I believe the combined Alaska-Hawaiian loyalty program will have one credit card – the current Alaska Air Visa, which you should all apply for. However, you really should apply now if you haven’t already, as there’s currently an Alaska Air Visa 70k sign-up bonus!
As I’ve covered recently, Alaska Mileage Plan miles are more valuable than present-day HawaiianMiles. Further, despite statements that a new program will take the place of both Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles in the combined company, there is strong evidence suggesting that Mileage Plan will survive the merger and receive a new name. While HawaiianMiles will likely transfer into the new program at a 1:1, it wouldn’t hurt to bulk up on miles from both programs. And now, we have the perfect opportunity with the new Alaska Air Visa 70k sign-up bonus.
Alaska Air Visa 70k Sign-Up Bonus
Is this the most lucrative sign-up bonus offer I’ve seen for this card? No. But the offers that were better than the current Alaska Air Visa 70k sign-up bonus appeared during the earlier days (years) of the pandemic, and I wouldn’t expect to see them again anytime soon. That said, this new Alaska Air 70k sign-up bonus offer is still a fantastic offer in its own right. Here are the details you need to know:
- Receive 70,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days after your account opening
- Also, receive Alaska’s Companion Fare Certificate ($99 + taxes and fees) after making your minimum spend
- $95 annual fee
That’s an INSANE amount of value. If we accept the widely held belief that Alaska Mileage Plan miles are valued at $0.015 each – and we know they take you farther than the equivalent number of HawaiianMiles – then the cash value of 70,000 miles is $1,050. Then there’s the companion fare, which is valid for any flight in economy anywhere Alaska flies. If you plan on going somewhere far, like, say, New York, it could save you a substantial amount of money.
Benefits Recap
It’s worth reminding that the Alaska Air Visa’s benefits changed not long ago. The most significant of these is the fact that you no longer get the Companion Fare Certificate automatically – you only receive it on your account anniversary when you spent $6,000 or more in the preceding year. Other than that, the main benefits of the card include:
- 3x miles on Alaska Air purchases
- 2x miles on gas station, EV charging station, cable/internent service, streaming services, and local transit purchases
- 1x miles on everything else
- 1 free checked bag for you and up to six of your traveling companions (on the same itinerary)
- Group C Boarding – after MVP/Premium Class and before general boarding in Groups D and E, and Saver in F
- 20% statement credit on Alaska Air inflight purchases
- $100 discount on an annual Alaska Lounge+ membership
- Earn 10% more miles if you have a qualified Bank of America account. Per BoA: a Qualifying Account is an open consumer (non-business) checking or savings account with Bank of America N.A. or an investment account with Merrill that maintains an average daily balance greater than $0 or a Bank of America checking or savings account that has had a deposit or withdrawal within 90 days.
Alaska Air Visa 70k Sign-Up Bonus, Final Thoughts
If you plan on taking advantage of the Alaska Air Visa 70k sign-up bonus, I’d apply ASAP. This is a limited-time offer, and there’s no telling how long it’ll stick around for. Just know that once you meet the minimum spend requirements and your Companion Fare Certificate is deposited into your Alaska Mileage Plan wallet, you have one year from the date of issuance to use the certificate. So, ideally, you’ll have a domestic trip in mind for 2024 or 2025.
To apply, visit bankofamerica.com