Spirit Airlines Credit Card Review: Is the Free Spirit Travel More Card Worth It in 2025?

Key Benefits & Perks

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Two Free Checked Bags (NEW for September 2025)

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Primary cardholders get two free checked bags (up to 50 pounds each) on every Spirit flight when you book with the card directly on Spirit.com or the mobile app. With Spirit typically charging $35-$70 per checked bag depending on when you book, this benefit alone saves you $70-$140 per round-trip flight.

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Annual Companion Flight Voucher

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Spend at least $5,000 on your card each anniversary year, and you'll receive a $100 Companion Flight Voucher. This voucher takes $100 off the base fare for a companion traveling on the same reservation, essentially covering the annual fee if you use it.

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Priority Boarding (Zone 2)

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You and any companions on your reservation receive Zone 2 "shortcut boarding" on all Spirit flights, helping you secure overhead bin space before the general boarding rush.

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Additional Perks

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• 25% in-flight rebate on food and beverage purchases (posts automatically within 7 days)

• No foreign transaction fees for international purchases

• Points pooling with up to 8 friends or family members

• No redemption fees for award bookings (typically $50 waived)

Is the Annual Fee Worth It?

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• First year: $0 (waived)

• Year 2 and beyond: $79

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Break-Even Analysis by Travel Pattern

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Occasional Flyer (2 trips/year)

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• Two free checked bags per trip = $140-$280 savings

• 25% in-flight rebate = $10-$20

• Total value: $150-$300

• Verdict: Worth it ✓

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Frequent Flyer (6+ trips/year)

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• Checked bag savings = $420-$840

• Companion voucher (with $5K spend) = $100

• Priority boarding value = $50-$100

• Elite status benefits from spending = Significant additional value

• Total value: $570-$1,040+

• Verdict: Absolutely worth it ✓✓

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Budget Minimalist (Personal item only, 1-2 trips/year)

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• Priority boarding = $25-$50

• In-flight rebate = $5-$10

• Total value: $30-$60

• Verdict: Probably not worth it ✗

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What You Won't Get

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It's important to note what this card doesn't include:

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• No free carry-on bag (though Silver/Gold elite status provides this)

• No lounge access

• No travel credits beyond the companion voucher

• Limited redemption flexibility (Spirit flights only)

Points Value & Redemption Options

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Free Spirit points typically provide 1.0-1.5 cents per point in value when redeemed for flights. NerdWallet values them at approximately 1.2 cents per point based on real-world data across hundreds of economy routes.

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Example Redemptions

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• Dallas to Fort Lauderdale round-trip: 5,000 points (worth $60-$75)

• Houston to Las Vegas round-trip: 5,000 points

• Most domestic routes: 10,000-15,000 points round-trip

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Spirit also offers a "points plus cash" option, letting you book flights starting at just 1,000 points plus a co-pay—ideal for stretching smaller point balances.

Who Should Apply for This Card?

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Perfect For:

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• Frequent Spirit flyers (3+ times per year)

• Budget travelers near Spirit hub cities (Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Orlando, Detroit)

• Points enthusiasts wanting the generous welcome bonus

• Bag checkers who fly Spirit regularly

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Skip It If:

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• You rarely fly Spirit (once a year or less)

• You prefer major carriers with global networks

• You want lounge access or premium travel perks

• You need flexible points transferable to multiple airlines

Card Comparisons: How Spirit Stacks Up

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Spirit Travel More ($79/year) vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card ($99/year)

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Southwest offers more flexibility with no award blackout dates and points that don't expire. However, Spirit's two free checked bags and lower annual fee make it more valuable if Spirit serves your routes and you check bags.

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Spirit Travel More vs. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (See Rates & Fees) ($99/year)

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Delta provides a larger route network and SkyMiles usable on partner airlines worldwide. Spirit wins on checked bag benefits (Delta offers only one free bag) and the lower fee for frequent Spirit flyers.

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Spirit Travel More vs. The New United℠ Explorer Card ($95/year)

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United's broader network and better elite status perks make it ideal for business travelers and those wanting global connectivity. Spirit excels for leisure travelers focused on domestic and Caribbean destinations who prioritize baggage fee savings.

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Application Requirements & Bankruptcy Context

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How to Apply

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To qualify for the Free Spirit Travel More card, you'll need:

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• Good to excellent credit (FICO score of 700+)

• Sufficient income to support credit approval

• Valid U.S. address and Social Security number

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Bank of America will conduct a hard inquiry when you apply, which may temporarily impact your credit score by a few points. The application process typically takes 5-10 minutes online.

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Current APR: 20.24%-28.24% Variable APR (rates subject to change)

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Important: Spirit's Bankruptcy Filing

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Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2025 and again in September 2025 as part of cost-cutting efforts. While the airline continues operating, it's reducing routes and fleet size.

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What this means for cardholders:

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• The credit card program remains active

• Points won't expire as long as your card account is open

• Continue earning and redeeming points normally

• Monitor Spirit's route network for changes to destinations you fly

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If Spirit were to cease operations, Bank of America would likely transition the card to a different airline partner or convert it to a general travel rewards card. Your existing points would likely be honored, though terms could change.

How to Maximize This Card + Common Questions

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Maximization Tips

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1. Book directly on Spirit.com or the app to ensure your checked bag benefit applies
2. Link your Free Spirit account to your credit card within 7 days of approval
3. Use for dining and groceries to earn 2x points in these bonus categories
4. Pool points with family to reach award flight thresholds faster
5. Track your SQP progress toward elite status through your Free Spirit account
6. Take advantage of the first-year fee waiver to test if the card works for your travel patterns

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Is the Spirit Airlines credit card worth it if I only fly Spirit once a year?

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‍Probably not. With just one annual trip, you'll likely save $70-$140 on checked bags, but that barely justifies the $79 annual fee once the first year's waiver ends. You'd need at least 2-3 Spirit trips per year to make the card worthwhile.

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Can I get two free checked bags for my travel companions?

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‍No. The two free checked bags benefit applies only to the primary cardholder. However, you and companions still receive priority boarding when traveling on the same reservation.

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Do Free Spirit points expire?

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‍No, as long as your credit card account remains open and in good standing, your points won't expire. This removes the pressure to book travel within a specific timeframe.

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Can I transfer Spirit points to other airline programs?

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‍No. Free Spirit points can only be redeemed for Spirit flights or select Spirit partner services. They cannot be transferred to other frequent flyer programs or credit card reward systems.

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Is there a no-annual-fee Spirit credit card option?

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‍Yes. The Free Spirit® Travel Mastercard® has a $0 annual fee but offers fewer benefits: only 2x points on Spirit purchases (vs. 3x) and no companion voucher. It's better for very occasional Spirit flyers.

The Bottom Line

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The Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® significantly improved its value proposition in 2025 with the addition of two free checked bags. For anyone flying Spirit 2-3+ times per year, this card practically pays for itself through baggage fee savings alone.

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The 50,000-point welcome bonus, companion voucher, and path to elite status through everyday spending make it a compelling option for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize value over frills. Just be sure Spirit serves your home airport and destinations you actually want to visit—that limited route network remains the card's biggest limitation.

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Bottom line: If you're comfortable flying Spirit and check bags, this card is absolutely worth the $79 annual fee. If you're hoping for luxury perks or global flexibility, look elsewhere.