Alaska Airlines Credit Card Approval Odds Explained in Plain Language

Short Answer

Getting approved for the Alaska Airlines credit card mostly depends on your credit. Bank of America, the issuing bank, was unable to provide specifics regarding credit requirements, but representatives did say that your credit report is a primary factor in the approval process. Your odds of approval are better if you have a solid history of on-time payments, no accounts in collections, and a good debt-to-income ratio where your monthly income surpasses your monthly expenses. For more on your Alaska Airlines credit card approval odds, see below.

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Alaska Airlines Credit Card Approval Odds

The Alaska Airlines Visa credit card issued by Bank of America allows cardholders to earn miles every time they use the card. Miles can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more.

Using the card also comes with interest and fees. For current terms, see the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card page of the Bank of America website.

Getting approved for the Alaska Airlines credit card largely depends on your credit and your debt-to-income ratio. To find out about your approval odds, we spoke with several Bank of America corporate customer service representatives. Here are our findings:

Credit Requirements

Bank of America corporate customer service representatives were unable to provide specific credit requirements, such as a minimum credit score, but they did tell us that your credit report and credit score (typically your FICO score) are major factors in the approval process. A “hard” pull of your credit is required from one of the three major credit reporting bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax.

Having existing accounts with Bank of America does not affect your chances of getting approved or denied, Bank of America representatives said.

How to Apply

You can apply for the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card at a Bank of America branch, over the phone by calling (800) 932-2775, or online.

In order to apply, you must be at least 18, have a valid Social Security number, and a physical address in the U.S.

During the application process, you will be asked to provide personal information, including income and employment information. This information and a credit check are what the approval and credit limit decisions are based on.

Representatives advised us that while some applications may be approved right away, others can take up to 30 days.

If you are approved, your card should arrive in the mail in about seven to 10 business days; there is no virtual card option or a way to use the card prior to receiving it in the mail.

If you are denied, you will receive a letter explaining the decision within seven to 10 business days. You cane reapply for the card at any time.

Credit Limits and Credit Limit Increases

Bank of America corporate customer service representatives were unable to provide information on minimum and maximum credit limits. They did, however, explain that credit limits are based on your overall credit, your ability to pay, and your application information.

One representative told us that she has seen credit limits anywhere from $300 to $10,000. If you are approved but your credit limit is not as high as you would like, you can request an increase at any time by calling Bank of America or by logging in to your online account.

“Shopping Cart” Trick

We were unable to confirm if the shopping cart trick is an option when purchasing flights on Alaska Airlines’ website. If you’re interested in attempting the shopping cart trick, see our related article to find out how to try it yourself.

More Information

Your Alaska Airlines credit card application may be approved or denied immediately. If you’re in a rush, see our article that lists instant approval credit cards.