Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature Credit Card
Bank of America's Alaska/Hawaiian Entry-Level Travel Card
Practical Recommendation
This is the simple, keep-it-moving choice for people who fly Alaska or Hawaiian at least once a year. The free first checked bag (for you and up to six companions) and the annual $99 companion fare after $6,000 anniversary-year spend can easily beat the $95 fee if you take even one round-trip together. The current sign-up offer also hands you a companion fare right away, so the first year usually pays for itself before you think about it.
Now that Alaska and Hawaiian run one Atmos Rewards program, the card works the same across both airlines—points, bags, boarding, and the companion fare all count on either carrier. If you want lounges or a pile of statement credits, look at the premium Summit card instead. Otherwise, use this for airline purchases, toss the rest on a richer everyday earner, and call it a day.
Perks
- Earning structure (quick view) – 3x on Alaska & Hawaiian purchases; 2x on gas, EV charging, local transit & ride-hailing, cable & select streaming; 1x everything else. A Bank of America checking account adds a 10% relationship bonus through BofA Rewards; higher balance tiers do not raise it further on this card.
- Annual $99 Companion Fare – Get a $99 companion fare (plus taxes/fees from $23) each account anniversary after $6,000 in purchases in the prior anniversary year; valid on saver and main cabin economy fares on Alaska and Hawaiian within North America, including Hawaii, one-way or round-trip, with no blackout dates. Your companion still earns points and can be upgraded. Handy for couples or family trips; do not force it if your travel is solo.
- Free checked bag – One free checked bag for you and up to six companions on the same reservation when you pay with the card. One round trip can nearly offset the annual fee.
- Priority boarding – Preferred boarding for you and up to six guests on the same reservation when the tickets are charged to the card. Useful for overhead space sanity.
- Inflight savings – 20% back on eligible inflight purchases (food, drinks, Wi-Fi) on Alaska and Hawaiian when you pay with the card.
- $100 off Alaska Lounge+ membership – No free lounge access here, but you get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ membership when you purchase it with the card. Good only if you'd buy membership anyway.
- Status via spend (light boost) – Earn 1 status point per $3 spent, now uncapped, helping inch toward Atmos status if you are close. The Summit card earns at 1 per $2 if status is your real goal.
- No foreign transaction fees – Use abroad without extra bank fees.
Protections
- Auto rental collision damage waiver – Coverage for theft/damage when you decline the rental agency's collision waiver and pay with the card. Good for domestic rentals to skip pricey add-ons. Check your Guide to Benefits for exact limits.
- Purchase protection – Helps with theft/accidental damage shortly after purchase; useful for new electronics or luggage. Limits and windows vary by issuer; read your benefit guide.
- Extended warranty – Adds extra warranty time on eligible items; can save you from buying extended coverage at checkout.
- Travel & emergency assistance – A phone call away for referrals and help in a pinch; you still pay the actual provider costs.