Barclays Frontier Airlines World Mastercard

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $99
• APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Rewards: Up to 15x on Frontier (5x card + 10x member), 3x dining, 1x everywhere else
• Bonus: Up to 60,000 travel miles (tiered: 40K + 20K)
• Best For: Frequent Frontier flyers, budget travelers, families needing free bags
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (690+)

Overview

The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard is a budget airline credit card designed for travelers who fly Frontier frequently and want to maximize savings on baggage fees while earning miles toward future flights. With a $99 annual fee, this card positions itself as an affordable airline card that pays for itself quickly if you check bags regularly—offering two free checked bags per flight for the primary cardholder alone.

What sets this card apart is the earning potential: earn up to 15 miles total for every dollar spent on eligible Frontier purchases when you combine the card's 5x earning with the 10x miles you earn as a Frontier Miles member. On dining purchases, you'll earn 3x miles, while all other purchases earn 1x. This structure makes the card valuable not just for Frontier spending but also for frequent diners.

The welcome bonus is particularly generous, with up to 60,000 travel miles available through a tiered structure: earn 40,000 miles after spending $500 and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days, plus an additional 20,000 miles after spending $2,000 total within the first 180 days. Combined with Elite Gold status (when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days), this card delivers immediate and ongoing value for dedicated Frontier travelers.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening, then 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None specified
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater

Note: The extended 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers adds debt consolidation value while earning airline rewards. Standard APR is typical for airline rewards cards.

Benefits Overview

Frontier-Specific Benefits

• 2 free checked bags on Frontier flights for the primary cardholder (saves $120+ per round trip)
• Up to 15x miles per dollar on Frontier purchases (5x from card + up to 10x as Frontier Miles member)
• Elite Gold status after first purchase if you spend $3,000 within first 90 days (lasts 12 months)
• Up to 60,000 bonus miles (tiered: 40K + 20K) after meeting spend requirements
• Priority boarding benefits (with Elite Gold status)
• Bonus miles on eligible Frontier purchases
• Access to exclusive cardholder offers and promotions

Elite Gold Status Benefits (earned at $3K spend)

• Priority boarding
• Free seat selection
• Complimentary carry-on bag
• Waived change and cancellation fees
• Bonus miles on Frontier flights
• Dedicated customer service line

Travel Benefits

• 3x miles per dollar on eligible restaurant purchases
• 1x mile per dollar on all other purchases
• 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers
• No blackout dates on award flights (subject to availability)
• Miles never expire as long as account is active
• Travel accident insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver (secondary coverage)

Everyday Benefits

• Points never expire with account activity
• Zero fraud liability protection
• 24/7 customer service
• Digital wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Online account management and mobile app access

Rewards & Earning Structure

• 5x miles per dollar on eligible FlyFrontier.com purchases
• Up to 10x miles per dollar as a Frontier Miles member on Frontier purchases
• Combined up to 15x miles per dollar on Frontier purchases total
• 3x miles per dollar on eligible restaurant purchases
• 1x mile per dollar on all other purchases
• No caps or limits on miles earned
• Miles never expire as long as account is active
• Redemption: Frontier Airlines flights with no blackout dates (subject to seat availability)

Frontier miles are valued at approximately 1 cent per mile when redeemed for flights, making the combined 15x earning rate on Frontier purchases equivalent to 15% back. The 3x earning on dining provides 3% return, while the 1x rate on other purchases equals 1% back.

