Reviewed by Joseph Hellman-Benjamin, Founder and CEO. Last reviewed: October 10, 2026. Editorial Policy
The Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature is the personal credit card of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Bank of America issues it and charges $95 a year. In return you get a free checked bag for up to seven people on one reservation, 3 points per dollar on Alaska and Hawaiian purchases, and a companion ticket from $122 once you spend $6,000 in a year.
The Card at a Glance
| Item | What Bank of America publishes |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 |
| Welcome offer, October 2026 | 50,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after $1,500 in purchases in the first 90 days |
| Alaska and Hawaiian purchases | 3 points per $1 |
| Gas, EV charging, cable, streaming, local transit and rideshare | 2 points per $1 |
| Everything else | 1 point per $1 |
| Checked bag | First bag free for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when the flight is paid for with the card |
| Companion Fare | $99 plus taxes and fees from $23, each account anniversary after $6,000 in purchases in the prior year |
| Bank of America account bonus | 10% more points with an eligible account |
Offers change. Check Bank of America’s page before you apply.
The Free Checked Bag
The first checked bag is free for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation, as long as the flight is paid for with the card. The same group gets preferred boarding.
One Mile at a Time puts Alaska’s standard fee at $35 to $40 a bag. At $35, two people checking one bag each on a round trip save $140, which is more than the annual fee.
The Companion Fare
Each account anniversary, if you spent $6,000 or more on the card in the year before, you get a Companion Fare: a second ticket on the same booking for $99 plus taxes and fees from $23.
According to One Mile at a Time, it works on Alaska and Hawaiian economy fares within North America, Hawaii included, one way or round trip. NerdWallet notes that it has to be booked on alaskaair.com.
The saving is the price of the second ticket minus about $122. On a $450 fare that is roughly $330. On a $150 fare it is $28, so the benefit pays only on an expensive route.
The October 2026 welcome offer includes one Companion Fare without the $6,000 requirement.
Points
The card earns 3 points per dollar on Alaska and Hawaiian purchases, 2 on gas, EV charging, cable, streaming, local transit and rideshare, and 1 on everything else. Bank of America lists all three rates as unlimited.
An eligible Bank of America checking or savings account adds 10%: 1,000 points become 1,100.
Two smaller benefits: 20% back on inflight purchases on Alaska and Hawaiian, and $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ membership bought with the card. One Mile at a Time reports that the card also earns one status point for every $3 spent.
Who Should Skip It
- You fly Alaska or Hawaiian once a year or less. One round trip with one bag saves $70 at $35 a bag, less than the fee.
- You will not put $6,000 a year on the card. Without it there is no Companion Fare after the first year.
- You want flexible bank points. This card earns Atmos Rewards points only.
For other options, see our list of the top airline credit cards. We have also reviewed the Delta SkyMiles Gold card and the Capital One Venture.
If You Have Atmos Points You Will Not Use
Brokers, including The Points King, buy Atmos Rewards points for cash. Selling them is against the program’s rules, and the airline can close an account for it. Read the risks of selling miles and points first, then see what Atmos Rewards points sell for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues the Atmos Rewards Ascent card?
Bank of America.
What is the annual fee?
$95.
Is there a cap on the points I can earn?
No. Bank of America lists all three earning rates as unlimited.
Does the card charge foreign transaction fees?
NerdWallet and One Mile at a Time both report that it does not. Check the card’s terms before you rely on that.
Does the Companion Fare work on international flights?
One Mile at a Time reports that it covers Alaska and Hawaiian economy fares within North America, including Hawaii.
Sources
- Bank of America: Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature card page, read October 10, 2026
- One Mile at a Time: Atmos Rewards Ascent Card review, updated July 1, 2026
- NerdWallet: Atmos Rewards Ascent review, dated October 1, 2026
Update Log
- October 10, 2026: rewritten and checked against Bank of America’s card page. Issuer, annual fee, earning rates and Companion Fare terms corrected.