Alaska Airlines has partnered with Bank of America to launch a new premium co-branded travel credit card, signaling a bold evolution in loyalty offerings for frequent flyers while also underscoring Bank of America’s growing focus on digital engagement and customer-centric innovation.
The Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card, introduced alongside Alaska Airlines’ rebranded Atmos Rewards loyalty program, is designed to appeal to global travelers seeking flexibility, value, and elevated rewards. The launch marks a significant milestone for both the airline and the bank, strengthening Alaska Airlines’ competitive position in the premium travel space while allowing Bank of America to deepen its footprint in the lucrative co-branded credit card market.
Exclusive Travel Benefits for Frequent Flyers
At the heart of the Summit card is a Global Companion Award, a feature that allows cardholders to bring a companion along when redeeming points for two passengers on the same itinerary across participating airlines. This benefit comes in two tiers:
- 25,000-point Global Companion Award – awarded after qualifying spend and on every card anniversary.
- 100,000-point Global Companion Award – earned with $60,000 in annual card spend.
Cardholders will also enjoy accelerated earning on travel-related expenses, with 3x points on dining, foreign purchases, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines transactions, plus a 10% rewards bonus for eligible Bank of America account holders. Redemption options extend far beyond flights, with expanded hotel transfer opportunities at over 25,000 properties worldwide.
The card includes additional high-value perks:
- Eight annual Alaska Lounge passes, worth more than $500.
- Access to a premium bar experience in Alaska Lounges through 2026.
- Automatic travel delay protection, including a $50 voucher for delays or cancellations.
- Waived partner award booking fees and same-day flight change fees.
- Free points sharing with up to 10 Atmos Rewards members.
In a bid to accelerate loyalty recognition, Summit cardholders will earn 1 status point for every $2 spent, plus an annual 10,000 status point bonus, offering the fastest path to elite status of any Alaska Airlines credit card.
Limited-Time Welcome Offer
For a limited period, new Summit cardholders will be eligible for a 100,000-point welcome bonus after spending $6,000 within 90 days of account opening. This bonus is equivalent to a business class ticket between Seattle and Tokyo, or up to three round-trip main cabin flights between the U.S. West Coast and Hawai’i.
Atmos Rewards: A Modernized Loyalty Ecosystem
The launch of the Summit card coincides with Alaska Airlines’ broader loyalty overhaul. The new Atmos Rewards program replaces “miles” with “points” and “elite-qualifying miles” with “status points.” The rebrand reflects a modernized approach to travel rewards, aimed at appealing to international travelers accustomed to flexible, global loyalty programs.
Alongside the Summit card, Alaska Airlines has reintroduced its long-standing Visa Signature product under a new name – the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® card. The Ascent card retains its signature Companion Fare benefit, which allows a second ticket to be purchased for $99 plus taxes and fees (starting from $23) on flights operated by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines across North America.
A Strategic Move for Bank of America
For Bank of America, the collaboration is more than a co-branded product; it is a step in its ongoing digital engagement strategy. The bank has been investing heavily in digital platforms and AI-driven services, which remain the most important short-term catalysts for earnings growth. While the Alaska Airlines partnership may shape the bank’s long-term growth trajectory by expanding its customer base among affluent, travel-focused consumers, it complements rather than replaces its core focus on digital innovation.
What It Means for Investors
For retail investors, the launch of the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card signals the increasing convergence of travel, loyalty, and financial services. Co-branded cards remain a profitable growth area for banks, especially when paired with strong airline loyalty programs. The move highlights Alaska Airlines’ ambition to expand its global traveler appeal, while for Bank of America, it reinforces a broader shift toward customer-centric engagement strategies that integrate travel, lifestyle, and digital innovation.
