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Side-by-side

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature vs Citi Simplicity Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature comes from Bank of America at $95/yr; the Citi Simplicity Card from Citi 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 ($1,050 more in estimated value) than the Citi Simplicity Card's. Get the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature first; revisit the Citi Simplicity Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAlaska Airlines Visa SignatureCiti Simplicity Card
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus70,000 miles + Companion FareNo welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program
Bonus value (est.)$1,050-
Min spend to unlock bonus$3,000 in 90 mo-
IssuerBank of AmericaCiti
Card categorytravel
Best earning category (Alaska)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Companion Fare annually
  • Free checked bag
  • 3x on Alaska
  • No foreign tx fees
    Read the full review
    Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
    $95/yr · 70,000 miles + Companion Fare
    Read the full review
    Citi Simplicity Card
    $0/yr · No welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program

    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: Citi Simplicity Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature or Citi Simplicity Card?
    The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature has a public bonus (70,000 miles + Companion Fare, worth roughly $1,050), while the Citi Simplicity Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Simplicity Card?
    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 Citi Simplicity Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and Citi Simplicity Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bank of America and Citi) 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 Citi Simplicity Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: $3,000 spend in 90 months. Citi Simplicity Card: 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.