The 6 Best Credit Cards for Alaska Airlines Flyers — Lounges, Upgrades, Priority Boarding, and More

An airline-branded credit card can add great value for the frequent flyer. Cardholders can receive elevated earnings, flight benefits, a faster path to elite status, discounted fares, and more.

If you’re a fan and frequent flyer on Alaska Airlines, you’ll be happy to know there’s a card that can enhance your loyalty and deliver associated benefits. Although Alaska Airlines-branded cards can be excellent choices, you may be surprised that other premium cards may be equally valuable to frequent Alaska Airlines flyers.

In today’s article, we’ll cover several cards for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers. We’ll review the top features and benefits and describe why each card could create value for the Alaska flyer.

Hide SummaryShow Summary

Best Overall Credit Cards for Alaska Airlines Flyers

Here are our top overall picks for Alaska Airlines flyers:

• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature^® credit card — Best Overall Alaska Airlines Credit Card
• Alaska Airlines Visa^® Business credit card — Best Overall Alaska Airlines Credit Card for Business Owners
• The Platinum Card^® from American Express — Best for Global Lounge Access, Earning on Flights, Transfers to Alaska Airlines
• The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express — Best for Global Lounge Access, Earning on Flights, Points Rebate for Booking Premium Alaska Airlines Flights
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^® — Best for Transfers to Alaska Airlines, Statement Credits for Travel Purchases, Travel Insurance Benefits
• Bilt World Elite Mastercard^® Credit Card — Best for Renters Who Fly Alaska Airlines, Earning Flexible Points, Transfers to Alaska Airlines, $0 Annual Fee (rates & fees)

Card Overview

Reviewing a side-by-side comparison of cards can help begin your search for the best card for your situation.

Here are the key features and benefits of our top picks for the best cards for Alaska Airlines flyers.

Best Personal Cards for Alaska Airlines Flyers

Those travelers who frequently fly on a specific airline can find tremendous value in an airline-branded credit card. But it’s also useful to look beyond airline-branded cards for travel rewards cards that provide unique features and benefits for a possible better fit.

Here are a few of the best personal cards for Alaska Airlines flyers.

Alaska Signature Card: Best for Earning on Alaska Airlines, Flight Benefits, Companion Fare, Faster Path to Elite Status

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature^® credit card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Provides the potential to earn plenty of miles to fly with Alaska Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you spend at least $6,000 a year on the card!

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature^® credit card

Provides the potential to earn plenty of miles to fly with Alaska Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you spend at least $6,000 a year on the card!

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 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.

60,000 miles + $99 Companion Fare™

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

With the Alaska Signature card in your wallet, you can get great perks and earn miles at the same time. This is a win-win if Alaska is the airline you prefer to fly with! Plus, its annual companion fare is a great benefit for traveling couples.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x miles per $1 spent on Alaska purchases
• 2x miles per $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services
• 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

Cons

• Charges a $95 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s 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 your account opening.
• Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. Get a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Free checked bag. Any cardholder who purchases airfare with their card, and up to 6 additional guests traveling on the same reservation, may check their first bag free.
• Enjoy priority boarding so you can get to your seat quicker, when you pay for your flight with your card.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America^® account.
• A faster way to earn status with your Alaska Airlines credit card. Throughout 2024, for every $10,000 you spend on purchases, you’ll automatically earn 4,000 elite-qualifying miles (EQMs), up to 20,000 EQMs total.
• Enjoy 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases and get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership when you pay with your new card.
• With oneworld^® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or a companion fare.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees.^†

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Frequent Flyer Program

If Alaska Airlines is your primary airline, the Alaska Signature card may be at the top of your list. The card helps you earn miles faster, comes with flight benefits that save you money, and gives you a companion fare ticket each year.

For those who strive for elite status, spending on the card can help you get there faster.

Why We Like the Card for Alaska Airlines Flyers

• Earn 3x miles for every $1 spent on Alaska Airlines and 2x miles on gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services, and local transit (including ride-sharing).
• Get a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 6 travelers on the same reservation when airfare is purchased with the card.
• Receive $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ membership when paying for the membership with the card.
• Get 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases.
• Receive a $99 Alaska Airlines companion fare (plus taxes and fees) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases in the prior anniversary year.
• In 2024, earn up to 20,000 elite-qualifying miles. For every $10,000 spent on the card, you earn 4,000 EQMs. In 2025, earn 1 Elite Qualifying Mile (EQM) for every $3 spent on the card, up to 30,000 EQM.

In addition to earning miles for select purchases, Bilt members can use their Alaska Signature card to pay rent (via Bilt) and earn 3x miles per $1 spent instead of Bilt Points.

Hot Tip:

If you have an eligible Bank of America account, you receive a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned on purchases made with the Alaska Signature card.

