Not good enough to be a keeper card, but definitely good to keep for 1-2 years and cancel. Multipliers make it a bit easier to stomach spending the extra 3k (on top of the 3k minimum spend)
I was initially denied for the business version, but succeeded with a 90 day reconsideration period. Delta helped us question our blind loyalty, and the Amex Business Gold is losing the shipping category after January. Alaska and their business seems like the right fix.
Alaska airlines has one of the most rewarding mileage systems out there! I agree, the Delta changes have really shaken things up in the airline industry - and Amex cards, in general, have been changing in not the greatest way! Hope you enjoy the new card 👍!
Just when I thought this was an amazing keeper card, these changes (especially the companion fare spend requirement) really drop it down a couple notches in my list of credit cards to get next... Awesome video Stan!
Yeah, totally agree Kevin, it’s kind of a bummer! They have it a few more perks, but the mom spend requirement just kills the card as a long term option unless you really like Alaska airlines!
I've heard so many good things about Alaska cards, but I have no experience with them as an airline at all. It seems like I'm missing out! Although these changes weren't ideal, I know a lot of people are still pretty big fans.
Yeah, same Spencer! I'm always thinking about what the next points/miles frontier would be, and Alaska is one of them that's always at the top of my list! The miles are pretty valuable and the transfer options can get you some insane redemptions! I agree the changes weren't ideal, but I think the card can still be worth it for those Alaska Air enthusiasts!
Love the video! Me and my wife go to Seattle from Florida 2-3 times a year to visit her family. I was considering getting this card but I definitely won't be spending $6000 on it every year for that companion fare and I don't have a membership for the lounges. Do you think it's worth it just for the free baggage? Even after your amazing video I'm still not sure what to do.
Thanks Eli! If you haven’t had this card before, I would get it at least for the first year! Right now you get $100 statement credit + 50k miles + a companion fare for $2k spend in 90 days which I think is solid! So essentially, first year with no annual fee. After 1 year, you can make the decision to keep or cancel, but year 1 is totally worth it for you! Especially because you plan on flying at least 3 times over this next year!
Hahaha - my favorite bank! Of course, Josh! This is still a great card, but it's a little bit questionable now as a long-term keeper card because of the new changes 😐
I had this card for a few years. I got my annual companion fare in January, used it to book a flight, and cancelled the card. I also got the annual fee refunded since I cancelled within 30 days. I think now it's better to churn this card rather than hold it for the long term.
Thank you for a great video. I was just approved for the Alaska Airlines card so the information was really helpful. My family and I enjoy flying with Alaska so the benefits will definitely be an enhancement.
Overall, really not at all a fan of the changes, but I still love Alaska, and since this was my 1st CC I'll still keep it open. That's interesting in that you heard the companion fare changes was applicable to all cardholders. I heard that previous cardholders would be grandfathered in, and wouldn't have to do that $6K in spend to get the companion fare. Great video Stan!
Thanks Matt! Yes, as our resident expert on the Alaska card, I would go off of your knowledge, being that you actually have the card and can verify it personally! I hope that you get grandfathered in because the Companion Pass was a great feature of this card, and it seems that BofA is just trying to roadblock it, kind of like Amex and their coupons 🤣
@@TheCreditFrog Yeah I'll definitely have to do some research on that and probably call BofA to confirm. If it actually is a necessary $6000 spend to get the companion fair, IMO that pretty much ruins the Card
I live in the west coast and feel like thisbis the best card for me. AMEX gold is too exoensive, venture has terrible rewards. Ive been thinking anout chass saphire but the benefits are mid.
Yeah, it’s a solid card for West coasters since there’s so many Alaska airlines options! Other cards are good, but of course, there’s always that best card for you!
Alaska points are so valuable and they can be transferred to Cathay or JAL for some 10+ cpp redemptions! But that $6k min spend for the companion fare totally sucks now. Probably is best now as a SUB card only
Overall still a solid airline CC & I also thought existing CC holders wouldn't need to meet the $6K spend for the companion fare. Guess I'll be finding out soon! Thanks for the info + video!
@@MasonsTurtle You can get the Citi AA Executive card for $450 a year, and it includes Admirals Club membership which includes AS lounge access in addition to AA lounges. Seems like a no-brainer compared to paying $500 or more for AS lounge access directly. Hmm -- $500 for AS lounge access, or $450 for AS AND AA lounge access plus all the other perks of the card? Seems like an obvious choice.
Not an everyday driver card for me, but I personally still like it after the changes. Living in the PNW, I expect to use the companion fare and the free checked bags almost every year, which makes it an easy choice for me. Of course, it is important to note that as an already existing cardholder, I do not have to meet the $6K annual spend to get the companion fare. If I did, I would probably cancel it. But without that spend requirement and its lost opportunity cost, even at $95 the companion fare and free checked bags are easily worth the fee. As of now, the spend requirement for the companion fare absolutely does NOT apply to cardholders of record as of last December, at least. I did move my cable Internet bill and satellite TV bill to this card for the 2X multipliers. But most of my spending has moved off of this card.
