What the Frontier Credit Card Offers

The Frontier Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Barclays in partnership with Frontier Airlines. It earns points on Frontier purchases and everyday spending, with those points redeemable for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel expenses within the Frontier ecosystem. The card comes with an annual fee, a sign-up bonus in points after you meet a spending threshold, and perks tied to Frontier loyalty status.

The card is designed for people who fly Frontier regularly or plan to. If you fly other airlines more often, a general travel card or a different airline card may give you better value. The earning rates, annual fee, and redemption options are fixed by Barclays and Frontier—they do not change based on your credit score or personal situation once you are approved.

Key Takeaways

  • The Frontier Credit Card earns bonus points on Frontier purchases and a lower earning rate on other spending, with points redeemable for Frontier flights and upgrades.
  • You pay an annual fee to hold the card, and Barclays will charge it to your account each year on your card anniversary unless you close the account.
  • A sign-up bonus in points is available after you spend a set amount within a defined timeframe, typically three to six months.
  • The card requires a credit check at the time you request it, and approval depends on your credit history and current debt levels.
  • Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active, but they may be forfeited if your account is closed for inactivity or non-payment.

Earning Points on Purchases

The Frontier Credit Card awards points per dollar spent on two categories: Frontier Airlines purchases (flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other Frontier services) earn at a higher rate, and all other purchases earn at a lower rate. The exact earning rates are set by Barclays and Frontier and may vary depending on the card version you hold.

Points are posted to your account after the transaction settles, usually within one to three business days. You do not earn points on balance transfers, cash advances, or fees. If you return a purchase, the points for that transaction are reversed. Frontier also runs periodic promotions offering bonus points on specific purchases or spending categories—these are announced through the Frontier website and your cardholder email.

Understanding the Annual Fee and Sign-Up Bonus

The Frontier Credit Card charges an annual fee, billed to your account on your card anniversary each year. This fee is non-refundable even if you close the card shortly after opening it. You can avoid future annual fees by closing the account before your next anniversary date, though doing so will affect your credit utilization and average account age.

New cardholders receive a sign-up bonus in points after spending a minimum amount within a set timeframe—usually $500 to $1,000 in purchases within three to six months. The bonus is posted once Barclays confirms you have met the spending requirement. This bonus is typically larger than the points you would earn on that same spending through regular earning rates, which is why many people open the card specifically to capture it.

How to Redeem Points for Flights and Upgrades

Points are redeemed through your Frontier account online or through the Frontier mobile app. You can use points to book flights, pay for seat upgrades, cover baggage fees, or purchase other Frontier services. The point value per dollar varies depending on what you are redeeming for—a flight booked with points may cost more or fewer points than another flight of similar price, based on demand and availability.

Points do not transfer to other airlines or loyalty programs. They are locked within the Frontier system. If you stop flying Frontier or close your credit card account, your points remain in your Frontier frequent flyer account as long as that account stays open. However, Frontier may close your frequent flyer account if there is no activity for a set period, which would forfeit any remaining points.

Credit Requirements and the process Process

To request the Frontier Credit Card, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and have a U.S. mailing address. Barclays will pull your credit report and review your credit score, payment history, and current debt levels. There is no minimum credit score published, but approval is more likely with a score of 670 or higher and a history of on-time payments.

You can request the card online through the Frontier or Barclays website. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, income, employment status, and existing credit accounts. You will receive a decision when ready or within a few business days. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, Barclays will mail you a letter explaining the reason, and you can request a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com to review for errors.

Managing Your Account and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Pay your Frontier Credit Card bill on time each month to avoid late fees, interest charges, and damage to your credit score. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum due, or pay the full balance to avoid carrying interest. The card carries a variable interest rate that changes with the prime rate—Barclays will disclose the exact rate in your cardholder agreement.

Do not let your account go inactive for extended periods. Frontier may close inactive frequent flyer accounts, which forfeits any points you have earned. If you decide to close the card, redeem any remaining points before closing, because points may be lost once the account is closed. Keep your contact information current with Barclays so you receive billing statements and notices about changes to your account terms.

Comparing the Frontier Card to Other Airline Cards

The Frontier Credit Card is one option among several airline cards. Other carriers offer co-branded cards with different earning rates, annual fees, and perks. A general travel card that earns points or cash back on all purchases may offer better value if you fly multiple airlines or do not fly Frontier frequently enough to offset the annual fee.

To decide whether the Frontier card makes sense for you, calculate how much you spend on Frontier flights and other purchases annually, subtract the annual fee, and compare the total points value to what you would earn with an alternative card. If you fly Frontier at least two to three times per year and spend money on Frontier services, the card may be worth the fee. If you fly Frontier once a year or less, a general travel card is likely a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points remain in your Frontier frequent flyer account as long as that account stays open and active. Closing the credit card does not automatically close your frequent flyer account. However, if your frequent flyer account goes inactive for a set period, Frontier may close it and forfeit your points. Redeem your points before closing the card if you are unsure about future activity.

Can I use my points on partner airlines?

No. Frontier points are redeemable only for Frontier flights and services. They do not transfer to other airlines or frequent flyer programs. If you want to use points on multiple carriers, a general travel rewards card may be a better fit.

What is the annual fee, and when is it charged?

The annual fee is charged to your account on your card anniversary each year. The exact amount varies by card version and may change over time. You can find the current fee in the card's terms and conditions or by calling Barclays customer service. The fee is non-refundable, but you can close the card before your anniversary to avoid paying it again.

How long does it take to receive the sign-up bonus?

The sign-up bonus is posted to your account once you meet the spending requirement and Barclays confirms the transactions have settled, typically within one to two billing cycles. You can then redeem the bonus points when ready through your Frontier account.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Barclays does not publish a minimum credit score, but approval is more likely with a score of 670 or higher and a clean payment history. If you are denied, you can request a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com to check for errors or negative items that may have affected the decision.