If you have been hunting for the Spirit Airlines credit card, you may have noticed something strange: you can no longer apply for it. Spirit Airlines ceased operations on May 2, 2026, and that changed everything for the co-branded card. This review explains who issued the Spirit card, exactly what it earned and cost, what the shutdown means for cardholders, and what to do now if you want to build credit or earn travel rewards.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Issuer | Bank of America, N.A. |
| Network | Mastercard (World Elite tier on premium version), usable anywhere Mastercard is accepted |
| Status | Closed to new applicants; airline shut down May 2, 2026 |
| Annual fee | $0 (Travel Mastercard); $79, waived year one (Travel More World Elite) |
| Purchase APR | 19.74% to 27.74% variable (historical) |
| Rewards | Up to 3X Spirit, 2X dining and grocery (premium), 1X all else; points now non-redeemable |
| Welcome bonus | Historical: 50,000 points + $100 companion voucher after $1,000 in 90 days; no longer available |
| Credit limit | Community-reported averages were high (good-credit card); not relevant for new applicants |
| Credit score | Typically 670+ (good to excellent) when open |
| Reports to | Experian, TransUnion, Equifax |
Historical figures. Both cards are closed to new applicants as of June 2026.
What the Spirit Airlines Credit Card Was
The Spirit card was the Free Spirit Mastercard, issued by Bank of America, N.A. (not Spirit itself), on the Mastercard network. There were two versions:
- Free Spirit Travel Mastercard: no annual fee, with a lighter set of rewards and perks
- Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard: a $79 annual fee, waived the first year, with stronger earning and travel benefits
Rewards, offer, and APR
The premium Travel More card earned up to 3 points per dollar on eligible Spirit purchases, 2 points per dollar on dining and groceries, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Points were redeemed for Spirit flights. Its welcome offer was 50,000 bonus points plus a $100 companion flight voucher after spending at least $1,000 in the first 90 days. The purchase APR ran 19.74% to 27.74% variable by creditworthiness, with no 0% intro APR. The account reported to all three major bureaus and typically wanted good to excellent credit (around 670+). None of these offers are available today, and Free Spirit points are no longer redeemable.
What Happened to the Spirit Card in 2026
Spirit Airlines ceased operations on May 2, 2026 after winding down earlier in the spring. As a result, both Free Spirit cards are closed to new applicants.
If you held one, here is the part that matters most: existing accounts remain open and the card still works for everyday purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted, but Free Spirit points are no longer redeemable for flights and cannot be transferred to another loyalty program. In other words, the credit line lives on, but the airline rewards that were the whole point are gone.
This is a sharp reminder that an airline card is only as stable as the airline behind it. When a carrier cuts routes, raises prices, or shuts down, the card and its points can lose value fast. That risk is worth weighing before you sign up for any co-branded travel card.
Smarter Alternatives to Build Credit and Earn Rewards
If the appeal of the Spirit card was rewards plus travel, you have options that do not depend on a single airline. A flexible cash-back rewards card lets you put earnings toward any carrier, not just one.
If your credit is in good shape and you want flexible rewards, the Robinhood Gold Card offers 3% cash back on purchases and charges no foreign transaction fee. It opens through a Robinhood brokerage account, so you need a Robinhood account to apply. Because the rewards are cash back, you can put them toward any airline, not just one.
Robinhood
Robinhood
Robinhood is a trading platform that brings stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, crypto, and retirement accounts together in one app.
Standout feature
One platform for stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, and crypto
Fees
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options.
Pros
Zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
Cons
Best perks (high APY, lower margin rates) require Gold subscription ($5/month)
If approval is your main concern and you are still building credit, the Aspire Mastercard is an unsecured card with no deposit, built for people working their way up. It reports to the major bureaus, so it can be a steady way to show on-time payments and keep your credit utilization low as you grow your limit over time. APRs vary by creditworthiness.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for the Spirit Airlines credit card in 2026?
No. Spirit Airlines ceased operations on May 2, 2026, and both Free Spirit cards from Bank of America are closed to new applicants. If you want rewards, a flexible cash back card is a more reliable choice today.
Who issued the Spirit Airlines credit card?
The Free Spirit Mastercard was issued by Bank of America, N.A., not by Spirit Airlines, on the Mastercard network. It came in a no-annual-fee Travel version and a $79 Travel More World Elite version (waived the first year).
What happens to my Spirit points if I had the card?
Following the airline's shutdown, Free Spirit points are no longer redeemable for flights and cannot be transferred to another program. Your account may remain open and usable for everyday purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted, but the airline rewards are gone. Contact Bank of America for the latest on your account.
What card should I get instead of the Spirit card?
If you want rewards without airline risk, a cash back card like the Robinhood Gold Card can be a good fit for solid credit. If you are building credit, the Aspire Mastercard can help you grow your score first since it reports to all three bureaus. Terms and conditions apply.
