Is the Alaska Airlines Atmos Summit Card's 100k Bonus Worth the $395 Fee?

Alright, let's talk about this new premium Alaska Airlines card that's been making the rounds. The Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite from Bank of America is dangling a massive 100,000-mile welcome offer, which is enough to get any points enthusiast's attention. But here's the thing—it comes with a hefty $395 annual fee that isn't waived the first year. So, the big question isn't just how to get the bonus, but whether the whole package makes sense for your wallet. Let's break it down, perks, pitfalls, and all.

The Big Bonus and How to Snag It

The main event is that 100,000-mile sign-up bonus. You'll need to put $6,000 on the card within the first 90 days of account opening to earn it. That's a significant spending requirement, so you'll want to have a plan for it—think big planned purchases, bills, or even rent if your platform allows it without crazy fees.

Now, here's a practical tip that's been floating around: some applicants have reported success calling the application line and using a specific priority code to get an even higher offer of 105,000 miles for the same spend. The number to call is (800) 932-2775. If you try this, have the priority code GAATB2 ready to mention. It doesn't always work, but it's worth a shot for an extra 5,000 miles if you're applying anyway. Just be prepared for the phone application process to take a bit longer.

Beyond the Bonus: Decoding the Perks

This isn't just a bonus card; it's packed with Alaska-specific benefits designed for frequent flyers. The most valuable ongoing perk is likely the Global Companion Award. If you spend $60,000 on the card in an anniversary year, you'll get a certificate good for a companion ticket where you only pay the taxes and fees (usually around $25,000 miles plus cash). That can save you hundreds on a long-haul flight.

The lounge passes are a solid benefit, but understand how they work. You get two Alaska Lounge day passes and two Wi-Fi passes every three months. They don't roll over, so if you don't use them in that quarter, you lose them. Each lounge pass covers you for a full day of travel and includes access for up to two kids with you. It's not unlimited access, but it's great for a few trips a year.

Other travel benefits are useful: a free checked bag for you and up to six people on your reservation, a credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years, and some protections like a fee waiver for same-day flight changes and a small voucher for lengthy travel delays.

The Reality Check: Points, Fees, and Long-Term Value

Let's be real: the $395 annual fee hits right away. You're essentially paying that fee upfront to buy 100,000 miles, plus the other first-year benefits. For an Alaska loyalist planning a big redemption, that can be an excellent deal. Alaska miles are incredibly valuable for partner awards, like flights to Asia on Japan Airlines or across the Atlantic on Icelandair.

However, the card's ongoing value is trickier. The 3x earning on dining and Alaska purchases is good, but not best-in-class. The companion certificate requires a hefty $60,000 in annual spending to trigger. If you don't fly Alaska several times a year, many perks like the lounge passes and free bag go unused.

This leads to the common strategy: this is often considered a 'churn and burn' card. Get it for the bonus, use the benefits for a year, and then cancel before the second annual fee posts. Just be sure to calculate the impact of a new account and a potential cancellation on your credit score. Always have a redemption plan for those miles before you apply.

Things to Watch Out For Before You Apply

A few crucial details often get overlooked. First, Bank of America has its own application rules, including a limit on how many new credit cards you can open within a certain timeframe (often 2-3 cards in a rolling 24-month period). If you've been opening other BofA cards, check your status.

Second, the bonus miles are posted to your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account, not held as bank points. This is great for immediate use but means there's no flexibility to transfer them elsewhere.

Finally, remember that the official offer details and expiration are controlled by the bank. The landing page has indicated the offer could end soon, so if you're on the fence, don't expect it to last forever. Always read the latest terms on the application page itself.

Bottom Line

• The 100k bonus is top-tier for Alaska flyers, but the $6k/90-day spend is substantial.
• The $395 annual fee is not waived, making this card best for those who will use the perks or who plan to cancel after year one.
• Maximize value by using lounge passes, the free bag benefit, and having a plan to redeem the miles for high-value partner flights.
• Consider calling to apply and mentioning priority code GAATB2 for a chance at a 105k bonus, but the standard 100k offer is already strong.

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