It's great to hear from you since you have the card, and have personal experience with it! I think a lot of people in the PNW would do well with this card since Alaska has such a big presence in that area. There's still a lot of value to be had with the card even with the AF hike and the $6k spend requirement - it's more of an annoyance. It probably would have been better if they gave it a really decent non-Alaska multiplier so this could be core card in a credit card setup. I hope the min spend requirement does not come for you, but I feel like they'll let it go for like a year or so until they make all cards have that requirement. Only time will tell!
If Matt Welter is upset about this, I’m upset. That companion certificate is a big blow however. I love the checked bag benefit, it’s like getting the platinum incidentals without having a platinum. Nice Stan!
Thanks Tony! Yeah, the big downer is definitely the companion pass. $6k a year isn't a huge deal, and probably fine if you fly Alaska a lot, but otherwise may not be a great long-term keeper card anymore. Checked bags add up quickly!!
Seems like a decent card overall, however, as for me and my wallet, it’ll be a hard pass. I’ve never flown on that airline and I didn’t even know they fly to my airport 🤣🤣🤣. Looks like I can take them to Vegas! How sway is that?!
Yeah, it's really for a niche person - now it's even more niche with that $6k min spend requirement for the Companion Fare. The points are great on Alaska, but even better on OneWorld transfer partners where the true value lies! But yes, you can take them to Vegas😃
What do you think of these NEW changes to the Alaska Airlines card? Let me know in the comments below 👇!
Not good enough to be a keeper card, but definitely good to keep for 1-2 years and cancel. Multipliers make it a bit easier to stomach spending the extra 3k (on top of the 3k minimum spend)
@@Pteechka The Companion Fare was nice before the changes, but now with the minimum spend to get it, I think you're right.
I was initially denied for the business version, but succeeded with a 90 day reconsideration period. Delta helped us question our blind loyalty, and the Amex Business Gold is losing the shipping category after January. Alaska and their business seems like the right fix.
Alaska airlines has one of the most rewarding mileage systems out there! I agree, the Delta changes have really shaken things up in the airline industry - and Amex cards, in general, have been changing in not the greatest way! Hope you enjoy the new card 👍!
Just when I thought this was an amazing keeper card, these changes (especially the companion fare spend requirement) really drop it down a couple notches in my list of credit cards to get next... Awesome video Stan!
Yeah, totally agree Kevin, it’s kind of a bummer! They have it a few more perks, but the mom spend requirement just kills the card as a long term option unless you really like Alaska airlines!
@@TheCreditFrog Yeah, not to mention the sudden devaluations on partners like JAL!
I've heard so many good things about Alaska cards, but I have no experience with them as an airline at all. It seems like I'm missing out! Although these changes weren't ideal, I know a lot of people are still pretty big fans.
Yeah, same Spencer! I'm always thinking about what the next points/miles frontier would be, and Alaska is one of them that's always at the top of my list! The miles are pretty valuable and the transfer options can get you some insane redemptions! I agree the changes weren't ideal, but I think the card can still be worth it for those Alaska Air enthusiasts!
@@TheCreditFrog Agreed!!
In short, not a keeper’s card any more, but the 70k + companion fare sign up bonus is good enough to sign up for a year
Yes, that’s a very accurate summary statement!
Love the video! Me and my wife go to Seattle from Florida 2-3 times a year to visit her family. I was considering getting this card but I definitely won't be spending $6000 on it every year for that companion fare and I don't have a membership for the lounges.
Do you think it's worth it just for the free baggage? Even after your amazing video I'm still not sure what to do.
Thanks Eli! If you haven’t had this card before, I would get it at least for the first year! Right now you get $100 statement credit + 50k miles + a companion fare for $2k spend in 90 days which I think is solid! So essentially, first year with no annual fee. After 1 year, you can make the decision to keep or cancel, but year 1 is totally worth it for you! Especially because you plan on flying at least 3 times over this next year!
@@TheCreditFrog Thank you!
Bank of Italy at it again. Great update Stan. I didn't know Alaska Air had a partner lounge network...nifty.
Hahaha - my favorite bank! Of course, Josh! This is still a great card, but it's a little bit questionable now as a long-term keeper card because of the new changes 😐
Bank of Italy 😂😂😂
I had this card for a few years. I got my annual companion fare in January, used it to book a flight, and cancelled the card. I also got the annual fee refunded since I cancelled within 30 days.
I think now it's better to churn this card rather than hold it for the long term.
I think you're right. That $6k min spend for the companion pass really killed this card as a keeper card.
Thank you for a great video. I was just approved for the Alaska Airlines card so the information was really helpful. My family and I enjoy flying with Alaska so the benefits will definitely be an enhancement.
Of course Steven! And congrats on the new card! Sounds like you’ll be putting in some good use with it 👍!
Overall, really not at all a fan of the changes, but I still love Alaska, and since this was my 1st CC I'll still keep it open. That's interesting in that you heard the companion fare changes was applicable to all cardholders. I heard that previous cardholders would be grandfathered in, and wouldn't have to do that $6K in spend to get the companion fare. Great video Stan!
