Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature

5,000 Bonus Miles Upon Approval Miles Compatible with Frequent Flyer Programs Two Miles per Dollar Spent on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air Tickets and Vacation Packages Up to Six Miles Awarded for Each Dollar Spent at Select Restaurants

Review: The Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature, issued by Bank of America, N.A. (USA), is designed for those who travel frequently on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air. Through the reward program, cardholders earn one mile per dollar spent on general purchases, two miles per dollar spent on purchases of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air tickets and special vacation packages (this option is not available on the classic or gold cards), and up to six miles per dollar spent at participating restaurants. 5,000 bonus miles are applied to the account upon approval, 2,000 bonus miles are applied to the account every year upon renewal, and 1,000 bonus miles are earned for applying online. Accumulated miles do not expire as long the account remains active within a three-year period, and there is no yearly limit to the number of miles that may be earned. The interest rate applied to purchases and balance transfers is reasonably low for a reward card (lower than that of the gold and classic card), though not ideal for those who plan to carry a balance. The annual fee is slightly high, though reasonable as compared to other signature airline reward cards. In addition to the reward program, cardholders can expect various signature benefits offered by Bank of America, N.A. (USA), such as up to $1,000,000 in travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance, various travel and emergency assistance services, extended warranty protection services, and an annual $50 round-trip companion ticket (see website for additional benefits offered). Therefore, those who can afford to pay in full each month (to avoid finance charges), will be able to redeem a free ticket within a two-year period (due to its annual fee of $75), and plan to take advantage of the additional benefits that are offered may find the Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature as a suitable option. Overall, the signature card proves to be a much better option (for those who qualify) as compared to the classic and gold cards due to the lower APR, discounts, and cardholder benefits.

Date of Review: 2006-04-08 00:00:00

Notes: The card has no pre-set spending limit. The APR is based on the highest Prime Rate during a 90-day period. See website for complete terms and conditions of card usage and application disclosure.

Additional Perks: See website for card benefits.