Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The most valuable benefit of the Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card is the $99 Companion Fare. After approval and spending $4,000 in the first three months, you'll receive 60,000 miles and the Companion Fare. This offers exceptional value for frequent Alaska Airlines travelers or those planning to fly with the airline in the coming year.
Beyond the first year, this card may not provide significant value unless you're an Alaska Airlines loyalist. While various perks justify the modest $70 annual fee for regular Alaska flyers, you must spend $6,000 annually to continue earning the Companion Fare. We don't recommend allocating that much spending just for one benefit, as you could potentially earn more value from welcome offers on new cards.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
After spending $4,000 on the card within the first 90 days, you receive 60,000 points and the $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23). This benefit allows another person to fly anywhere on Alaska-operated flights for $122 total. This perk alone can save hundreds of dollars when used effectively.
The Alaska Airlines Visa Business card has a $70 annual fee. To receive the Companion Fare after the first year, you must spend $6,000 on the card annually.
Additional benefits include:
- One complimentary checked bag for up to 6 people on the same reservation (a $70 per person per roundtrip value)
- Priority boarding
- Competitive spending multipliers
- 20% back on inflight purchases made with this card
- $100 discount on Alaska Lounge+ Membership (which normally costs $795)
- As a business card, it won't count toward your Chase 5/24 status
Alaska's merger with Hawaiian Airlines benefits cardholders by providing access to Hawaii flights and the ability to transfer miles from Hawaiian (an American Express partner) to Alaska, expanding redemption options. Travelers can maximize Alaska miles by flying internationally on oneworld Alliance partner airlines. Some partners, like Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong, offer free stopovers, essentially providing an extra flight at no additional cost.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card might not be ideal if:
- You don't live in a city with many Alaska Airlines flights
- You typically travel alone, making the Companion Fare less valuable
What to Know About Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Alaska Airlines has some great sweet spots, but understanding their award chart is key.
- Another key factor in their value is whether the airline flies from your home airport.
- They often have the best pricing available for international business class. Using an award search tool will help maximize.
- Their award chart also allows for some great finds on short-haul domestic flights.
- No major bank points transfer directly to Alaska, but you can go through Amex: transfer to Hawaiian Airlines first, then to Alaska.
- One-way award tickets with a stopover allows you to visit two destinations for the price of one.
How The Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card Fits In The Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Ecosystem
This is Alaska Airlines' only co-branded business card. They also offer a personal card, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card, with nearly identical sign-up bonus (though the business card requires $1,000 more in spending) and benefits.
If you're approaching your Chase 5/24 limit and qualify for a business card through a small business or side hustle, the business version is preferable. Otherwise, the personal card works well. Alaska Airlines loyalists or couples might benefit from having both cards, providing two $99 Companion Fares annually — especially valuable for families.
As mentioned earlier, the Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines merger now allows transfers from Hawaiian miles to Alaska. This is significant because outside of Bilt and Marriott Bonvoy, none of the major banks (Chase, American Express, Capital One, Citi) offer direct mile transfers to Alaska. However, Amex Membership Rewards points can transfer to Hawaiian Airlines and then to Alaska, providing another option to supplement miles earned from these
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60,000 | $3,000 | 1.5 ¢ | $0 | $70 |
$875
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Alaskan Airline Flights | Annual $99 companion Fare | No CR , B of A 1/24 , No 5/24 |
Award System
Most Recent Special Offer
$4,000 spend ended Mar 2025
Spend Categories
3X points
4.5¢ Per Dollar Spent
1X points
1.5¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
3¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
3¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
3¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
Get 100% off Alaska Lounge day passes.
Get a $99 companion fare valid for one round coach ticket. Earned each year on anniversary.
Get 20% back on inflight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases when you pay with your card.
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
Your first checked bag is free on Alaska flights for you and up to 6 travel companions on the same reservation.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes - $$
Transfer To Friends Yes - $$
Travel Partner Transfers
Outside Point System Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Transfers In From
1:1 100% value retained
3:1 71% value retained
Alaska Airlines Business Application Rules
This business card will not show on your personal credit report, so it won't count against your 5/24 status
You'll be declined for Alaska Airlines and B of A Premium Rewards cards if you have opened or CLOSED that card in the previous 24 months
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
Ranking of Cards Offering Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database: