Imagine you’re sipping coffee in a cozy Paris café, but then your credit card statement arrives with sneaky extra charges. Ouch, right?
That’s where understanding the Alaska credit card foreign transaction fee comes in handy.
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If you’re an occasional traveler eyeing the Alaska Airlines credit card, knowing about these fees can save you real money on international trips.
Why Foreign Transaction Fees Sneak Up on Travelers
Foreign transaction fees add up fast when you shop abroad. These charges, often 3% per purchase, hit your bill for using a card outside the U.S. or in foreign currency.
For intermediate folks like us who know the basics but want smarter choices, spotting cards without these fees is key.
Think about it: On a $1,000 trip spend, a 3% fee means $30 extra. That’s a nice dinner gone. The Alaska Airlines credit card shines here because it skips these fees entirely. No surprises on your statement.
Many travelers overlook this until it’s too late.
What Is the Alaska Airlines Credit Card?
The Alaska Airlines credit card, now under the Atmos Rewards brand, partners with Bank of America. It targets flyers who love rewards without high costs.
Two main personal versions exist: the Ascent Visa Signature and the Summit Visa Infinite.
The Ascent card costs $95 yearly. It’s great for everyday use with solid rewards. The Summit, at $395 annually, ups the ante for frequent travelers.
Both let you earn points on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights.
Why consider it? If you fly Alaska often, the perks tie in nicely. Plus, no foreign transaction fees on either. That makes it a go-to for international jaunts.
Does the Alaska Credit Card Charge Foreign Transaction Fees?
Good news: The Alaska credit card foreign transaction fee is zero. Whether you pick the Ascent or Summit, you won’t pay extra for purchases abroad. This applies to physical stores in foreign countries or online buys from international sellers.
Back in 2016, Alaska ditched these fees to make the card more traveler-friendly. Since then, it’s stayed fee-free. For someone like me who once got burned by fees on a Tokyo trip, this is a relief.
Compare that to cards with 3% fees. Over time, savings add up. If you spend $5,000 overseas yearly, you’d save $150. Not bad for peace of mind.
Key Benefits of the Alaska Airlines Credit Card for International Travel
Beyond the zero Alaska credit card foreign transaction fee, perks make it worthwhile. Let’s dive into what you get.
First, rewards rates impress. The Ascent offers 3 points per dollar on Alaska and Hawaiian purchases, 2 on gas, EV charging, cable, streaming and transit and 1 elsewhere.
The Summit adds 3 points on dining and all foreign buys, plus 1 on others. That’s extra value when shopping abroad.
Welcome bonuses hook new users. Ascent gives 70,000 points and a $99 companion fare after $3,000 spend in 90 days. Summit ups it to 80,000 points and a 25,000-point global companion award post $4,000 spend.
Other goodies include:
- Free checked bag: For you and up to six guests on Alaska or Hawaiian flights paid with the card.
- Preferred boarding: Skip lines with up to six companions.
- Annual companion fare: $99 plus taxes from $23, after $6,000 yearly spend on Ascent.
- Lounge perks: $100 off Alaska Lounge+ membership, or for Summit, eight lounge passes yearly.
Summit extras like $120 airport security credit every four years sweeten the deal for globetrotters. And 20% back on inflight buys? Perfect for long hauls.
How the Alaska Card Stacks Up Against Competitors
Wondering if the Alaska credit card foreign transaction fee edge holds up? Let’s compare.
Many travel cards skip foreign fees, but Alaska’s airline ties set it apart.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred also has no foreign fees, with 3x on dining and 2x on travel. But it lacks airline-specific perks like free bags.
Capital One Venture Rewards? Zero foreign fees, flat 2 miles per dollar. Great for simplicity, but no companion fares.
Here’s a quick table:
| Card | Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee | Key Perk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Ascent | $95 | 0% | Free checked bag |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 0% | Transfer partners |
| Capital One Venture | $95 | 0% | Mile redemption flexibility |
Alaska wins for loyal flyers. If you mix airlines, others might fit better.
Tips to Maximize Your Card Abroad Without Fees
No Alaska credit card foreign transaction fee means more fun spending. But smart habits help.
Notify your bank before travel. Avoid fraud flags locking your card mid-trip.
Use digital wallets like Apple Pay for security. The card supports them.
Track rewards. Foreign spends on Summit earn 3x points. Turn trips into future flights.
Pair with a no-fee debit card for cash. Credit for big buys, debit for ATMs.
Who Should Get the Alaska Airlines Credit Card?
If you fly Alaska or Hawaiian often, yes. The zero foreign transaction fee suits occasional international travelers.
But if annual fees bug you, look elsewhere. Or if you prefer cash back over miles.
For status chasers, Summit’s 10,000 annual status points help climb tiers faster.
Apply online via Bank of America’s site for bonuses. Check your credit first; approval needs good scores.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Even with no Alaska credit card foreign transaction fee, other charges lurk. Balance transfers cost 4%. APR ranges 19.49%-27.49% variable. Pay off monthly to avoid interest.
Taxes on companion fares add $23 or so. Small, but plan for it.
International ATMs might charge their own fees. Stick to card swipes.
FAQs: Alaska Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fee
Q. What is the foreign transaction fee on the Alaska Airlines credit card?
A. It’s zero percent on both Ascent and Summit cards. You save on every overseas purchase without extra costs.
Q. Are there alternatives to the Alaska card with no foreign fees?
A. Yes, cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture offer similar perks. Choose based on your travel habits.
Q. Does the Alaska card reward foreign purchases?
A. The Summit version gives 3 points per dollar on foreign buys. Ascent sticks to standard rates, but both skip fees.
Conclusion
Picking the right card transforms travel. With no Alaska credit card foreign transaction fee, focus on memories, not bills. Explore more, spend smart.
For more on travel cards, visit Bank of America’s credit card page.
Disclaimer: This post shares general info based on public sources. Card terms can change, check official sites for latest details. I’m not a financial advisor, consult pros for personal advice.
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