Thanks Matt! Yes, as our resident expert on the Alaska card, I would go off of your knowledge, being that you actually have the card and can verify it personally! I hope that you get grandfathered in because the Companion Pass was a great feature of this card, and it seems that BofA is just trying to roadblock it, kind of like Amex and their coupons 🤣
@@TheCreditFrog Yeah I'll definitely have to do some research on that and probably call BofA to confirm. If it actually is a necessary $6000 spend to get the companion fair, IMO that pretty much ruins the Card
I live in the west coast and feel like thisbis the best card for me. AMEX gold is too exoensive, venture has terrible rewards. Ive been thinking anout chass saphire but the benefits are mid.
Yeah, it’s a solid card for West coasters since there’s so many Alaska airlines options! Other cards are good, but of course, there’s always that best card for you!
Can the companion fare be bought with miles instead of cash?
Unfortunately, no, you have to use cash. It has to be with a paid coach ticket as well
Does anybody know if the free checked bag would count if you book the flight through Alaska but on an American airline flight?
I don’t think that would work. It has to be on an Alaska flight.
@@TheCreditFrog you're correct. I spoke with an agent this morning. Thank you for the help also.
Hmmm 🤔 Interesting. I don’t have access to many Alaska Airline flights; but I wanted to see what the fuss was about
Alaska points are so valuable and they can be transferred to Cathay or JAL for some 10+ cpp redemptions! But that $6k min spend for the companion fare totally sucks now. Probably is best now as a SUB card only
@@TheCreditFrog Oh I didn't know that about Alaska Airlines
Overall still a solid airline CC & I also thought existing CC holders wouldn't need to meet the $6K spend for the companion fare. Guess I'll be finding out soon! Thanks for the info + video!
Calling BoA customer service confirmed grandfathered cards indeed do not have the $6k spending requirement.
Of course Jimmy! Definitely a solid airline card if you fly Alaska often.
@@mtnbob Thanks for checking! That's a bummer 😐
@@mtnbob Thanks confirming!
Also got a $175 retention offer for $1500 spend in 90 days. Too easy.
Great job on the video!
Thank you!
3 Alaska lounges in SeaTac? Weird. Wished it was free lounge access.
Yeah, they really have that airport covered! It definitely would be nice if those lounges were more available for sure!
@@TheCreditFrog seriously, $500 for access to lounges at 5 airports. What are they thinking?
@@MasonsTurtle Lol! I know, well I'll bet they keep those lounges pretty empty for those who use them 🤣
@@MasonsTurtle You can get the Citi AA Executive card for $450 a year, and it includes Admirals Club membership which includes AS lounge access in addition to AA lounges. Seems like a no-brainer compared to paying $500 or more for AS lounge access directly. Hmm -- $500 for AS lounge access, or $450 for AS AND AA lounge access plus all the other perks of the card? Seems like an obvious choice.
Not an everyday driver card for me, but I personally still like it after the changes. Living in the PNW, I expect to use the companion fare and the free checked bags almost every year, which makes it an easy choice for me. Of course, it is important to note that as an already existing cardholder, I do not have to meet the $6K annual spend to get the companion fare. If I did, I would probably cancel it. But without that spend requirement and its lost opportunity cost, even at $95 the companion fare and free checked bags are easily worth the fee.
As of now, the spend requirement for the companion fare absolutely does NOT apply to cardholders of record as of last December, at least.
I did move my cable Internet bill and satellite TV bill to this card for the 2X multipliers. But most of my spending has moved off of this card.
It's great to hear from you since you have the card, and have personal experience with it! I think a lot of people in the PNW would do well with this card since Alaska has such a big presence in that area. There's still a lot of value to be had with the card even with the AF hike and the $6k spend requirement - it's more of an annoyance. It probably would have been better if they gave it a really decent non-Alaska multiplier so this could be core card in a credit card setup. I hope the min spend requirement does not come for you, but I feel like they'll let it go for like a year or so until they make all cards have that requirement. Only time will tell!
If Matt Welter is upset about this, I’m upset. That companion certificate is a big blow however.
I love the checked bag benefit, it’s like getting the platinum incidentals without having a platinum.
Nice Stan!
Thanks Tony! Yeah, the big downer is definitely the companion pass. $6k a year isn't a huge deal, and probably fine if you fly Alaska a lot, but otherwise may not be a great long-term keeper card anymore. Checked bags add up quickly!!
I’m so glad I watched this! I didn’t know about the $6,000 for new users. I’ll pass for now. Thank you!
Of course Jessica! Yeah, gotta watch out for the new updates haha!
I like this card because of Alaska miles being so valuable. Maybe I’ll pick it up one day!
For sure Manny! Keep it on your radar!
very very nice
So nice!
Seems like a decent card overall, however, as for me and my wallet, it’ll be a hard pass. I’ve never flown on that airline and I didn’t even know they fly to my airport 🤣🤣🤣. Looks like I can take them to Vegas! How sway is that?!
Yeah, it's really for a niche person - now it's even more niche with that $6k min spend requirement for the Companion Fare. The points are great on Alaska, but even better on OneWorld transfer partners where the true value lies! But yes, you can take them to Vegas😃