Editorial take: The Platinum Card from Amex
The granddaddy of premium cards with Centurion Lounge access, hotel elite status, and a mountain of credits. The $895 fee stings, but if you use even half the credits, you come out ahead.
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Side-by-side
The Platinum Card from Amex vs Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
Both are travel travel cards. The The Platinum Card from Amex comes from American Express at $895/yr; the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature from Bank of America at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the The Platinum Card from Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($2,450 more in estimated value) than the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature's. Get the The Platinum Card from Amex first; revisit the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | The Platinum Card from Amex | Alaska Airlines Visa Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $895 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 175,000 points | 70,000 miles + Companion Fare |
| Bonus value (est.) | $3,500 | $1,050 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $12,000 in 6 mo | $3,000 in 90 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Bank of America |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Flights) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
The Platinum Card from Amex
$895/yr · 175,000 points
Read the full review
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
$95/yr · 70,000 miles + Companion Fare
Editorial take: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
The Companion Fare is the hook, $122 + taxes/fees to bring a companion on any Alaska flight, even international business class. If you fly Alaska once a year with a partner, this pays for itself many times over.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, The Platinum Card from Amex or Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
- The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus, 175,000 points, worth roughly $3,500, versus 70,000 miles + Companion Fare (~$1,050) on the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature.
- Is the The Platinum Card from Amex's $895 annual fee worth it compared to the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
- Premium cards like the The Platinum Card from Amex ($895/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $895+ of those credits, the math works. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the The Platinum Card from Amex and Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Bank of America) 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 The Platinum Card from Amex or the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. The Platinum Card from Amex: $12,000 spend in 6 months. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: $3,000 in 90 months. 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.