Frontier Credit Card rewards are built around free and discounted flights, not cash back
Frontier Airlines issues a co-branded credit card through Synchrony Bank. The card earns points on every purchase, and those points convert directly into Frontier flights, seat upgrades, and baggage fees. Unlike cash-back cards that give you a percentage back on spending, Frontier points have a fixed value only within Frontier's ecosystem — you cannot redeem them for statement credits, gift cards, or anything else.
The card comes with a sign-up bonus (the amount changes by offer), an annual fee, and earning rates that vary by purchase category. If you fly Frontier regularly or plan to, the math can work. If you fly other airlines or rarely fly at all, the card's value shrinks quickly because the points sit unused.
Key Takeaways
- Frontier credit card points can only be used for Frontier flights, seat upgrades, and baggage fees — not for cash back or other airlines.
- The card charges an annual fee that you pay whether or not you use the card that year.
- You earn bonus points on Frontier purchases and a lower earning rate on everything else, so the card rewards loyalty to one airline.
- The sign-up bonus requires you to spend a set amount within a few months, and the bonus points expire if not used within a time window.
- Frontier's own fees (baggage, seat selection, change fees) are high, so the card's value depends on whether those fees would otherwise come out of your pocket.
How the earning structure works
The Frontier card earns a higher rate on Frontier purchases — typically 3 or 4 points per dollar, depending on the current offer. On all other purchases, you earn 1 point per dollar. A point is worth roughly 1 cent when redeemed for a flight, though the actual value swings based on the flight you book and how far in advance you book it.
The sign-up bonus is usually 50,000 to 75,000 points, but it comes with a spending requirement — you must spend a certain amount (often $500 to $1,000) within the first three months. The bonus points expire if you do not use them within a set window, usually 12 months from when you earn them. Regular earning points do not expire as long as your account stays open, but closing the card means you lose any remaining balance.
Because the earning rate on non-Frontier purchases is low (1 point per dollar), the card only makes financial sense if you spend a meaningful portion of your budget on Frontier flights. If you use it for groceries and gas, you are earning at a rate that other travel cards beat easily.
What the annual fee costs you
The Frontier card charges an annual fee, typically in the $75 to $99 range depending on the current offer. This fee hits your account every year, whether you use the card or not. Some offers waive the first year, but you pay it starting in year two.
To break even on the annual fee, you need to earn enough points to cover it. If points are worth roughly 1 cent each, you would need to earn 7,500 to 9,900 points per year just to offset the fee. That means spending roughly $7,500 to $9,900 on the card annually if you are earning 1 point per dollar on non-Frontier purchases, or less if you spend heavily on Frontier flights (which earn at a higher rate).
If you do not fly Frontier at least a few times per year, or if you do not spend enough to generate enough points, the annual fee becomes a loss. Many people sign up for the bonus, use it once, and then pay the annual fee on a dormant card.
Frontier's fees and how the card helps
Frontier is a low-cost carrier, which means it charges separately for things other airlines include: checked baggage, carry-on baggage, seat selection, and boarding priority. A checked bag costs around $30 to $40 one way. Seat selection costs $5 to $15 depending on the seat. These fees add up fast on a family trip.
The Frontier card does not waive baggage fees or seat selection fees directly. Instead, you use points to pay for them. If you would otherwise pay $35 for a checked bag, you can use 3,500 points instead (at 1 cent per point). The card's value here is that it lets you convert spending on other things into Frontier fees, rather than paying cash.
Some Frontier card offers include perks like priority boarding or a baggage fee waiver for the cardholder, but these vary by offer and change frequently. Check the current offer before explore to see what is included.
When the sign-up bonus is worth the effort
The sign-up bonus is the card's strongest value proposition. A 75,000-point bonus is worth roughly $750 if you redeem it for flights. If the annual fee is $99 and the bonus is 75,000 points, you come out ahead by $651 in year one — but only if you actually use those points before they expire.
The catch is the spending requirement. If you need to spend $1,000 in three months to earn the bonus, and you would not normally spend that much on the card, you are essentially paying to get the bonus. Spend $1,000 on a card earning 1 point per dollar, and you get 1,000 points plus the 75,000 bonus. That is 76,000 points, or roughly $760 in value. Subtract the $99 annual fee and you have $661 in net value — but only if you use all those points for flights you would have booked anyway.
The bonus makes sense if you have a Frontier flight booked in the next few months and you can meet the spending requirement without changing your normal spending habits. It makes less sense if you are signing up just to get the bonus and you have no when ready travel plans.
Comparing Frontier to other airline cards
Other airline cards (United, Southwest, American) work the same way: points earn only on that airline, and the annual fee is similar. The difference is in how often you fly each airline and what perks come with the card.
If you fly Frontier more than other airlines, the Frontier card makes sense. If you split your flying between multiple airlines, a general travel card (like a Chase Sapphire or American Express card) might give you more flexibility because points can be transferred to multiple airlines or redeemed for cash back. Those cards typically have higher annual fees, but they also offer more ways to use your points.
The decision comes down to loyalty: if Frontier is your primary airline, the card rewards that. If you are a casual flyer or you split your trips across airlines, you are paying the annual fee for a card that only works for one airline.
How to decide if this card is right for you
Ask yourself three questions: Do I fly Frontier at least twice a year? Would I spend enough on this card to earn back the annual fee in points? Do I have a Frontier flight booked soon that I could use the sign-up bonus for?
If you answered yes to all three, the card is worth considering. If you answered no to any of them, the annual fee is likely a waste. A no-annual-fee card that earns cash back or flexible points is a better choice.
If you do decide to explore, read the current offer carefully. Sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and earning rates change frequently. Make sure the offer you are looking at includes the perks you want (like a baggage fee waiver) before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Frontier points on other airlines?
No. Frontier points can only be redeemed for Frontier flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other Frontier services. You cannot transfer them to other airlines or convert them to cash back.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
You lose any remaining points balance when you close the account. If you have points you have not used, redeem them for a flight before closing the card.
Does the card waive Frontier's baggage fees?
Some offers include a baggage fee waiver for the cardholder, but this varies by promotion. Check the current offer to see what is included. Even without a waiver, you can use points to pay for baggage instead of cash.
How long do sign-up bonus points last?
Sign-up bonus points typically expire 12 months from when you earn them. Regular points earned through spending do not expire as long as your account is open, but you lose them if you close the card.
Is the Frontier card worth it if I only fly once a year?
Probably not. You would need to earn enough points through spending to cover the annual fee, which is difficult on one flight per year. A cash-back card or a no-annual-fee card is a better choice for occasional flyers.