The Best Credit Cards to Use on Alaska Airlines Flights


If you are about to book a Alaska Airlines flight, you may be wondering which credit card will help you earn the most rewards and enjoy perks like free checked bags.

Alaska Airlines is part of the Atmos Rewards loyalty program, together with Hawaiian Airlines. offers three Bank of America credit cards: two personal cards and one business card.

But those aren’t your only options. In fact, others transferable rewards cards could provide stellar earnings on Alaska Airlines flights.

We’ve compiled a list of the best credit cards for booking flights to Alaska. Below is a breakdown of the main options.

Comparing the best credit cards for Alaska Airlines flights

Here’s a quick overview of the best Alaska Airlines flight cards, along with their earning rates and benefits.

*The value of the bond is an estimated value calculated with TPG as of February 2026. ratings and not by the card issuer.

**You must pay with the card to receive benefits.

The Points Guy has independently collected information for Hawaiian Airlines World Elite, Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Business, and American Express Green Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Atmos Rewards Ascent vs. Business: Which $95 Alaska-Hawaiian Card Should You Get?

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Which card should I use for Alaska Airlines flights?

If you’re looking for additional perks, co-branded Atmos Rewards cards are your best option. That’s because you’ll receive a free checked bag, priority boarding, and a discount on inflight purchases when you fly with Alaska and use one of these cards.

Note that you also get two free checked bags on Alaska flights when you use the Hawaiian Airlines personal card.

An Alaska Airlines plane flies over clouds and hills.
ALASKA AIRLINES

Now, if you never check a bag in Alaska and don’t prioritize priority boarding, you’ll generally get more rewards with a transferable points winning card bonus points on airfare. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Earn 4 points for every dollar spent on flights booked directly with an airline. Cards that earn transferable points may also offer more comprehensive travel protections than Atmos Rewards cards.

The same sentiment is valid if you have elite status in Alaska, american airlines or another Oneworld operator. With elite status, you’ll receive free checked bags and priority boarding (along with other benefits, depending on your status level), regardless of which card you purchase your ticket with. A card with these benefits would not have as much impact for status holders.

Related: Your complete guide to Oneworld alliance benefits

In a nutshell

An Atmos Rewards card is probably the best option for frequent Alaska travelers. That’s because you’ll get a free checked bag, onboard discounts, and priority boarding access that can help offset the card’s annual fees.

But if you have Alaska elite status and prefer to earn transferable points, one of the other cards we list here may be a better option.

Related: Are airline credit cards worth it?

For Amex Platinum Card rates and fees, click here.



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