For budget-conscious travelers and loyal Frontier Airlines flyers, the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® offers a compelling way to earn miles faster and access exclusive travel perks. Issued by Barclays, this co-branded airline card focuses on affordable travel, mileage earning, and elite status acceleration for frequent flyers.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Frontier Airlines Mastercard — from the rewards structure to fees, and how to apply.
What is the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®?
The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® is a travel rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently fly with Frontier Airlines or are looking for a low-cost way to earn miles. Unlike general travel cards that offer flexible points, this card offers Frontier Miles, which can be redeemed for flights with Frontier Airlines.
Barclays, the issuing bank, combines rewards for everyday spending with perks tailored to travelers, making this a solid option for both occasional and frequent Frontier customers.
Key Features of the Frontier Airlines Mastercard
1. Generous Rewards on Everyday Purchases
The Frontier Mastercard allows you to earn miles not only on airline purchases but also on everyday categories:
- 5x miles on Frontier Airlines purchases
- 3x miles at restaurants
- 1x mile on all other purchases
This tiered structure makes it easier for cardholders to rack up miles even when they’re not flying.
2. Low Annual Fee
The card comes with a modest $89 annual fee, which is lower than many airline credit cards. Given the reward potential and travel perks (outlined below), the fee can be easily offset if used strategically.
3. No Foreign Transaction Fees
Perfect for international travelers, the card charges no foreign transaction fees, allowing you to use it overseas without incurring extra costs.
4. Earn a Bonus After First Purchase
New cardholders receive a welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus miles after making their first purchase and paying the annual fee in full. This bonus is enough for two round-trip award tickets, depending on travel dates and destinations.
5. Anniversary Bonus
Every year, if you spend $2,500 or more, you’ll receive a $100 flight voucher, which helps offset the card’s annual fee and rewards continued use.
6. Priority Boarding and Family Pooling
- Get Zone 2 boarding on Frontier flights.
- Use the family pooling feature to combine miles from multiple household members — this makes redemption faster and easier.
7. Elite Status Boost
Spend $20,000 in a calendar year, and you’ll automatically qualify for Elite Status with Frontier’s loyalty program, which includes benefits like free seat selection, carry-on bags, and waived change fees.
Pros and Cons of the Frontier Mastercard
Pros
- High mileage earning rate for Frontier flights and restaurants
- 50,000-mile welcome bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- $100 annual flight voucher with $2,500 spend
- Family miles pooling
- Accelerated path to elite status
- First checked bag free with elite status (not included by default)
Cons
- Miles can only be used with Frontier Airlines
- $89 annual fee with no waived first year
- Frontier’s change and baggage policies may still apply without elite status
- Limited flexibility compared to general travel credit cards
Who Should Get This Card?
This card is ideal for:
- Frequent Frontier Airlines travelers
- Budget-conscious families who want to pool miles
- Restaurant diners looking to earn more miles
- Travelers who value elite status benefits like priority boarding
If you don’t often fly Frontier or want more flexible points (e.g., for hotel stays or other airlines), a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture Rewards may offer more versatility.
How to Apply for the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®
Applying for the card is simple and can be done in just a few steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Barclays Application Page
Go to the Barclays US website or the Frontier Airlines credit card page to begin the application: Apply Here
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application
You’ll be asked to provide the following information:
- Full legal name
- Residential address
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Employment and income details
- Email and phone number
Barclays will perform a hard credit inquiry, so your credit score may be impacted slightly. A good to excellent credit score (typically 690+) is recommended for the best approval chances.
Step 3: Choose Optional Services
You may be given the option to set up autopay, electronic billing, and balance transfers.
Step 4: Review and Submit
Once you’ve confirmed your details, hit “Submit” and wait for a decision. In most cases, Barclays provides an instant approval decision, though some applications may require additional review.
Once approved, you can expect your new card in the mail within 7–10 business days.
How to Maximize the Frontier Mastercard
To make the most of your Frontier Airlines World Mastercard:
- Use it for all Frontier flight bookings to earn 5x miles.
- Use it at restaurants to benefit from 3x miles.
- Reach the $2,500 annual spend to get the $100 flight voucher.
- Combine family miles to hit reward thresholds faster.
- Spend $20,000 in a year to qualify for Elite Status.
- Always book via flyfrontier.com to ensure your purchases count as Frontier transactions.
Final Thoughts
The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® is a valuable tool for those who frequently fly with Frontier. With generous rewards, a strong welcome bonus, and practical perks like priority boarding and a flight voucher, the card more than justifies its $89 annual fee if you fly even a few times per year.
While it’s not a good fit for those seeking flexible travel redemptions or luxury travel benefits, it’s one of the best budget airline cards on the market for domestic flyers.
