The New Alaska Airlines Premium Credit Card (Launching Summer 2025): Is It Worth It?

If you're a frequent flyer with Alaska Airlines—or even someone who just loves the idea of traveling in style—there’s a shiny new travel credit card arriving Summer 2025 that you’ll definitely want to know about: the Alaska Premium Credit Card.

We’ve combed through all the details Alaska has shared so far to help you understand what this card offers, how it stacks up against the competition, and whether it’s worth the $395 annual fee.

✈️ Premium Travel Perks at a Competitive Price

The Alaska Premium Card enters the ring with a $395 annual fee—very much in the same ballpark as Capital One’s Venture X card. Considering that premium travel cards from other airlines can run you well over $600, this one is competitively priced.

🛋 Lounge Access That Nearly Pays for the Alaska Airlines Credit Card

With this card, you’ll get access to Alaska Airlines lounges, which currently cost around $650/year for a standalone membership. That alone can offset the annual fee for anyone who travels with Alaska more than a few times a year. Plus, these lounges are rumored to have a more luxurious feel, so keep your expectations high.

🌐 Complimentary Wi-Fi and Faster Elite Status

Yes, this card will come with complimentary Wi-Fi passes, a great perk for digital nomads or business travelers. It also allows you to earn Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) through your spending—meaning you can climb Alaska’s elite status ladder faster.

EQM earning rates haven’t been announced yet, but this feature could be a game-changer for loyal travelers aiming for upgrades and priority boarding.

🌍 The Game-Changer: Global Companion Certificates

The standout benefit is the Global Companion Certificate—and it’s not just for economy class. You can use it in any class of service (yes, even first class), and even on Alaska’s partner airlines like Japan Airlines and Starlux.

Imagine booking a roundtrip business class ticket to Tokyo or Taipei, which might normally cost $8,000. With the companion certificate, that second ticket could be nearly free—just pay taxes and fees.

Better still? You get one certificate just for having the card, and possibly a second one if you hit a certain spending threshold.

🧾 Potential Value: Up to $1,275 in Travel Savings

There are potential mileage caps: one base certificate worth up to 25,000 miles, and a second earned one worth up to 75,000 miles. Depending on how you redeem them, you could save anywhere from $250 to over $1,200.

💳 Earn More Where It Matters

With 3x Alaska miles on dining and foreign purchases, this card really caters to global travelers. It’s the only card offering 3x miles on all purchases made outside the U.S.—even if they’re charged in USD.

This is especially appealing to:

• Expats and digital nomads

• International shoppers and luxury buyers

• Snowbirds spending winters abroad

  
  

Combine that with potential VAT refunds when shopping internationally, and you're stacking savings fast.

🛫 More Smart Perks for Frequent Flyers

• Waived $12.50 partner award booking fees (though fuel surcharges still apply)

• Waived same-day change fees—great for travelers with flexible schedules

• No foreign transaction fees

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🧠 Alaska’s Bigger Strategy

This card isn’t just a nice addition—it’s part of Alaska’s ambition to become one of the “Big Four” U.S. airlines. With a growing international network based out of Seattle (new long-haul routes to Seoul, Tokyo, and more by 2030), the airline is aiming squarely at United and Delta’s turf.

They’re also expanding lounges (including a flagship one in Seattle by 2027), making changes to their loyalty program, and merging with Hawaiian Airlines—which means more flight options and unofficial Amex Membership Rewards transfer potential.

🔄 What About Current Alaska Cardholders?

If you already have one of Alaska’s older cards with a companion fare, this new Premium card is worth considering—but only if you’ll take advantage of the extra perks like global lounge access, premium companion tickets, and faster elite status.

🧳 So, Who Should Get This Card?

This card is ideal for:

• Alaska Airlines loyalists and elite status chasers

• International travelers or those who shop frequently abroad

• Anyone planning premium-cabin partner airline trips

• Frequent diners who want to maximize mile-earning potential

  
  

🤔 Final Thoughts

With powerful travel perks, competitive earning rates, and a global focus, the Alaska Premium Card is shaping up to be a strong contender in the premium travel card space. The Global Companion Certificate alone could make it worth the price for the right traveler.

Just be sure to watch for final details—like lounge pass quantities, EQM rates, and fine print on companion ticket restrictions—as the official launch nears.

Would you get this card? Have questions about how it compares to your current setup? Drop your thoughts below and let’s chat. ✈️💳