Despite never having flown with Alaska Airlines, their new premium credit card, the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite®, has quickly become one of the most compelling rewards offers on the market. This isn’t about airline loyalty; it’s about maximizing value, even if you live nowhere near an Alaska Airlines route. The card’s appeal lies in a combination of generous perks and unique earning potential that extend far beyond typical airline rewards programs.
A Standout Welcome Offer
The card currently offers 80,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Valued at approximately $1,200 (according to February 2026 valuations), this is a substantial return for a relatively accessible spending requirement. The $395 annual fee is competitive with other premium airline cards and lower than recent increases seen elsewhere.
Unusually High Earning Rates
The earning structure is where this card shines. It offers 3 points per dollar on dining, Alaska/Hawaiian purchases, and – crucially – all foreign transactions. This last point is unique. Most cards offer boosted rates only on select foreign purchases; this card rewards every purchase made in a foreign currency (or processed outside the U.S.) at 3x. For frequent international travelers, this alone makes the card worthwhile.
Redemption Flexibility
The Atmos Rewards program itself has historically been difficult to access without flying Alaska Airlines. Now, with the introduction of the new combined loyalty program, Atmos Rewards, the redemption rates are incredibly competitive. As little as 4,500 points can cover short-haul American Airlines flights, while 45,000 points unlock business-class seats to Europe on Aer Lingus. The Global Companion Award further sweetens the deal, offering a 25,000-point discount for a second passenger on any redemption flight with partner airlines.
A Companion Award That Actually Delivers
Unlike some airline companion vouchers with strict limitations, the Atmos card’s companion award is simple and usable on Alaska Airlines and its extensive partner network. This includes airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, and Iberia. You can use the benefit in any cabin class. Even if you don’t fly Alaska Airlines, this feature alone can save significant points on group travel.
Other Perks (Even if They Don’t Apply to Everyone)
The card also offers a suite of benefits including lounge access, free checked bags, status points toward elite status, and spending credits for Global Entry. These perks are valuable if you fly Alaska or Hawaiian frequently, but less so if, like many potential applicants, you don’t. The card is still worth it due to the unique earning and redemption features.
The Verdict
The Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® is a standout card, even for those who haven’t flown Alaska Airlines. The combination of a generous welcome bonus, high earning rates, and flexible redemption options makes it a compelling addition to any rewards portfolio. If you value travel rewards and don’t mind an annual fee, this card is worth a serious look. The benefit of the generous redemption rates and companion awards outweigh the annual fee for many travelers, even those who don’t plan on flying Alaska Airlines.
