Why Airline Credit Cards Deserve a Spot in Your Wallet ✈️
Plus, Atmos Rewards Cards just rolled out some seriously elevated credit card offers!
If you've been following me for a while, you know I'm a BIG fan of transferable credit card points.
Cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Citi ThankYou Points are some of my favorites because they give you FLEXIBILITY.
Instead of being tied to one airline or hotel, you can transfer your points to different travel partners depending on where you want to go and which program offers the best deal.
But here's something I think gets overlooked: Airline-specific credit cards can be incredibly valuable, too!
And once you've established a solid foundation with a transferable points card, adding an airline card to your wallet can be a really smart next move.
Why would you want an airline-specific credit card?
There are a few reasons I think they're worth considering:
✈️ 1. Welcome bonuses can be HUGE!
One of the fastest ways to build up your points balance is through credit card welcome offers. Airline cards sometimes offer tens of thousands of points just for meeting a minimum spending requirement.
And depending on the airline, those points can get you a LOT further than you might think!
🧳 2. Benefits that can save you real money
Many airline cards offer perks like free checked bags, preferred boarding, companion fares, and even lounge access.
If you regularly fly a particular airline, these benefits can sometimes offset the annual fee all on their own.
🌎 3. You're not necessarily limited to flying ONE airline!
This is one of my favorite things about points and miles!
Many airlines belong to alliances or have partnerships with other airlines, which means you can often use your points to book flights on airlines all over the world.
For example, Alaska Airlines is part of the oneworld alliance, and Atmos Rewards points can be redeemed on eligible partner flights, including airlines like American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and British Airways.
💳 4. You don't have to put all your spending on the airline card!
This is important!
Just because you have an airline-specific credit card doesn't mean it needs to become your everyday spending card.
I generally prefer using transferable points cards for everyday purchases when they offer better earning opportunities, while keeping airline cards for their benefits and specific rewards.
Speaking of airline cards... Atmos Rewards has some BIG offers right now! 🤯
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines now share a loyalty program called Atmos Rewards, and there are currently elevated welcome offers on all three of their credit cards.
Here's a quick breakdown:
✈️ Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature — $95 annual fee
Earn up to 80,000 bonus points + a $99 Companion Fare!
- Earn 60,000 points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees starting at $23) after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
- Earn an additional 20,000 points after spending a total of $5,000 in the first 90 days.
- Free checked bag and preferred boarding for you and up to six companions on the same reservation when you meet the card's ticket-purchase requirements.
- Opportunity to earn an annual Companion Fare after meeting the yearly spending requirement.
✈️ Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite — $395 annual fee
Earn 100,000 bonus points + a 25,000-point Global Companion Award!
- Spend $6,000 in the first 90 days to earn the welcome offer.
- Receive eight Alaska Lounge passes each calendar year (two per quarter).
- Earn 10,000 status points each account anniversary.
- Receive an annual 25,000-point Global Companion Award.
- Enjoy additional premium travel benefits.
✈️ Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business — $95 annual fee for one card
Earn 70,000 bonus points + a $99 Companion Fare!
- Spend $4,000 in the first 90 days to earn the welcome offer.
- Free checked bag and preferred boarding benefits when eligible.
- Earn 3X points on eligible Alaska and Hawaiian purchases.
- Opportunity to earn an annual Companion Fare after meeting the yearly spending requirement.
Offers are subject to change. Terms and eligibility requirements apply.
Here's what makes Atmos Rewards points so interesting...
You don't have to use them just to fly to Alaska or Hawaii!
Atmos Rewards has some fantastic airline partners, and certain award flights start at just 4,500 points one-way, plus applicable taxes and fees.
That means a 100,000-point welcome bonus could theoretically cover up to 22 one-way flights at that starting redemption rate!
Of course, not every flight costs 4,500 points, and award availability varies. But it's a great example of just how far airline miles can potentially take you.
And because Atmos Rewards isn't a transfer partner of most major flexible points programs, earning a big welcome bonus through one of its credit cards can be especially useful.
Interested in an checking out an Atmos Rewards card?
Click the box below.
So, should you get an airline credit card?
Here's how I'd think about it:
If you're brand-new to points and miles: I'd generally recommend starting with a flexible, transferable points card.
If you already have a transferable points card: An airline-specific card could be an excellent addition, especially if you have a particular redemption in mind or can use the card's travel benefits.
If you regularly fly Alaska or Hawaiian: These cards are definitely worth comparing for their baggage, boarding, and companion benefits.
Just remember that a welcome bonus is only valuable if you can meet the spending requirement without overspending or carrying a balance. And always consider the annual fee and your eligibility before applying.
And if you're still trying to figure out which credit card to start with, I've got you covered!
✈️ Download My FREE Beginner's Guide to Points & Miles
