Have a U.S.-Based Rewards Credit Card? You Could Buy Elite Status for $80!

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In an entirely new approach to gaining customers, Frontier (F9) Airlines is giving the first 2,000 applicants a chance to pick up its entry-level Elite 20K status at a discounted rate. If you're looking for an easy path to status, let's see how you could buy it with Frontier Airlines.

What is Frontier Elite 20K Status?

I've written about how I loved Frontier's Elite 100K status offered back in 2020 and again in 2021, so will this offer be as good? Let's begin with what 20K status offers. Frontier Elite 20K status unlocks enhanced benefits when flying with Frontier, such as:

• Complimentary seat assignment
• Stretch seating when available at check-in
• Complimentary carry-on bag
• Priority boarding
• Waived redemption fees
• Family pooling

Here's a full list of the benefits at each of the Elite 20K, 50K, and 100K levels.

Some Things You Should Know

There are some different price points at which you can access this deal to buy Frontier elite status.

If you have an eligible travel rewards credit card, you'll have the option to pay a one-time fee to get instant Elite 20K status. This status is good through September 30, 2023. You can extend your status through the end of 2023 by flying 5,000 miles, by spending $5,000 on the FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard^®, or through any combination of flying and spending.

This accelerated Frontier Miles Elite 20K status option starts at $199, but the first 2,000 applicants pay a reduced rate of $80. There's also an option to pay a higher fee to remove the flight requirement. This costs $499 and provides instant Elite 20K Status, valid through the end of 2023.

How to Register

Step 1: Check eligibility

Swing by Frontier's Get Status page and follow this easy two-step process. This offer is open to those with a U.S.-issued “travel rewards credit card.” We tested enrollment eligibility with these cards, which all worked: Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, American Express^® Gold Card, CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^®, and even the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex℠.

Related: The Best Rewards Cards for Travel Purchases

What it looks like when your card is eligible.

Once you've confirmed your card is eligible, you'll receive a note congratulating you that your card qualifies.

Step 2: Select offer

Next, you can select the offer that works best for you or your family. Remember that one offer allows you to buy Frontier elite status instantly while the other (cheaper) option requires flight or spending activity.

Which one will you choose?

One consideration for this offer is that Frontier recognizes the status for all passengers (up to nine) on the reservation. The value prospect if you buy Frontier elite status could be much better than doing so with Spirit. This is because Spirit Airlines elite status only applies to the member and not other passengers on the reservation.

Final Thoughts

We don't view this as a game-changer compared to previous offers. However, it could provide semi-frequent travelers or families an inexpensive way to cover many of the fees none of us like to pay. You could buy Frontier elite status and get perks like free carry-on bags and free seat selection. Not only that, you never know when you can utilize that status to match over to another program in the future.

Do you plan to buy Frontier elite status with this offer? Which option will you choose? Let us know!