Credit Card News
Alaska Airlines, Bank of America Renew Credit Card Partnership
Alaska and BofA are re-upping their credit card partnership, with the possibility of new co-branded options coming as a result.
About the Alaska Airlines, Bank of America Agreement:
This week, Alaska Airlines and Bank of America announced that they were extending and expanding their more than three-decade credit card partnership. Moreover, following Alaska’s merger with Hawaiian Airlines, this new deal will make BofA the sole issuer of Atmos Rewards cards.
According to a press release from the two companies, Bank of America will be “working toward” becoming the only issuer of all Atmos co-branded credit cards. Previously, while the bank issued Alaska Airlines cards, Barclays and Bank of Hawaii issued Hawaiian Airlines cards. While some of those cards remain available, others appear not to be accepting new applications at this time. It’s also unclear whether Bank of America will be purchasing the “back book” from Barclays to move current Hawaiian cardholders over to BofA.
In addition to the “single issuer” news, Bank of America teased that it was working on enhanced benefits and features to be added to its Atmos cards. Moreover, the bank mentioned “potential” new card offerings. Additionally, the renewed partnership will include increased investment in lounge programs for the combined airline.
Last year, along with the Atmos Reward rebrand, Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines and Bank of America launched the Summit Visa Infinite Card. With this card, customers can earn 3x points on Alaska and Hawaiian purchases as well as 3x on dining and 3x on foreign transactions. Cardmembers also enjoy eight Alaska Lounge day passes per year. Plus, each cardholder anniversary, cardholders receive a Glocal Companion Award worth up to 25,000 points. The Atmos Rewards Summit card carries an annual fee of $395.
What They’re Saying:
Commenting on the renewed agreement with BofA, Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci said, “Bank of America has been a foundational partner to Alaska’s growth over the last few decades. Together, they have helped us build the airline industry’s most generous and valuable loyalty program.”
He added, “Extending this partnership will mean even greater benefits for cardholders, taking them further as Alaska and Hawaiian expand across the globe.”
My Thoughts:
I do feel a little bit bad for Barclays here, as this is the second airline card program they’ve had to hand over in recent months. Prior to this, American Airlines signed an agreement with Citi that unified its co-branded offerings (previously, it was split between the two issuers). Now, they’re getting pushed out from the Atmos game as well! Hard feelings aside, though, this was all fairly expected from the point when Hawaiian and Alaska first announced their merger.
Given how vague this announcement was, I’ll be curious to see the timeline and logistics of when all cards will move to BofA. And I’ll be even more interested to check out whatever new cards the bank and Atmos may (or may not) come up with going forward.
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