What Frontier Membership Offers and How Credit Cards Fit In

Frontier Airlines membership is a frequent flyer program called FRONTIER Miles that lets you earn points on flights and other purchases, then redeem them for tickets and upgrades. A Frontier-branded credit card accelerates this process by earning miles on everyday spending, not just when you fly. The card also typically includes perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and statement credits that reduce the cost of flying.

The relationship works in two directions: you earn miles through the card itself, and you can link the card to your FRONTIER Miles account to earn bonus miles on credit card purchases. Miles accumulate in your account and never expire as long as you have account activity at least once per year.

Frontier does not require membership to fly—you can book and pay with cash or any card. But membership and the credit card together create a feedback loop: the card pays for itself through miles and perks if you fly Frontier regularly or spend enough on the card to hit the earning thresholds.

Key Takeaways

  • The Frontier credit card earns miles on every purchase and typically includes a sign-up bonus of 40,000 to 75,000 miles depending on the current offer.
  • Cardholders receive a free checked bag on Frontier flights, which saves $35 to $40 per round trip and often pays for the annual fee in one or two trips.
  • Miles earned through the card and through flights combine in one FRONTIER Miles account and can be redeemed for any Frontier ticket or partner airline redemptions.
  • The card earns miles at different rates depending on category: typically 3 miles per dollar on Frontier purchases, 1 mile per dollar on other purchases, with occasional bonus categories.

How to Link Your Credit Card to Your FRONTIER Miles Account

Before you can earn miles on credit card purchases, you must have an active FRONTIER Miles account and link it to your card. You create a FRONTIER Miles account for free at the Frontier website or through the Frontier mobile app—no credit card required at this stage.

Once your account exists, the credit card issuer (usually US Bank) will ask for your FRONTIER Miles number during the card process process. If you do not have a number yet, you can provide it later by logging into your card issuer's website or calling the customer service number on the back of your card. The link typically activates within one to two billing cycles, and miles will post to your account on your next statement.

Check your FRONTIER Miles account online to confirm the link is active before your first purchase. You should see a message confirming the card is connected, and miles should appear after your first statement closes.

Understanding the Sign-Up Bonus and Annual Fee

Frontier credit cards typically offer a sign-up bonus of 40,000 to 75,000 miles when you meet a minimum spending requirement—usually $500 to $1,000 in purchases within the first three months. The exact bonus amount and spending threshold change throughout the year, so check the current offer before you explore.

The card carries an annual fee, usually $99, charged on your statement each year. The card issuer often waives the first-year fee as part of the offer, meaning you pay nothing in year one. After that, the fee renews each anniversary unless you close the card. Many cardholders find the fee justified because the free checked bag alone saves $35 to $40 per round trip—if you fly Frontier twice a year, the bag savings cover the fee.

The sign-up bonus miles are typically worth $400 to $750 in Frontier ticket value at standard redemption rates, so the bonus often covers the annual fee for the first year and generates additional value beyond that.

Earning Miles on Everyday Purchases

Once your card is linked to your FRONTIER Miles account, you earn miles on every purchase you make with the card. The earning rate depends on the merchant category: Frontier flights and Frontier purchases earn the highest rate (typically 3 miles per dollar), while all other purchases earn a lower base rate (typically 1 mile per dollar).

Some cards include rotating bonus categories or special promotions that earn extra miles on gas, groceries, or dining for limited periods. Check your card issuer's website or app for current bonus categories, as these change quarterly or seasonally.

Miles post to your FRONTIER Miles account after each statement closes, not when ready after purchase. This means you will see the miles reflected in your account within one to two weeks of the transaction date. There is no cap on the number of miles you can earn, so high spenders can accumulate miles quickly.

Redeeming Miles for Flights and Other Rewards

Miles in your FRONTIER Miles account can be redeemed for Frontier flights, seat upgrades, and baggage fees. You can also use miles to book flights on partner airlines, though the redemption rate (miles per dollar of ticket value) is typically less favorable than Frontier redemptions.

To redeem, log into your FRONTIER Miles account, search for your desired flight, and select the "pay with miles" option at checkout. You can use miles to cover the entire ticket price or combine miles with cash (called a "mixed redemption") if you do not have enough miles for the full cost.

Frontier also allows you to transfer miles to a companion's account or use miles to purchase gift cards, though these options typically offer lower value than flight redemptions. Miles do not expire as long as your account has activity—a flight, credit card purchase, or even a free activity like watching a promotional video counts as activity.

Cardholder Perks Beyond Miles and the Annual Fee

The Frontier credit card includes several perks that reduce the cost of flying beyond the miles themselves. The most valuable is the free checked bag on Frontier flights for you and up to four companions on the same reservation. This saves $35 to $40 per bag per round trip, which adds up quickly for families or frequent travelers.

Most Frontier cards also include priority boarding, which lets you board before general boarding and find overhead bin space. Some versions include a statement credit toward Frontier purchases (such as seat upgrades or baggage fees) once per year, typically $50 to $100.

Additional perks may include discounts on Frontier seat upgrades, the ability to earn miles on Frontier gift card purchases, or bonus miles on your birthday. Review your specific card's benefits guide to see the full list, as these vary by card version and issuer.

When the Frontier Card Makes Financial Sense

The Frontier credit card is most valuable if you fly Frontier at least twice per year or spend enough on the card to earn miles that offset the annual fee. A typical scenario: you fly Frontier twice annually (round trip), earning the free checked bag both times ($70 to $80 in value), plus you earn miles on everyday purchases that you redeem for a future ticket. Together, these benefits often exceed the $99 annual fee.

If you rarely fly Frontier or do not spend regularly on the card, the annual fee may not be worth it. In that case, you can close the card without penalty—there is no early termination fee. If you keep the card but do not use it, your FRONTIER Miles account will remain active as long as you have account activity elsewhere (such as a flight booked through another method).

Compare the card's earning rate to other travel cards you may already have. If another card earns a higher rate on your typical spending categories, the Frontier card may not be the best choice unless you value the free checked bag and other Frontier-specific perks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a FRONTIER Miles member to get the credit card?

No. You can explore for the card without a FRONTIER Miles account. However, you will need to create a free account and link it to your card to earn miles on purchases. The account takes a few minutes to set up on the Frontier website.

What happens to my miles if I close the credit card?

Your miles remain in your FRONTIER Miles account and do not disappear when you close the card. You can still redeem them for flights and other rewards. The miles only expire if your account has no activity for 12 consecutive months, so book a flight or earn miles another way to keep the account active.

Can I earn the sign-up bonus again if I close the card and reopen it later?

Most card issuers have rules about how often you can earn a sign-up bonus on the same card. Typically, you must wait 24 months after closing the card before you are may be able to access for the bonus again. Check with the card issuer for their specific policy.

Do I earn the free checked bag if I book a Frontier flight with miles?

Yes. The free checked bag benefit applies to all Frontier flights you take as a cardholder, whether you pay with cash, miles, or a combination of both. The benefit covers you and up to four companions on the same reservation.

How many miles do I need to book a Frontier flight?

Frontier flight redemptions typically start around 5,000 to 10,000 miles for short domestic routes and increase based on distance and demand. Prices vary by route and travel date, similar to how cash fares work. Check your FRONTIER Miles account to see the exact mile cost for your desired flight.