Three credit card currencies that transfer to Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines miles are easily some of the most valuable airline miles and up until recently they were some of the most difficult airline miles to accumulate.  

Read below to find out why Alaska miles are so valuable and which credit card points transfer to Alaska Airlines.

What makes Alaska miles so valuable? 

Alaska allows you to book FREE stopovers, has low taxes, a generous cancellation policy and NEW THIS YEAR… you earn elite qualify miles (EQM) on flights booked with Alaska miles making it easier than ever to earn Oneworld Elite Status!

Alaska Airlines is one of the few airlines that allows you to book a FREE stopover – you can read more about booking a FREE stopover HERE.

We enjoyed a FREE stopover in Australia on our way to New Zealand (on Qantas).

And a FREE stopover in Fiji on our way home from New Zealand (on Fiji Airways).

We’ve used Alaska miles to fly to Taiwan – just 20,000 miles in economy and 60,000 for business class.

We’re flying to Japan for just 30,000 Alaska miles.

And the taxes on the Alaska website are CHEAP – just $5.60 to get to Japan!

Another major advantage of booking with Alaska miles is that you can typically cancel up until the day of travel which provides increased flexibility.

And new in 2025 is the ability to earn elite qualifying miles (EQM) when you book award flights with Alaska miles.  Earning Oneworld Elite Status is MUCH easier to earn when you fly with Alaska miles!

Not into international flights?  We’re using Alaska miles to visit family later this month – just 5,000 miles and $5.60!

Alaska miles are GOLDEN and there are currently only three credit card currencies that transfer to Alaska Airlines and one of those requires using another airline currency as a middle-man.

TRANSFER OPTION ONE

Thanks to the newly announced Alaska and Hawaiian partnership you can now transfer miles 1:1 between Hawaiian and Alaska. Since American Express Membership Rewards^® transfer to Hawaiian you can effectively transfer Amex points to Alaska Airlines (via Hawaiian). 

Being able to transfer Amex points to Hawaiian Airlines isn’t expected to stick around long term so if this is something you are interested in doing be aware that that ability could end soon.

NOTE: There is a small $0.0006 per point fee to transfer Amex points to Hawaiian (max $99). There is NO FEE to transfer miles from Hawaiian to Alaska.  

There are several personal and business cards available with American Express.  If you’d like help choosing the best option for you send me a DM or fill out my FREE credit card consultation form for a personalized recommendation.  Credit card links can also be found in the “Credit Cards” menu above.

Another way to earn additional Amex points is use the Rakuten app when you shop online.  Amex points can be earned ON TOP of the credit card rewards you earn on purchases made at over 3,500 online retailers.  You can earn a 3,000 point bonus (or $30) when you sign up through my Rakuten referral link.

TRANSFER OPTION TWO

Instead of using Hawaiian Airlines as a middle-man, use them as a direct source by opening a Hawaiian credit card.  The Hawaiian credit cards aren’t expected to be available for new applications much longer so I’d recommend applying sooner rather than later if you’re interested.

There are no referral or affiliate links for the Hawaiian cards so feel free to apply directly through Barclay.

TRANSFER OPTION THREE

Points earned on the Bilt Mastercard transfer directly to Alaska Airlines.

The Bilt Mastercard makes it possible to turn rent into free travel without paying any transaction fees or annual credit card fees!  It’s a great card if you are interested in earning rewards on what may be your biggest recurring expense – Rent.

You can read more about the card features through my Bilt referral link HERE

OPTION FOUR

Alaska Airlines offers both a personal and business card – each offering a welcome bonus after meeting the necessary spend requirements.  

Check out this post for details on the current Alaska credit card offer.

Referral links for the personal Alaska card can only be sent via email.  If you’re interested send me your email via DM and I’ll get that sent your way!

Alaska will be releasing a new premium credit card in the summer of 2025.  We don’t have many details yet, but I’ll be sure to share all the details when it is released so follow along!