Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® Credit Card Review

In the competitive landscape of travel rewards credit cards, the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® stands out with an enticing array of benefits tailored specifically for travelers who frequently fly with Frontier Airlines. As a financial expert with years of experience in analyzing and reviewing credit cards, I can provide a comprehensive review of this card, complete with insights into its key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. This review aims to help you make an informed decision about whether this card aligns with your financial and travel goals.

Introduction

The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® is designed for avid travelers who prefer flying with Frontier Airlines. It offers a robust rewards program with generous bonus miles on purchases, a substantial sign-up bonus, and several travel-related perks. The card also comes with an introductory annual fee waiver for the first year, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their travel rewards.

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® Key Takeaways

– 5x Miles on Eligible Purchases at flyfrontier.com: Earn five miles for every dollar spent on Frontier Airlines’ official website.
– 3x Miles on Restaurant Purchases: Earn three miles for every dollar spent at restaurants.
– 1x Miles on All Other Purchases: Earn one mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
– 50,000 Bonus Miles: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full within the first 90 days.
– $0 Introductory Annual Fee for the First Year: Enjoy a $0 annual fee for the first year, with an $89 fee thereafter.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: No additional fees on purchases made abroad.
– Variable APR: APR ranges from 21.24% to 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
– Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening.

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Generous Miles Earning Structure:
– 5x Miles on flyfrontier.com: This is particularly advantageous for frequent Frontier Airlines flyers, allowing them to accumulate miles rapidly.
– 3x Miles on Restaurants: Dining out is a common expense, and earning triple miles on these purchases can significantly boost your rewards balance.
– 1x Miles on Other Purchases: While not as lucrative, it still ensures that all your spending contributes to your miles balance.
2. Significant Sign-Up Bonus:
– 50,000 Bonus Miles: Achievable with relatively low spending requirements, this bonus can cover several flights or upgrades, providing immediate value.
3. Introductory Annual Fee Waiver:
– $0 for the First Year: This allows new cardholders to test the card’s benefits without the pressure of an immediate annual fee.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees:
– Travel-Friendly: Ideal for international travelers, as it eliminates additional costs on overseas purchases.
5. Additional Travel Perks:
– $100 Flight Voucher: Earned annually after spending $2,500, it adds tangible value to the card.
– Elite Status Miles: Earn qualifying miles toward Frontier’s Elite Status with your purchases.
– Priority Boarding: Zone 2 boarding privilege ensures a more comfortable travel experience.

Cons

1. High Purchase APR:
– 21.24% – 29.99% Variable APR: This high-interest rate could be a drawback if you carry a balance month-to-month.
2. Miles Expiration:
– Miles May Expire: If your account is inactive for six months, earned miles can expire, which requires careful management to avoid losing rewards.
3. High Credit Score Requirement:
– Good to Excellent Credit Needed: Applicants need a credit score between 670 and 799, which might exclude those with fair or poor credit.
4. No Free Checked Baggage:
– Baggage Fees: This card does not offer free checked baggage, which is a perk provided by some competing travel credit cards.

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® Benefits

Miles Earning Potential

The primary appeal of the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® is its miles earning potential. With 5x miles on eligible purchases at flyfrontier.com, frequent Frontier flyers can accumulate miles quickly. The 3x miles on restaurant purchases also offer substantial value, especially for those who dine out frequently. The 1x miles on all other purchases ensure that every dollar spent contributes to your travel rewards.

Sign-Up Bonus

The 50,000 bonus miles offered after spending $500 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full within the first 90 days is a significant benefit. This bonus can be redeemed for several domestic flights or upgrades, providing immediate value to new cardholders.

$100 Flight Voucher

Cardholders can earn a $100 flight voucher every account anniversary after spending $2,500 or more on purchases within the cardmembership year. This voucher can offset travel costs, making it a valuable benefit for frequent travelers.

Elite Status Qualifying Miles

Cardholders earn one qualifying mile per dollar spent on purchases or by flying Frontier. This can help you achieve Elite Status with Frontier Airlines, which comes with additional travel perks such as free carry-on bags, seat assignment upgrades, and priority boarding.

Priority Boarding

The card offers Zone 2 boarding, allowing cardholders to board the plane earlier than general boarding groups. This can be particularly beneficial for securing overhead bin space and settling into your seat more comfortably.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

The absence of foreign transaction fees makes this card a good choice for international travelers. You can make purchases abroad without incurring additional costs, which can add up significantly over time.

Rate and Fee Information

Purchase APR

The purchase APR for the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® ranges from 21.24% to 29.99% variable, based on your creditworthiness. This is relatively high compared to some other travel rewards cards, so it’s essential to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Intro Balance Transfer APR

The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening. This can be a valuable benefit if you have existing credit card debt that you want to transfer and pay off without interest during the introductory period.

Fees

– Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, $89 thereafter.
– Balance Transfer Fees: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
– Cash Advance Fees: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
– Return Payment Fee: Up to $40.
– Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Generous Miles Earning Structure:
– 5x Miles on flyfrontier.com: This is particularly advantageous for frequent Frontier Airlines flyers, allowing them to accumulate miles rapidly.
– 3x Miles on Restaurants: Dining out is a common expense, and earning triple miles on these purchases can significantly boost your rewards balance.
– 1x Miles on Other Purchases: While not as lucrative, it still ensures that all your spending contributes to your miles balance.
2. Significant Sign-Up Bonus:
– 50,000 Bonus Miles: Achievable with relatively low spending requirements, this bonus can cover several flights or upgrades, providing immediate value.
3. Introductory Annual Fee Waiver:
– $0 for the First Year: This allows new cardholders to test the card’s benefits without the pressure of an immediate annual fee.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees:
– Travel-Friendly: Ideal for international travelers, as it eliminates additional costs on overseas purchases.
5. Additional Travel Perks:
– $100 Flight Voucher: Earned annually after spending $2,500, it adds tangible value to the card.
– Elite Status Miles: Earn qualifying miles toward Frontier’s Elite Status with your purchases.
– Priority Boarding: Zone 2 boarding privilege ensures a more comfortable travel experience.

Cons

1. High Purchase APR:
– 21.24% – 29.99% Variable APR: This high-interest rate could be a drawback if you carry a balance month-to-month.
2. Miles Expiration:
– Miles May Expire: If your account is inactive for six months, earned miles can expire, which requires careful management to avoid losing rewards.
3. High Credit Score Requirement:
– Good to Excellent Credit Needed: Applicants need a credit score between 670 and 799, which might exclude those with fair or poor credit.
4. No Free Checked Baggage:
– Baggage Fees: This card does not offer free checked baggage, which is a perk provided by some competing travel credit cards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® is a compelling option for frequent Frontier Airlines travelers. Its robust rewards program, significant sign-up bonus, and valuable travel perks make it an attractive choice for those looking to maximize their travel rewards. The introductory annual fee waiver and no foreign transaction fees further enhance its appeal.
However, the card’s high purchase APR and the potential for miles to expire are important considerations. Additionally, the requirement for a good to excellent credit score may limit accessibility for some applicants. Overall, if you frequently fly with Frontier Airlines and can manage your account to avoid high-interest charges and miles expiration, this card can be a valuable addition to your wallet.
As always, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals before applying for any credit card. By doing so, you can ensure that