Ben Nickel-D'Andrea Contributor June 21, 2026 • 9 min read Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. When I am asked for my opinion on the top credit cards for expats, I am usually met with surprised looks when I suggest the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card .
This is because most people think of Alaska Airlines as a regional Pacific Northwest airline, but that's truly a thing of the past.
And in case you missed it, Alaska acquired Hawaiian Airlines and became the fifth largest airline by capacity in the United States, and started serving international long-haul destinations like Seoul, Tokyo, Rome and London.
As part of this growth spurt, Alaska Airlines also relaunched its loyalty program to Atmos Rewards , and, with it, rebranded its credit cards. Its premium consumer offering, the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa card, has become a fan favorite among the expat community for several reasons.
For starters, the card's strongest selling point is simple: It earns elevated rewards on foreign purchases while also offering useful airline perks, lounge passes, elite-status support and access to international award partners.
That's a compelling combination for any traveler, but it's especially valuable for expats who spend heavily abroad and need reliable ways to get home.
Related: What to know about applying for and using a US credit card as an expat
For starters, the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa lets you earn solid rewards, awarding 3 points per dollar spent on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights, dining in the United States, and any foreign purchases. That means whatever you spend while outside the United States, whether that's groceries, transit, utilities or other everyday purchases abroad, will earn the elevated rate.
All other U.S.-based purchases will net you the usual 1 point per dollar spent.
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As long as the transactions are processed in a foreign currency or outside of the United States, you will be earning at the bonus rate. This positions the card as great for those living abroad and consistently comes up on best-of lists for multiple kinds of travelers, especially those who regularly fly with Oneworld alliance member airlines like American Airlines , British Airways or Qantas.
Additionally, if you have an eligible Bank of America or Merrill account , you can earn a 10% bonus on all points earned, which equates to 3.3 points earned on all purchases abroad. While that may not sound like much, it adds up at the end of the year, getting you closer to your next award redemption a little quicker.
Related: How to earn Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points
It's also worth mentionin…