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 60,000 travel miles through a tiered bonus structure:

• 40,000 travel miles after spending $500 on purchases and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days of account opening
• Plus 20,000 travel miles after spending $2,000 on purchases (total, not additional) within the first 180 days

This generous tiered bonus is worth approximately $600 in flight value. The initial 40,000 miles require only $500 spend and the $99 annual fee in the first 90 days—a low barrier to entry. If you continue to the $2,000 spending threshold within six months, you'll earn the additional 20,000 miles, bringing your total welcome bonus to 60,000 miles. This amount can cover multiple domestic roundtrip flights or a significant portion of an international fare.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $99 (not waived first year)
• Foreign Transaction Fee: Not specified (likely 3%, check terms)
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Frequent Frontier flyers who fly 2+ times per year and check bags
• Budget travelers who prioritize low base fares and want to offset fees
• Families traveling together (2 free bags can save $120+ per trip)
• Domestic travelers flying to Frontier destinations (primarily US, Mexico, Caribbean)
• Those pursuing Elite Gold status (achievable with $3K spend in 90 days)
• Dining enthusiasts who can maximize 3x on restaurant purchases
• Travelers in Frontier hubs (Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami)
• Balance transfer seekers needing 15 months at 0% intro APR while earning miles

Not Good For

• Occasional travelers who fly Frontier less than twice annually
• Carry-on only travelers who don't check bags (primary benefit lost)
• International frequent flyers seeking global airline partnerships
• Those wanting premium amenities like lounge access or premium seating
• Travelers seeking flexible transfer partners (miles locked to Frontier)
• Those in non-Frontier markets with limited route coverage
• Balance carriers (high APR negates rewards if not paid in full)
• Those wanting comprehensive travel benefits like trip insurance or credits

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• Two free checked bags per flight for primary cardholder (saves $60–$120+ per round trip)
• Up to 15x miles on Frontier purchases (5x card + 10x member)
• Generous 60,000-mile welcome bonus (tiered structure)
• Elite Gold status available with $3K spend in first 90 days (lasts 12 months)
• Strong 3x earning on restaurant purchases
• 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers
• No blackout dates on award flights (subject to availability)
• Miles never expire with active account
• Priority boarding with Elite Gold status
• Works everywhere Mastercard is accepted for 1x earning
• $99 annual fee easily offset by bag savings

Cons

• $99 annual fee (not waived first year)
• Limited value if you don't check bags or fly Frontier infrequently
• 1x earning on non-Frontier, non-dining purchases is basic
• Miles only redeemable on Frontier flights (no transfer partners)
• High variable APR (20.24%–29.99%) if carrying balances
• Frontier route network primarily domestic (limited international options)
• Elite Gold status requires $3K spend within 90 days
• No lounge access or premium travel benefits
• Award availability subject to blackout dates on some fares
• Foreign transaction fees likely apply (check terms)

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Assuming you fly Frontier 4 times per year and spend $15,000 annually:

First Year Total Value: $1,570
Ongoing Annual Value: $970

Minus $99 annual fee = $871 net annual value

The two free checked bags alone ($60 per bag × 8 bags = $480) more than justify the $99 annual fee for travelers who check bags on every flight. For families or travelers with multiple checked bags per trip, the savings multiply quickly.

Strategic Value: A family checking 4 bags per round trip (2 paid, 2 free with card) saves $120 per trip. Four trips per year = $480 saved, making the $99 annual fee easily worthwhile even before counting miles earned.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You fly Frontier at least 2+ times per year and regularly check bags
• You want to save $60+ per flight on checked bag fees
• You dine out frequently and can maximize 3x on restaurant purchases
• You're interested in earning Elite Gold status with $3K spend in 90 days
• You want a generous 60,000-mile welcome bonus
• You're based in or frequently travel to Frontier hub cities
• You always pay balances in full to avoid the high APR
• You need a balance transfer card with 15 months at 0% intro APR
• You value priority boarding and complimentary seat selection (Elite Gold)
• You're comfortable with Frontier's ultra-low-cost carrier model

You Should Skip It If...

• You fly Frontier less than twice annually (won't justify $99 annual fee)
• You never check bags (primary benefit lost)
• You want flexible travel rewards that transfer to multiple airlines
• You're seeking premium travel benefits like lounge access or credits
• You need extensive international route coverage
• You carry credit card balances (20–30% APR negates rewards value)
• You prefer full-service carriers over ultra-low-cost airlines
• You want higher earning rates on everyday non-dining purchases
• You're looking for comprehensive travel insurance and protections

Apply Now

Apply for Frontier Airlines World Mastercard

Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.