Spirit Airlines is well-known for providing budget-friendly travel options across the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America. To help frequent flyers save even more, Spirit offers the Free Spirit loyalty program and its associated credit cards. If you are looking to earn rewards faster and enjoy travel perks, understanding how to apply for and manage a Free Spirit credit card is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the application process, account management, and strategies to maximize your points for your next getaway.
Choosing the Right Free Spirit Credit Card
Before you apply, it is important to know that there are typically two main versions of the credit card, both issued by Bank of America. Choosing the right one depends on your travel frequency and how much you value specific perks versus annual fees. Both cards offer a significant upgrade over the standard Free Spirit membership by providing a way to earn points on every purchase.
Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard
This is the premium option designed for those who fly Spirit Airlines regularly. It usually carries an annual fee, which is often waived for the first year. This card is ideal for travelers who want to earn points quickly and reach elite status faster. Key features include higher point earning rates on Spirit purchases, dining, and grocery stores. It also provides a path to earning Free Spirit Status through spending and includes an annual companion flight voucher after meeting a spending threshold.
Free Spirit Travel Mastercard
This version is often referred to as the no-annual-fee card. It is a solid choice for occasional travelers who want to keep their points from expiring without paying a yearly cost. While the earning rates are lower than the premium version, it still offers significant value. It is a great entry-level card for those who want to build their point balance slowly while enjoying the security of a major credit card provider.
How to Apply for Your New Card
The application process for a Free Spirit credit card is straightforward and can usually be completed online in a few minutes. To start, you will need to visit the official Spirit Airlines website or the Bank of America credit card portal. Most applicants receive a decision within seconds, though some applications may require additional manual review.
Information You Will Need
To ensure a smooth application process, have the following information ready: your full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, and physical address. You will also need to provide financial information, including your total annual income and your monthly housing payment. If you are already a member of the Free Spirit loyalty program, have your member ID ready to link your new card to your existing account.
Eligibility Requirements
Like most rewards credit cards, the Free Spirit cards generally require a fair to good credit score. Bank of America will look at your credit history, debt-to-income ratio, and recent credit inquiries. If you are not approved immediately, you may receive a letter in the mail explaining the decision or requesting more information to verify your identity.
Managing Your Account Online
Once you are approved and receive your card in the mail, the next step is setting up your online access. Management of the card is handled through the Bank of America online banking portal or their mobile app. This allows you to stay on top of your spending and ensure your points are being tracked correctly.
Setting Up Online Access
To manage your card, visit the issuer’s website and look for the enrollment link. You will need your credit card number and your Social Security number to verify your identity. Once registered, you can create a username and password to log in securely from any device.
Making Payments and Viewing Statements
Through the online portal, you can make one-time payments or set up recurring AutoPay to ensure you never miss a due date. You can also view your current balance, available credit, and past statements. Monitoring your transactions regularly is a good way to catch any unauthorized charges and stay within your budget.
Maximizing Your Free Spirit Points
The primary reason to hold a Free Spirit credit card is the ability to earn and use points. Unlike some other programs, having the credit card provides unique advantages that make your points more valuable and easier to keep.
Preventing Point Expiration
One of the most significant benefits of holding a Free Spirit credit card is that your points do not expire as long as your credit card account remains open. For non-cardholders, Free Spirit points typically expire after 12 months of inactivity. This feature alone makes the card worth it for anyone who wants to save up points for a large trip over several years.
Earning Points on Daily Spending
To get the most out of your card, use it for everyday purchases like groceries and dining. The premium card often offers 3 points per dollar spent on Spirit purchases and 2 points per dollar on dining and groceries. All other purchases typically earn 1 point per dollar. By shifting your regular spending to the card, you can accumulate enough points for a flight much faster than through flying alone.
Utilizing the Points Pooling Feature
Cardholders have the unique ability to start a points pool. This allows you to combine your points with up to eight other friends or family members. This makes it much easier to reach the threshold for a reward flight, especially if multiple people in a household are earning points on their own cards or through travel.
Additional Cardholder Perks
Beyond earning points, the Free Spirit credit cards offer several perks that improve the airport and onboard experience. These benefits are designed to offset the costs typically associated with low-cost carriers.
- Shortcut Boarding: Cardholders often receive Zone 2 boarding, allowing them to get on the plane earlier and find space for their carry-on items more easily.
- In-Flight Rebates: You may receive a 25% rebate on food and beverage purchases made on board when you pay with your Spirit credit card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: For those traveling internationally, the premium version of the card does not charge extra fees for purchases made outside the United States.
- Status Boost: Every dollar you spend on the premium card can count toward earning Free Spirit Silver or Gold status, which provides even more benefits like free bags and seat selection.
Troubleshooting and Support
If you encounter issues with your card, such as a lost or stolen card, or if you notice that points from a recent purchase haven’t posted to your account, you should contact customer service immediately. For billing and card-specific issues, contact Bank of America. For questions regarding your Free Spirit loyalty account or point redemptions, Spirit Airlines customer service is the appropriate contact.
What to Do If Your Card Is Lost
If your card is misplaced, use the mobile app to lock the card instantly. This prevents new purchases while you look for it. If it is truly lost or stolen, call the issuer to request a replacement. They will cancel the old card number and mail a new one to your registered address, usually within a few business days.
Conclusion
The Free Spirit credit card is a powerful tool for anyone looking to minimize travel costs with Spirit Airlines. By choosing the right card for your lifestyle, managing your account responsibly, and utilizing the points-earning potential of everyday purchases, you can unlock significant savings and travel more frequently. If you fly Spirit even just a few times a year, the benefits of point preservation and increased earning rates make these cards a valuable addition to your wallet. For more tips on managing travel rewards and finding the best online services, explore our other helpful guides and articles.