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Good Stuff – How a Retention Offer Led to a Free Companion Ticket

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Alaska Airlines Card Retention

Alaska Airlines Card Retention Offer Leads to a Free Companion Ticket

I began picking up Bank of America credit cards again earlier this year, and I still have many more to pursue.  One I haven’t yet obtained yet the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card.  An elevated 65k miles welcome offer is available, and many fans enjoy the annual Alaska companion ticket.  Recently, I heard from Danny, an active hobbyist and MtM reader, on an Alaska Airlines card retention offer he received.  (No, not this guy.)  Let’s take a look!

RELATED: Current Retention Offer: Amex, Chase & Citi Retention Offer Data Points

The Retention Offer

Upon calling in to Bank of America, Danny was offered the following:

  • Earn a $100 statement credit by spending $1.5k on the card within 3 months.

On its face, this is a net $25 win by accepting the offer and meeting the spend in the allotted timeframe.  During the call, Danny was also provided product change opportunities by the rep.  He was offered conversion options to the following cards: Travel Rewards, Customized Cash, Cash Rewards, Premium Rewards, and Bank Americard.  I found it particularly interesting that BOA would allow jumping card types from an Alaska card to one of BOA’s own products (similar to what’s possible with Citi).  If this is already known about BOA, it’s not something I’ve paid attention to!

Alaska Airlines Card Retention

Danny’s Card History

Hearing about retention offers is great, but background info makes them more useful.  With that in mind, let’s go over more info from Danny:

  • He’s held the Alaska Airlines card for five years.
  • He’s spent less than $1k annually on the card in 2020 and 2021.
  • Each year since opening the card, he’s called in to check for retention offers.  This is the first he’s ever received.

What Makes this Offer Sweeter

Yes, $100 back for $1.5k spend is nice.  Even better, it’s on a card that doesn’t seem to provide retention offers often.  But what makes this retention offer sweeter is considering it alongside the card’s famous benefit – the annual companion ticket.  By meeting this simple retention offer, Danny effectively obtains a free annual companion ticket this year.  This annual benefit is nice in normal times when paying an annual fee.  Getting it for free this year makes it even better.

Alaska Airlines Card Retention

Alaska Airlines Card Retention – Conclusion

Danny’s retention offer is a reminder to all of us.  Always seek a retention offer, no matter what.  That may seem obvious, but being turned down year after year can wear on many of us.  Others just may not like calling in at all, and that’s understandable.  Online chat functions are more prevalent with banks nowadays and will undoubtedly increase.  Regardless, a few minutes (or more) can lead to free money and/or rewards.  This hobby is fun, but it can also be a grind at times.  Embrace the grind!  What’s your biggest retention offer win recently?

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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Benjy Harmon
Benjy Harmon
Benjy focuses on the intersection of points, travel, and financial independence (FI). An experienced world traveler, husband, and father, he currently roams throughout the USA close to expense-free. Benjy enjoys helping others achieve their FI and travel goals.

Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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