What the Frontier Airlines Credit Card Does
The Frontier Airlines credit card is a co-branded card issued by Frontier Airlines and a bank partner. It earns points on purchases that you can redeem for Frontier flights, seat upgrades, and baggage fees. The card also offers a sign-up bonus in points, annual perks like a free companion ticket, and other benefits tied to Frontier's loyalty program.
This card is designed for people who fly Frontier regularly or want to accumulate points toward future trips. Unlike some airline cards that offer cash back, this card's rewards are locked into the Frontier ecosystem — you redeem points for Frontier travel only, not for cash or other airlines.
Key Takeaways
- The Frontier Airlines credit card earns points on every purchase, with bonus points on Frontier bookings and other categories depending on the specific card version.
- You receive a sign-up bonus in points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within a set timeframe, typically three to six months.
- An annual fee applies, but the card usually includes a free companion ticket or other annual benefit that may offset part of that cost.
- Points are redeemed through your Frontier account and can cover flights, seat selections, baggage fees, and other Frontier services.
- The card's value depends on how often you fly Frontier and whether you can use the annual perks before they expire.
How to Earn Points with This Card
You earn points on every dollar you spend with the card. The earning rate varies by card version — some earn a flat rate on all purchases, while others earn bonus points on Frontier bookings, dining, gas, or groceries. Check the specific card's terms to see which categories earn extra points.
The sign-up bonus is the largest point haul you'll receive upfront. You must spend a set amount (often $1,000 to $2,000) within a defined window, usually three to six months from account opening. Once you meet that threshold, the bonus points post to your account automatically.
Points also accrue from flying Frontier itself, even if you don't use the credit card for the ticket purchase. Your Frontier frequent flyer account and credit card account are linked, so all activity feeds into one point balance.
Annual Fees and What You Get in Return
The Frontier Airlines credit card charges an annual fee, typically in the $75 to $99 range, though this varies by card version and can change. The fee posts to your account each year on your card anniversary.
To offset this cost, the card usually includes an annual benefit — most commonly a free companion ticket valid for one year. A companion ticket lets a second person fly free (or nearly free, with taxes and fees) on the same itinerary as you. Other versions may offer annual statement credits, free checked bags, or seat upgrade certificates instead.
Whether the card makes financial sense depends on whether you'll use that annual benefit. If you fly Frontier at least once a year with a companion, the free ticket often covers the annual fee. If you fly solo or infrequently, the math may not work in your favor.
How to Redeem Points for Flights and Fees
Points are redeemed through your Frontier account online or via the Frontier app. Log in, go to your rewards or points section, and search for available flights. You can filter by date, route, and cabin class, just as you would when buying a ticket with cash.
The points required for a flight vary based on demand, route, and how far in advance you book. A short domestic flight might cost 5,000 to 10,000 points, while a longer route could cost 15,000 to 25,000 or more. Frontier uses dynamic pricing, so the same route costs different amounts on different days.
Beyond flights, you can use points to pay for seat selections, baggage fees, and other add-ons. This is useful if you have leftover points that won't cover a full ticket. Points do not expire as long as your account remains active and you have some Frontier activity (a flight, credit card purchase, or other transaction) at least once every 24 months.
What Happens When You explore
You can explore for the Frontier Airlines credit card online through Frontier's website or the issuing bank's site. The process asks for personal information, income, and employment details. A hard inquiry appears on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
The bank will review your credit history and make a decision within minutes to a few days. You'll receive notification by email or mail. If you're approved, the card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
Once the card arrives, set up it through the bank's website or app, then link it to your Frontier frequent flyer account. This connection ensures that credit card purchases and flight activity both feed into your points balance. You can start earning points when ready on purchases, though the sign-up bonus typically posts only after you meet the minimum spending requirement.
Points Value and Redemption Reality
The value of Frontier points depends on how you redeem them. A point is generally worth between 0.5 and 1.5 cents when used for a flight, though this varies widely. A $200 flight might cost 15,000 points (about 1.3 cents per point) on one date and 20,000 points (1 cent per point) on another.
Frontier's dynamic pricing means you have less control over the value you receive compared to fixed-rate airline programs. Popular routes and peak travel dates cost more points. Off-peak flights and less popular routes cost fewer points, so timing and flexibility matter.
The sign-up bonus is most valuable when redeemed for a flight that would otherwise cost cash. If you earn 50,000 bonus points and redeem them for a $300 flight, you've received $300 in value. If you let those points sit unused, they have no value at all.
Comparing This Card to Other Airline Cards
Frontier's card is most useful if you fly Frontier frequently. If you fly multiple airlines, a general travel rewards card or a card from another airline might offer more flexibility. Those cards often let you redeem points for any airline or transfer to multiple airline programs.
Frontier's annual fee is lower than some premium airline cards but higher than no-fee alternatives. The companion ticket benefit is valuable only if you travel with someone else regularly. If you fly solo, you're paying for a benefit you won't use.
Consider how often you fly Frontier, whether you travel with companions, and whether you can use the annual perks before they expire. If Frontier is your primary airline and you fly at least twice a year, the card may be worth the annual fee. If you're a casual Frontier flyer, a cash-back card or no-fee card might serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Frontier points on other airlines?
No. Frontier points are redeemable only for Frontier flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other Frontier services. You cannot transfer points to other airlines or use them outside the Frontier ecosystem.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points remain in your Frontier frequent flyer account and do not disappear when you close the credit card. However, points expire if your Frontier account has no activity for 24 months, so you must fly or use the card occasionally to keep them active.
Do I have to pay taxes and fees on a companion ticket?
Yes. A companion ticket covers the base fare but not taxes, fees, and carrier charges. You or your companion will pay those out of pocket, typically $20 to $50 depending on the route. This is standard across airline companion benefits.
How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?
That depends on your spending and the sign-up bonus. A 50,000-point sign-up bonus might cover a domestic flight outright. If you earn 2 points per dollar on purchases and spend $2,000 a month, you'd earn 4,000 points monthly, enough for a short flight in about four to five months without the sign-up bonus.
What if I don't meet the minimum spending requirement for the sign-up bonus?
If you don't spend the required amount within the timeframe, you straightforward don't receive the bonus points. The points are not awarded retroactively, and there is no second chance. You'll still earn regular points on your purchases at the standard rate.