Alaska / Hawaiian credit card strategy - which card should you get now? | Coffee Break Ep38 | 12-24-24 | Podcast
Dec 24, 2024
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Explore the latest credit card strategies for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines! Discover which cards offer the best bonuses and advantages. Weigh the pros and cons of current offers versus potential future upgrades. Learn about mile transfer flexibility, especially beneficial for family travel. Get insights on navigating the 524 rule and maximizing your rewards as a casual traveler. Whether you're ready to apply now or considering waiting, this discussion will help guide your credit card decisions for 2025!
Understanding the competitive bonuses of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines credit cards is crucial before their merger in 2025.
The ability to transfer Hawaiian miles to Alaska accounts enhances strategic value for families looking to consolidate and maximize their rewards.
Deep dives
Credit Card Options and Merging Programs
The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the credit card options available for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, especially in light of their upcoming merger in 2025. Currently, the Bank of America Alaska Airlines cards offer competitive bonuses, such as up to 75,000 points for the consumer version after a specified spending requirement, while the Hawaiian Airlines cards from Barclays feature a leading offer of 70,000 miles after the first purchase. This merger will likely affect the availability of Hawaiian cards, making it a crucial time for potential customers to evaluate their options. With the merging programs, customers can transfer Hawaiian miles to their Alaska account, enhancing the strategic value of collecting these points before the cards potentially disappear.
Transferability and Membership Rewards
A significant benefit of the Hawaiian Airlines cards is their current transferability feature, allowing users to combine miles across accounts, which may not be available after the merger. This becomes particularly advantageous for families or groups with scattered miles, enabling easy consolidation and eventual transfer to an Alaska account. Furthermore, the possibility of using American Express Membership Rewards to transfer points to Hawaiian Airlines adds another layer of flexibility for those seeking to amass Alaska miles. However, it is important for users to consider the fees associated with transferring points to U.S.-based airlines and strategize their credit card applications wisely.
Timing and Strategic Considerations for Card Applications
The impending release of a premium Alaska Airlines card in the summer of 2025 raises questions about the timing of applying for existing cards. Although the current offers are appealing, potential applicants may benefit from waiting to see what the new premium card entails, particularly regarding its welcome bonuses. On the Hawaiian Airlines side, immediate applications for the consumer card may be warranted due to the attractive offers and the impending discontinuation of the card. Ultimately, the decision should hinge on individual strategic values, family circumstances regarding miles, and upcoming opportunities in the credit card market.
In today's episode, we're going to be considering the Alaska / Hawaiian credit card strategy and asking the question: which card should you get now, if any?
(01:38) - Current lineup of Alaksa / Hawaiian credit cards
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Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads
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