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Alaska Airlines Visa Signature vs IHG One Rewards Traveler

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature comes from Bank of America at $95/yr; the IHG One Rewards Traveler from Chase 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 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($570 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Traveler's. Get the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Traveler after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAlaska Airlines Visa SignatureIHG One Rewards Traveler
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus70,000 miles + Companion Fare80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,050$480
Min spend to unlock bonus$3,000 in 90 mo$2,000 in 3 mo
IssuerBank of AmericaChase
Card categorytravelhotel
Best earning category (Alaska)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Companion Fare annually
  • Free checked bag
  • 3x on Alaska
  • No foreign tx fees
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 17x at IHG
  • No annual fee
  • Silver status
Read the full review
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
$95/yr · 70,000 miles + Companion Fare
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 points

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.

Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler

The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature or IHG One Rewards Traveler?
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature has the bigger bonus, 70,000 miles + Companion Fare, worth roughly $1,050, versus 80,000 points (~$480) on the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
Is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Traveler?
At $95/yr, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the IHG One Rewards Traveler's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and IHG One Rewards Traveler?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bank of America and Chase) 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 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature or the IHG One Rewards Traveler first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: $3,000 spend in 90 months. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 in 3 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.