2026 Bank of America Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card Review: Strong Value for Alaska and Hawaiian Flyers
The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card from Bank of America is the rebranded and updated version of the classic Alaska Airlines co-branded card, launched in 2025 as part of the new Atmos Rewards loyalty program combining Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. With a modest $95 annual fee, it packs impressive perks for West Coast travelers, Hawaii-bound vacationers, and anyone loyal to these carriers or their Oneworld partners.
This mid-tier card earns valuable Atmos Rewards points (formerly Alaska miles), redeemable for high-value awards on partners like Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. Points are typically valued at 1.5–1.8 cents each, making redemptions for international business class especially rewarding.
Welcome Bonus and Earning Rates
Current offers hover around 60,000–85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000–$4,000 in the first 90 days, often with an immediate $99 Companion Fare. That’s potentially worth $1,000+ in value right out of the gate.
Ongoing earning:
- 3 points per $1 on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases (tickets, vacations, cargo).
- 2 points per $1 on gas, EV charging, cable, streaming services, and local transit (including rideshare).
- 1 point per $1 everywhere else.
Bank of America customers with an eligible checking/savings account get a 10% bonus on all points earned, boosting rates effectively to 3.3x, 2.2x, and 1.1x.
Key Perks and Benefits
The standout feature is Alaska’s Famous $99 Companion Fare ($99 + taxes/fees from ~$23), earned annually after $6,000 in spend. It’s valid on Alaska and Hawaiian flights across North America (including Hawaii) when booked on AlaskaAir.com—easily worth $300–$800+ per use for two travelers.
Other highlights:
- Free first checked bag for you + up to 6 companions on the same reservation (when paying with the card).
- Priority boarding on Alaska flights.
- 20% back on Alaska and Hawaiian in-flight purchases (food, drinks, Wi-Fi).
- $100 discount on an annual Alaska Lounge+ membership.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Visa Signature benefits like travel protections and concierge.
The card also helps toward elite status: Earn status points on spending for a boost to Atmos Rewards tiers.
Who It’s Best For
This card shines if you fly Alaska or Hawaiian even a couple times a year—especially with a companion or checking bags. The Companion Fare and bag perks alone can offset the $95 fee multiple times over. Everyday 2x categories make it useful beyond flights, unlike many airline cards.
It’s less ideal if you rarely fly these airlines or prefer flexible points (like Chase or Amex). For premium perks, consider the higher-fee Atmos Rewards Summit card ($395) with lounge access and global companion awards.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent companion fare and bag perks.
- Solid everyday bonus categories.
- Valuable points for partner awards.
- Low annual fee with easy offsets.
Cons:
- Requires $6,000 annual spend for companion fare.
- Limited to Alaska/Hawaiian ecosystem.
- Bank of America approval rules can be strict (e.g., 2/3/4 rule for multiple cards).
Overall, in 2026, the Atmos Rewards Ascent remains one of the top airline co-branded cards for value, especially post-merger with expanded routes to Hawaii and beyond. If Alaska or Hawaiian fits your travel, it’s a keeper—many reviewers call it a “no-brainer” for semi-frequent flyers. Apply via Bank of America or Alaska Airlines sites for the latest offers.