If you fly Spirit Airlines frequently — which you might do if you enjoy the no-frills, low-cost carrier and live near one of the cities it services — then consider the Spirit Airlines World Mastercard® credit card. While the value of miles is relatively low compared to other airline cards, it does come with some additional flexibility around redemption, along with a handful of other benefits.
Though it is currently inactive on NerdWallet’s site, here are 5 things to know about the Spirit Airlines World Mastercard® credit card:
1. You earn double miles on all purchases
Earning rewards with the Spirit Airlines World Mastercard® credit card is as straightforward as cards get: You earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend. You don’t have to worry about categories or varying rates for different types of purchases.
2. Miles are worth less relative to those at other carriers
The last time NerdWallet estimated the value of Spirit Airlines miles, we found they averaged half a cent apiece — a relatively low value for airline miles. They also come with some limits, such as a quick expiration: As of December 2020, if you don’t earn new miles, then your existing miles expire after just three months. (You can also keep your miles from expiring by making at least one purchase per month on the credit card.)
Still, cardholders do get some additional benefits, including exclusive access to lowest flight redemption levels and no blackout dates on award tickets. Cardholders also get to enjoy Zone 2 priority boarding (just use your card to buy your ticket or show your card at the gate). Redemption starts at a relatively low 2,500 miles for off-peak flights, with taxes and fees from $6 each.
It’s important to know what you’re signing up for when you buy a Spirit airline ticket: The rates are low, but you will pay extra for bags, certain seats, Wi-Fi, food and any other extras. But the airline does fly into smaller cities that other carriers don’t cover, so if you live in one of those cities (like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, or Akron, Ohio), you might be more likely to choose Spirit, and therefore get more out of the card.
3. The sizable sign-up bonus is easy to earn
The sign-up bonus is significant and easy to earn: Earn up to 30,000 bonus miles — 15,000 bonus miles after your first purchase + 15,000 bonus miles after making at least $500 in purchases within 90 days of your account opening.
4. It comes with bonus anniversary miles (if you spend enough)
If you spend at least $10,000 a year on the card (excluding any fees), then you will earn 5,000 bonus miles each year, which is a significant bonus when you consider that redemption for flights starts at 2,500 miles.
5. The card comes with a low annual fee
Like the airline’s fares, the annual fee on the Spirit Airlines World Mastercard® credit card is low compared to other airlines’ cards: $0 intro for the first year, then $59.
