Is the Alaska Airlines Visa Card's 85,000-Mile Bonus Worth the Hype?

If you've been eyeing a new travel card, you've probably seen the buzz around the Alaska Airlines Visa. An 85,000-mile sign-up bonus is nothing to sneeze at, especially when it's paired with Alaska's famous Companion Fare. But before you get swept up in the mile-high dreams, let's break down what this card actually offers, who it benefits most, and what you need to watch out for. I've dug into the details so you can decide if it's the right co-pilot for your wallet.

The Big Draw: Miles and a Travel Buddy

Let's talk about the headline act. To snag that 85,000-mile bonus, you'll need to put $4,000 on the card within the first three months. That's a decent chunk of change, so have a plan for it—think planned expenses, not impulse buys.

The Companion Fare is arguably the card's crown jewel. Every year after you spend $6,000, you'll get a voucher for a second ticket from just $122. It's not completely free, but paying just over a hundred bucks for a friend or partner's flight is a fantastic deal. Just remember, it's for Alaska Airlines flights only, and the $6,000 spending requirement resets each account year.

More Than Just a Welcome Bonus

This card shines for loyal Alaska flyers, even after the initial bonus. The free checked bag benefit can save a family or group a small fortune. If you typically check a bag and fly Alaska even a few times a year, that $95 annual fee can pay for itself quickly.

The 20% back on inflight purchases is a nice touch for snacks and Wi-Fi, and the lack of foreign transaction fees makes it a decent card to carry abroad, though its best rewards are tied to Alaska itself.

The Real Value of Alaska Miles

Here's where it gets interesting. Alaska's Mileage Plan is highly regarded by points enthusiasts because of its excellent airline partners. You're not just stuck flying to Seattle or Portland. You can redeem miles for premium cabins on airlines like Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Finnair, often getting outsized value.

That said, finding these sweet spots requires some flexibility and research. If you just want to book simple domestic economy flights, the value is more standard. On average, many travelers find each mile to be worth around 1.8 cents. By that math, the 85,000-mile bonus is like getting over $1,500 in travel value right off the bat.

Who Should Think Twice?

This isn't a card for everyone. If you don't live near an Alaska hub or its partner airports, or if you prefer the simplicity of transferable points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards), you might find this card too niche.

Also, be aware that the best public offer is 85,000 miles, but sometimes you might only see 80,000. Always check the application page directly to confirm the current bonus.

Final Verdict and Practical Tips

For the right person, this card is a powerhouse. If you fly Alaska regularly, value the Companion Fare, and are excited by the potential of its airline partners, the $95 fee is easily justified.

A few parting tips: Always use the Companion Fare—letting it expire is leaving money on the table. Factor the free checked bag into your savings calculation. And most importantly, never go into debt for a bonus. Only spend what you can pay off immediately to avoid interest charges that would wipe out any rewards value.

Bottom Line

• The 85,000-mile bonus and Companion Fare offer tremendous upfront value for Alaska Airlines travelers.
• Ongoing perks like the free checked bag can make the annual fee worthwhile for frequent flyers.
• Alaska miles are valuable due to strong airline partners, but unlocking maximum value requires research.
• The card is less ideal for those who don't fly Alaska or prefer flexible reward currencies.

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