If you love traveling and collecting rewards while doing so, then there is exciting news. Alaska Air Group and Bank of America have announced a multi-year extension of their co-branded credit card, which has been in place for more than 30 years. The renewal deal is intended to help with the growth of the AtmosTM Rewards Program.
This blog covers the latest news and updates on Alaska Air Group and Bank of America extending their long-standing credit card partnership, and how this deal benefits cardholders.
About the New Partnership
“Alaska Air Group has been an exceptional partner for more than three decades, and this extension reflects our shared commitment to delivering meaningful value for cardholders. Together, we’re investing in innovation, enhancing the cardholder experience, and supporting the continued growth of the AtmosTM Rewards platform – while creating long-term value for both companies,” said Dean Athanasia, Co-President, Bank of America.
- Bank of America will now be the exclusive bank for both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines credit cards
- Because Alaska Airlines recently joined forces with Hawaiian Airlines, they wanted one bank to handle everything. This makes things much simpler for travelers who fly with both airlines. Instead of dealing with different banks, everything will be under one roof at Bank of America.
- Alaska Air Group and Bank of America announced that their increased collaboration is expected to enhance the financial benefits for both companies. This will include new credit cards and additional perks for existing ones.
Key Benefits for the Cardholders
The main goal of this deal is to strengthen the AtmosTM Rewards program.
- Since the two airlines are now working together, it will be easier to earn and use those points (miles) across the entire network
- A big part of this deal includes spending money on airport lounges. This means a more comfortable place to sit, eat, and relax before your flight.
- One of the best perks of the Alaska card is the ‘Companion Fare’, which lets you bring a friend on a flight for a much lower price once a year. With multiple cards in a household, you can significantly reduce the cost of group travel.
- The companies are hinting at new types of credit cards coming soon, including higher limits and options like the Summit Card for frequent travelers.
AtmosTM Reward Program Explained
Alaska states that the AtmosTM Reward program was named the best airline rewards program for 2026 by NerdWallet, with the co-brand cards playing a central role in that system.
- It is Alaska’s unified loyalty program shared across Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines.
- The program is designed to provide flexibility in earning and redeeming points.
- Co-branded credit cards act as a central pillar of the reward ecosystem.
- It has received industry recognition, including rankings among top airline loyalty programs.
- The program continues to evolve new features and benefits for frequent flyers.
- For every $1 to $3 you spend with the card, even on monthly bills, not just when traveling, you earn a status point. If you spend enough money in a year, you can get free seat upgrades and priority boarding without having to leave the ground.
Financial and Strategic Impact
“Bank of America has been a foundational partner to Alaska’s growth over the last few decades,” said Ben Minicucci, Chief Executive Officer of Alaska. “Together, they have helped us build the airline industry’s most generous and valuable loyalty program. Extending this partnership will mean even greater benefits for cardholders, taking them further as Alaska and Hawaiian expand across the globe.”
- From a business perspective, the expanded partnership is expected to accelerate Alaska’s loyalty growth beyond the incremental $150 million in profit.
- It strengthens long-term financial alignment between the airline and the bank.
- The deal is expected to drive sustained growth and customer retention.
- For frequent flyers, this means greater stability and better perks, including lounge access and upcoming streamlined rewards.
What does this mean for the Travelers?
The renewed agreement isn’t just a corporate extension; rather, it’s a commitment to enhance guest perks. Current and future members of the AtmosTM Reward program can look forward to a few things-
- Focus on expanding and upgrading lounge access and amenities across the network.
- The potential for a new card offering and refreshes to existing products, including the premium AtmosTM Rewards Summit Card.
- A seamless experience with these airlines as Hawaiian Airlines prepares to join the oneworld alliance in Spring 2026.
- A single-issuer model can reduce complexity in account management.
- Benefits and rewards are expected to become more integrated and user-friendly.
Future Outlook: What’s next for the Flyers?
The future for this partnership is incredibly bright. As we look towards the rest of 2026 and into 2027, several exciting developments are on the horizon.
- ‘Atmos’ Rewards are now unlocked, enabling cardholders to redeem points not only for flights, but also for exclusive sports events and city tours in destinations served by Alaska and Hawaiian.
- With the introduction of the AtmosTM Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Card, Alaska and BofA are chasing the high-end travelers. This card is designed to compete with the industry’s biggest names, offering premium lounge access, higher-point-earning rates, and luxury travel insurance.
Conclusion
Alaska Air Group’s long-standing credit card partnership with Bank of America is more than a legal deal; it’s a commitment to both frequent and new travelers. It assures that loyalty is recognized and travel becomes more straightforward. For the airline, this is a significant revenue source. For passengers, it indicates a more refined experience with enhanced benefits hidden under the cabin.
FAQs
It is a long-running co-branded credit card partnership that helps with Alaska’s AtmosTM Rewards program and offers travel-related benefits to cardholders.
Yes, since both airlines are owned by the same group and use the same bank, you can use your card to book flights on either airline and earn the same amount of points.
Yes, the cards are Visa, so they are accepted almost everywhere worldwide. They also do not charge foreign transaction fees, meaning you won’t pay extra when using the card abroad.
It helps Alaska grow loyalty revenue, improve customer benefits, and strengthen the broader AtmosTM Rewards platform.
Alaska says it plans to refresh existing cards, add new products, and move toward Bank of America as the single issuer of Atmos Rewards credit cards over time.
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