soon to Hawaiian). There is also a $50 voucher for certain delays or cancellations on Alaska flights—a benefit that will extend to Hawaiian once both carriers operate under one reservation system expected in 2026. Cardholders receive up to a $120 credit every four years toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees.

Partner award booking fees ($12.50) are waived for Summit holders when redeeming with partners such as American Airlines or Japan Airlines. Cardholders may also share points freely among up to ten Atmos Rewards members without incurring transfer fees.

The Summit is currently the only Atmos Rewards product offering hotel transfer partners including IHG One Rewards (1:1), Marriott Bonvoy (1:1), I Prefer Hotel Rewards (1:2), Shangri-La Circle (8:1), and Wyndham Rewards (1:1). However, transferring points generally yields less value than using them for flight redemptions.

As a Visa Infinite product, protections include auto rental collision damage waiver coverage, extended warranty protection, lost luggage reimbursement and roadside dispatch services; there are no foreign transaction fees associated with this card.

Other changes include rebranding existing products: The former $95 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card becomes the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature Credit Card; likewise for business versions. Starting in 2026 there will be no cap on earning status points through these cards; until then earnings remain limited as previously set out.

These mid-tier cards’ annual fees remain unchanged despite many similar products increasing costs industry-wide since their last refresh in March 2023.

Both Ascent personal and business cards now offer elevated bonuses: "Ascent: Earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 120 days of account opening." "Business: Earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $5,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening."

There are no changes announced regarding Barclays-issued Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard products; current members will transition automatically into Atmos Rewards starting October 1st.

According to The Points Guy’s analysis: "The new Summit card offers strong value for frequent Alaska and Hawaiian flyers... Status boosts and waived partner booking fees add even more value... For travelers who can regularly redeem companion awards...the $395 annual fee is worth it."

Organizations Included in this History
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