Amex Platinum Card: Best for Global Lounge Access, Earning on Flights, Transfers to Alaska Airlines

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Platinum card is one of the best overall premium travel rewards cards available.

One downside of an airline-branded card is that redeeming rewards is limited to that airline or airline alliance. With the Amex Platinum card, you earn flexible Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed via AmexTravel.com for flights or transferred to airline and hotel partners for even greater potential value.

Add in all these travel benefits, and the economic value for the Alaska Airlines flyer is obvious.

Why We Like the Card for Alaska Airlines Flyers

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights purchased directly from airlines or via AmexTravel.com.
• Get complimentary access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide in the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including access to the prestigious Centurion Lounge network and Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required).
• Transfer Membership Rewards points earned on the card to Oneworld partners and redeem them for Alaska Airlines flights.
• Redeem points via AmexTravel.com for Alaska Airlines flights.
• Get up to a $200 airline incidental fee credit each year when you select Alaska Airlines as your qualifying airline.
• Receive up to a $199 CLEAR Plus credit.
• Get reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees, up to $120 when paid with the card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card: Best for Transfers to Alaska Airlines, Statement Credits for Travel Purchases, Travel Insurance Benefits

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.74% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.74% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card are 2 of the best travel rewards cards and offer a top collection of travel insurance benefits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a better collection of statement credits and comes with worldwide lounge access, but it does have a higher fee than the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Each card is worth considering if you’re an Alaska Airlines flyer, but you’re only allowed 1 Sapphire card.

Why We Like the Card for Alaska Airlines Flyers

• Earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points on travel not purchased through Chase Travel, which includes Alaska Airlines flights purchased directly with the airline.
• With Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), you and 2 guests will receive complimentary cardholder access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide.
• You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card to Oneworld partners and then redeem them for Alaska Airlines flights.
• You can redeem Ultimate Rewards for 1.5 cents each to book Alaska Airlines flights directly through Chase Travel.
• Get a $300 annual travel credit that can be used for Alaska Airlines flights.
• The card comes with several premium travel insurance benefits.

Bilt Card: Best for Renters Who Fly Alaska Airlines, Earning Flexible Points, Transfers to Alaska Airlines, No Annual Fee

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Bilt World Elite Mastercard^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Apply Now(at Bilt's secure site)

Bilt World Elite Mastercard^® Credit Card

Welcome Offer

No offer available

No offer available

Annual Fee

$0

APR

See Rate & Fees

Why We Like This Card

Never before has there been a credit card built specifically with renters in mind. Enter the Bilt World Elite Mastercard^® Credit Card, designed specifically to help renters earn rewards on their rent payments with no transaction fees.

Of course, aside from rewards on rent, there are many other solid features that the card offers that add extra value to cardholders. In this guide, we provide a complete breakdown of everything the Bilt Card has to offer to help you decide whether the card makes sense for you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points per $1 at restaurants
• 2x points per $1 on travel booked directly with airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies
• 1x point per $1 on rent payments, without a transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year

Cons

• Does not offer a welcome bonus
• Must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $0 Annual Fee
• Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
• Earns 3x points on dining
• Earn 2x points on travel
• Earn 1x points on other purchases
• Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
• Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
• Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
• Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
• Select “Learn More” to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Rate & Fees
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

If you’re renting your abode and flying Alaska Airlines, there’s a unique card you may want to consider: The Bilt Card allows renters to earn rewards by paying rent with the card!

Points earned on the card can be quite valuable, too.

Why We Like the Card for Alaska Airlines Flyers

• Earn 1x points on rent, up to 100,000 points per year (does not include earning on transaction fees). A minimum of 5 transactions per statement period is required to earn points (rewards & benefits).
• Earn 3x points at restaurants, 2x points on travel (including Alaska Airlines), and 1x points on all other purchases.
• Bilt Points transfer 1:1 to Alaska Airlines.
• Flexible points can be redeemed with airline and hotel partners, for future rent payments, for statement credits, and toward a down payment on a home.

Best Business Cards for Alaska Airlines Flyers

Keeping business and personal expenses separate is imperative to business organization. This is especially important for business travel expenses.

Beyond better organizing business expenses, you can benefit from earning rewards, receiving valuable travel benefits, and adding comfort to your business travel.

Here are 2 of the best business cards for Alaska Airlines flyers.

Alaska Airlines Business Card: Best Overall Alaska Airlines Card for Business Travelers

Alaska Airlines Visa^® Business Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Alaska Airlines Business card earns you extra miles, benefits on Alaska flights, and allows you to earn an annual companion certificate.

Alaska Airlines Visa^® Business Credit Card

The Alaska Airlines Business card earns you extra miles, benefits on Alaska flights, and allows you to earn an annual companion certificate.

