Bank of America Allways Rewards Visa® Credit Card Review: Essential for Loyal Allegiant Fliers

A Solid Welcome Offer

New cardholders can earn a valuable sign-up bonus to kickstart their rewards. You'll receive 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,500 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. These points are worth a straightforward $300 when redeemed for Allegiant travel, effectively offsetting the card's $59 annual fee for several years. The spending requirement is quite reasonable compared to other airline cards, making this bonus accessible for most new applicants. The key detail, however, is that the points are exclusively for Allegiant purchases, including flights, hotels, and car rentals booked through the airline.

Rewards and Perks for Allegiant Loyalists

The Allways Rewards Visa® Credit Card is designed to reward those who frequently fly with the budget airline. You’ll earn an excellent 3 points per $1 spent on all Allegiant purchases, which includes not just airfare but also hotel stays, car rentals, and attractions booked through the airline. The card also offers a respectable 2 points per $1 on qualifying dining purchases and 1 point per $1 everywhere else. This earning structure makes it a strong choice for consolidating all your vacation spending with Allegiant.

Beyond points, the card provides tangible perks that improve the travel experience. Cardholders receive complimentary priority check-in and boarding, allowing you to skip lines and settle in sooner. You also get one free beverage on every Allegiant flight when you show your card. Perhaps the most intriguing benefit is a buy-one-get-one-free airfare offer, though it comes with a significant catch: you must use your card to book a vacation package that includes four or more hotel nights or seven or more rental car days on the same itinerary. While potentially valuable, this perk is best suited for those planning longer trips.

The primary drawback of the Allways Rewards Visa® Credit Card is its extreme lack of flexibility. The rewards and benefits are valuable only to loyal Allegiant Air flyers, as points can only be redeemed for Allegiant-related purchases like flights, hotels, and car rentals booked through the airline. Unlike general travel cards, these points cannot be transferred to other loyalty programs or redeemed for cash back. Furthermore, the card’s signature "buy one, get one free" airfare offer comes with significant restrictions, requiring the purchase of a vacation package with at least four hotel nights or seven rental car days, making it difficult for many travelers to use.

Beyond the restrictive rewards, the card carries several costs that can outweigh its benefits. It comes with a $59 annual fee, which may be hard to justify unless you fly Allegiant several times a year and can take advantage of the priority boarding and in-flight beverage perks. The card also features a high variable APR of 19.74% - 27.74% and offers no introductory 0% APR period on purchases or balance transfers, making it a poor choice for anyone who might carry a balance. The 5% balance transfer fee is also higher than the industry standard.

This card is an excellent choice for dedicated Allegiant flyers who can easily offset the annual fee with perks like priority boarding and rewards earned on frequent flights. However, if you only fly Allegiant occasionally or prioritize flexible points that can be used across different airlines, a general travel rewards card will offer far greater value. The card's most valuable benefits are tied directly to booking and flying with Allegiant, making it a poor fit for anyone who isn't loyal to the airline.

For the dedicated Allegiant Air loyalist, the Allways Rewards Visa is a compelling choice, offering high rewards on Allegiant purchases and valuable perks like priority boarding that can easily offset the modest annual fee. However, the card's primary drawback is its inflexibility; since points are only redeemable for Allegiant travel, anyone seeking versatile rewards will find much better value with a general travel card.