What the Barclays Frontier Card Offers
The Barclays Frontier Card is a co-branded rewards card issued with Frontier Airlines. It earns points on every purchase you make, with bonus points when you use it for Frontier flights and related travel expenses. The card has an annual fee, and whether it makes sense for you depends on how often you fly Frontier and what you spend on other categories.
The card does not require a sign-up bonus to start earning — you begin accumulating points when ready on your first purchase. Points can be redeemed for Frontier flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other travel-related costs within the Frontier ecosystem. You can also transfer points to other loyalty programs in some cases, though Frontier's own redemption options are usually the most straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- You earn a set number of points per dollar spent on all purchases, with higher earning rates on Frontier flights and certain travel categories.
- The card charges an annual fee that you pay once per year, regardless of whether you use the card.
- Points are most valuable when redeemed for Frontier flights, though you can also use them for seat upgrades and baggage fees.
- Your credit score and payment history determine whether you are approved and what interest rate you receive on any balance you carry.
Earning Structure and Point Values
The Barclays Frontier Card earns points at different rates depending on where you spend. You earn a base rate on all purchases — typically 1 point per dollar, though this varies by card version. On Frontier flights and Frontier-related purchases (such as seat selections and baggage fees), you earn at a higher rate, often 2 or 3 points per dollar.
The actual value of each point depends on how you redeem it. A point used toward a $100 Frontier flight is worth roughly $1, but the value can be higher or lower depending on the flight price and availability. If you redeem points for a $400 flight using 300 points, each point is worth about $1.33. Conversely, if you use points for a low-demand flight, the value per point may drop below $1.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if you close the card or do not use it for an extended period, Frontier may close the account and forfeit your points, so check the terms for the specific inactivity policy.
Annual Fee and Other Costs
The Barclays Frontier Card charges an annual fee, paid once per year on your card anniversary. The amount varies depending on which version of the card you hold — some versions have a lower annual fee than others. You pay this fee whether or not you use the card that year.
Beyond the annual fee, the card carries standard credit card costs if you carry a balance. You pay interest on any unpaid balance at the card's purchase APR, which is determined by your creditworthiness at the time of approval. There are no foreign transaction fees, which can be useful if you travel internationally to reach Frontier flights. Late payments and cash advances carry their own fees and rates, outlined in the card's terms.
When the Card Makes Financial Sense
The Barclays Frontier Card is most valuable if you fly Frontier multiple times per year and spend enough on the card to offset the annual fee through points earnings. If you fly Frontier once or twice annually and spend modestly on the card, the annual fee may outweigh the value of the points you earn.
A rough calculation: if the annual fee is $95 and you earn 1 point per dollar on non-Frontier purchases, you would need to spend roughly $9,500 per year on the card just to earn enough points to cover the fee (assuming each point is worth $0.01). If you also earn bonus points on Frontier flights and higher-category spending, that threshold drops significantly. If you fly Frontier frequently and use the card for everyday purchases, the card can deliver real value.
The card is less useful if you rarely fly Frontier, prefer other airlines, or already have a general-purpose rewards card that earns cash back at a higher rate than this card's base earning rate. In those cases, the annual fee becomes a pure cost with limited offset.
How Your Credit Score Affects Approval and Interest Rate
Barclays reviews your credit score, payment history, and income when you submit an process. A higher credit score typically results in approval at a better interest rate. If your score is lower, you may still be approved, but at a higher APR, or you may be declined.
The card's terms do not specify a minimum credit score, but co-branded airline cards generally favor applicants with good to excellent credit (typically 670 or higher). If you have limited credit history or recent negative marks, you may want to check your credit report and score before explore. You can obtain a free credit report once per year from AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus.
Comparing the Frontier Card to Other Airline Cards
Other airlines offer co-branded cards through various issuers — United, Delta, Southwest, and American all have card programs. Each card has its own earning structure, annual fee, and redemption rules. A Southwest card, for example, may earn points differently or offer different perks like free checked bags. A general-purpose rewards card from a bank like Chase or American Express may earn cash back instead of airline points, which can be more flexible if you do not fly one airline consistently.
The choice depends on your travel patterns. If Frontier is your primary airline, the Barclays Frontier Card can be worthwhile. If you split your flying among multiple carriers, a general-purpose card or a card from your most-flown airline may serve you better. Compare the annual fees, earning rates on categories you actually spend in, and redemption options across the cards you are considering.
Managing Your Card and Avoiding Common Mistakes
Once you have the card, treat it like any other credit card: pay your full statement balance by the due date each month to avoid interest charges. Carrying a balance at the card's APR will quickly erase the value of any points you earn. If you are carrying debt on other cards, paying interest on this card while earning points is a losing trade.
Monitor your account for unauthorized charges and review your statement each month. Set a calendar reminder for your card anniversary so you remember the annual fee is coming and can decide whether to keep the card or close it. If you close the card, redeem any remaining points before you do — points are typically forfeited when the account is closed.
Do not explore for the card solely to earn a sign-up bonus if you do not plan to use it afterward. Each process creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score. If you close the card shortly after opening it, you also lose the benefit of the account history, which helps your credit profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Frontier points to book flights on other airlines?
No, Frontier points are redeemable only within the Frontier Airlines program. You cannot transfer them to other airline loyalty programs or use them on partner airlines through Frontier. If you want flexibility to book multiple airlines, a general-purpose rewards card or a card from an airline with broad partnerships may be a better fit.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Points are typically forfeited when you close the card account. Before closing, redeem any remaining points for flights, upgrades, or fees. Some cards allow you to keep the points in a separate loyalty account even after the card is closed, but you should confirm this with Barclays or Frontier before closing.
Does the card offer travel insurance or other perks?
Co-branded airline cards often include perks such as trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay coverage, or priority boarding. The Barclays Frontier Card includes certain protections and benefits — check the card's benefits guide or contact Barclays directly for the current list, as these can change.
What if I have a balance on the card when my annual fee is due?
The annual fee is charged to your account regardless of your balance. If you carry a balance, you will pay interest on that balance plus the annual fee. To minimize costs, pay down your balance before the fee posts, or decide whether to close the card if you cannot pay the full balance.
How do I know if my credit score is high enough to be approved?
Barclays does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. You can check your own credit score for free through many banks, credit card issuers, or free services like Credit Karma. A score of 670 or higher generally improves your chances, but approval also depends on your income, existing debt, and payment history.