Welcome Offer

Get 50,000 bonus miles 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.

50,000 miles

Annual Fee

$70

Why We Like This Card

The Alaska Airlines Business card is a great option for business owners looking to receive added perks on their Alaska flights and earn additional miles for all of their business expenses.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
• 2x miles on on eligible gas, EV charging station, shipping and local transit (including rideshare) purchases
• 1x miles on all other purchases

Cons

• Charges an annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Get 50,000 bonus miles 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.
• Earn another Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare^™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year.
• Free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests on your reservation – that’s a savings of $70 per person roundtrip!
• Enjoy priority boarding so you can get to your seat quicker, when you pay for your flight with your card.
• Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, shipping and local transit (including rideshare) purchases, and 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if your company has an eligible Bank of America small business account
• Enjoy 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases when you pay with your card
• Get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership purchased with your Alaska Airlines Business card.
• With oneworld^® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, you have the freedom to travel to more than 1,000 destinations.
• Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or a companion fare.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

If your business, even your small business, includes travel on Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Airlines Business card may save you money and help you earn miles faster. Saving money on checked bags, inflight purchases, and a companion ticket can add enough value to offset the modest annual fee.

Why We Like the Card for Alaska Airlines Flyers

• Earn 3x miles for every $1 spent on Alaska Airlines and 2x miles on gas, EV charging stations, shipping, and local transit (including ride-sharing).
• Enjoy a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 6 travelers on the same reservation when you purchase airfare with the card.
• Get 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases.
• Receive $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ membership when paying for the membership with the card.
• Receive a $99 Alaska Airlines companion fare (plus taxes and fees) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases in the prior anniversary year.
• In 2024, earn up to 20,000 elite-qualifying miles. For every $10,000 spent on the card, you earn 4,000 EQMs. In 2025, earn 1 Elite Qualifying Mile (EQM) for every $3 spent on the card, up to 30,000 EQM.

Hot Tip:

Bilt Points and Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles can be transferred 1:1 to the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred at a 3:1 ratio. American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred 1:1 to Hawaiian Airlines and then to Alaska Airlines.

Amex Business Platinum Card: Best for Global Lounge Access, Earning on Flights, Points Rebate for Booking Premium Alaska Airlines Flights

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)

Cons

• High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card^®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Like the personal version of the card, the Amex Business Platinum card offers premium travel benefits for Alaska Airlines flyers. The card includes access to the widest collection of global airport lounges regardless of the airline you’re flying. You also save with the card because you receive reimbursement for expedited security memberships.

The card could provide savings for your business’s bottom line if your business includes global travel.

Why We Like the Card for Alaska Airlines Flyers

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points on Alaska Airlines flights purchased via AmexTravel.com.
• Get complimentary access to worldwide lounges in the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
• Transfer flexible Membership Rewards points to Oneworld airline partners to purchase award tickets.
• Redeem rewards on AmexTravel.com for premium Alaska Airlines flights and receive a 35% point rebate.
• Receive Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement.
• Get up to a $199 CLEAR Plus statement credit.
• Receive up to a $200 airline incidental fee credit each year that can be used on Alaska Airlines so long as you select Alaska Airlines as your qualifying airline.

Earning Alaska Airlines MileagePlan Elite Status With Alaska Airlines Credit Cards

If you have an Alaska Airlines credit card, spending on the card and earning Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) can help you achieve Alaska Airlines MileagePlan elite status faster. Elite status benefits may include free checked bags; priority boarding, seating, and security; lounge access; miles-earning bonuses; upgrade eligibility; and more.

Here are the requirements for each Alaska Airlines elite status tier:

You can earn EQMs that count toward elite status by flying on Alaska Airlines and partner flights and spending on an Alaska Airlines-branded credit card.

Beginning January 1, 2025, spending on the Alaska Signature card or Alaska Airlines Business card will earn 1 EQM for every $3 spent, up to 30,000 EQM. Milestone-level benefits will also be added in 2025. Reaching these additional EQM earning thresholds will allow you to receive additional Alaska Airlines miles.

Final Thoughts

Frequent Alaska Airlines flyers can benefit from having an Alaska Airlines credit card. Elevated earnings, flight benefits, a discounted companion ticket, and a faster path to elite status make having a branded card a real asset.

For Alaska Airlines flyers with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite status, a premium travel rewards card that doesn’t duplicate benefits may be a better choice. A travel rewards card can also be a good choice for those who travel on a variety of airlines. Earning flexible rewards that can be redeemed across airline alliances, worldwide lounge access, and premium travel benefits can add value for the frequent traveler.

If you’re a frequent flyer and Alaska Airlines is included in your itineraries, one or more of the cards featured in our article will likely be a perfect choice for added value.