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Side-by-side

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Both are travel travel cards. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature comes from Bank of America at $95/yr; the Chase Sapphire Reserve from Chase at $795/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,450 more in estimated value) than the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAlaska Airlines Visa SignatureChase Sapphire Reserve
Annual fee$95$795
Sign-up bonus70,000 miles + Companion Fare125,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,050$2,500
Min spend to unlock bonus$3,000 in 90 mo$6,000 in 3 mo
IssuerBank of AmericaChase
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Alaska)3x1x
Transfer partnersNonechase-ur
Headline benefits
  • Companion Fare annually
  • Free checked bag
  • 3x on Alaska
  • No foreign tx fees
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • 8x on Chase Travel
  • 4x on flights & hotels booked direct
  • $500 The Edit hotel credit
Read the full review
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
$95/yr · 70,000 miles + Companion Fare
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 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: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature or Chase Sapphire Reserve?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, versus 70,000 miles + Companion Fare (~$1,050) on the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature.
Is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
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 Chase Sapphire Reserve's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and Chase Sapphire Reserve?
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 Chase Sapphire Reserve first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: $3,000 spend in 90 months. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 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.