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Side-by-side

Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature vs Target Circle Card Mastercard

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature comes from Bank of America at $95/yr; the Target Circle Card Mastercard from TD Bank at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,600 more in estimated value) than the Target Circle Card Mastercard's. Get the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature first; revisit the Target Circle Card Mastercard after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAtmos Rewards Ascent Visa SignatureTarget Circle Card Mastercard
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus80,000 points + Companion Fare
Bonus value (est.)$1,600-
Min spend to unlock bonus$4,000 in 4 mo-
IssuerBank of AmericaTD Bank
Card categoryairlinecashback
Best earning category (Alaska_hawaiian)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • $99 Companion Fare annually
  • 80K + Companion Fare welcome offer
  • 3x on Alaska & Hawaiian
  • No foreign tx fees
    Read the full review
    Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature
    $95/yr · 80,000 points + Companion Fare
    Read the full review
    Target Circle Card Mastercard
    $0/yr ·

    Editorial take: Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature

    The current Atmos Rewards Ascent card replaces Alaska's legacy Visa Signature. The Companion Fare alone justifies the $95 fee, book a paid Alaska or Hawaiian ticket, take a partner along for $99 + tax. Easy three-figure value at the West Coast / Asia-via-Alaska routes Alaska reaches.

    Editorial take: Target Circle Card Mastercard

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature or Target Circle Card Mastercard?
    The Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature has a public bonus (80,000 points + Companion Fare, worth roughly $1,600), while the Target Circle Card Mastercard doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Target Circle Card Mastercard?
    At $95/yr, the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Target Circle Card Mastercard's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature and Target Circle Card Mastercard?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bank of America and TD Bank) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature or the Target Circle Card Mastercard first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature: $4,000 spend in 4 months. Target Circle Card Mastercard: no published min spend. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.