{"id":261368,"date":"2026-05-04T18:00:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T18:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=261368\/"},"modified":"2026-05-04T17:49:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T17:49:28","slug":"spirit-airlines-shut-down-heres-what-will-happen-to-your-co-branded-free-spirit-credit-or-debit-card","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/future-of-spirit-airlines-credit-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"Spirit Airlines Shut Down: Here&#8217;s What Will Happen to Your Co-Branded Free Spirit Credit or Debit Card"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In case you missed the news, Spirit Airlines ceased operations for good on May 2, 2026. And right now, there are far more questions than answers about what comes next.<\/p>\n<p>One of the biggest unknowns is what this means if you\u2019re a cardholder of the Bank of America-issued Free Spirit<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Travel More MasterCard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> or Free Spirit<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Travel Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, or if you recently signed up for the Free Spirit Debit Card.<\/p>\n<p>To help get some clarity, we reached out to those in the know. And here\u2019s what you should know.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"What_Will_Happen_to_My_Spirit_Airlines_Credit_or_Debit_Cards\">What Will Happen to My Spirit Airlines Credit or Debit Cards?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s not very often that a rewards program \u2014 or an airline, for that matter \u2014 shuts down what feels like overnight. In the wake of that, there are a lot of questions, a lot of confusion, and a justified amount of chaos.<\/p>\n<p>A recent (albeit smaller) example is the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/mesa-homeowners-card-shuts-down\/\" rel=\"noopener\">discontinuation of the Mesa Homeowners Card<\/a>. Remember that? That was something.<\/p>\n<p>Now, with one fewer airline in the skies, there\u2019s also one fewer rewards program. For all intents and purposes, the Free Spirit program is a thing of the past. But if you were more invested than most \u2014 say, you had a Spirit Travel More Mastercard or kept funds in a Free Spirit Debit Card account \u2014 you likely have a lot of extremely valid questions.<\/p>\n<p>First and foremost, your account and funds aren\u2019t going anywhere. Beyond that, though, there are a few things you should know about how Bank of America and Cross River Bank plan to handle these accounts. So, let\u2019s go card by card.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_214267\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-214267 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Spirit-A320-Featured.png\" alt=\"Spirit Airlines A320 jet parked at a gate -- as seen from the rainy window of another Spirit plane.\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Spirit-A320-Featured.png 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Spirit-A320-Featured-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Spirit-A320-Featured-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Spirit-A320-Featured-325x260.png 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Tyler Glatt \/ AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Free_Spirit_Travel_More_MasterCard_and_Free_Spirit_Travel_Mastercard\">Free Spirit Travel More MasterCard and Free Spirit Travel Mastercard<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To Spirit\u2019s credit, it was pretty relentless in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/airlines\/free-spirit-program-changes\/\" rel=\"noopener\">trying to make the Bank of America-issued Spirit Travel More Mastercard a must-have<\/a>. In its prime, the card offered perks like free checked bags, complimentary upgrades (yes!), and more.<\/p>\n<p>All that to say, there were real reasons to carry this card. And we know plenty of readers still have it and\/or its no-annual-fee counterpart, the Spirit Travel Mastercard.<\/p>\n<p>So, what\u2019s happening now?<\/p>\n<p>From the top, you can no longer apply for either card. As of May 2, 2026, Bank of America shut down the Free Spirit card application pages.<\/p>\n<p>If you already have one, though, it will still work and you can continue to use it. That said, since Free Spirit points are no longer redeemable (and can\u2019t be transferred to another airline or loyalty program), you may want to consider using a different card for everyday spending.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_261392\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-261392 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Winglet-Featured.png\" alt=\"Spirit A320 &quot;Howdy&quot; winglet\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Winglet-Featured.png 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Winglet-Featured-750x600.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Winglet-Featured-900x720.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Winglet-Featured-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Winglet-Featured-325x260.png 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Tyler Glatt \/ AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>As Spirit works through the bankruptcy process, the courts will ultimately determine what happens to outstanding loyalty balances. Hopefully there's good news that'll come from that, but I wouldn't get your hopes up.<\/p>\n<p>Bank of America is also still working through how it will handle these accounts. When asked, a spokesperson didn\u2019t confirm whether cards will be automatically converted (or if you have to ask) to another product or whether recently charged annual fees (new or renewal) will be refunded. The only guidance so far is that the bank will communicate directly with cardholders as updates become available.<\/p>\n<p>If you have specific questions about the Free Spirit program, Bank of America is directing inquiries to SpiritAirlinesInfo@epiqglobal.com.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Free_Spirit_Debit_Card\">Free Spirit Debit Card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Beyond its credit cards, Spirit Airlines also offered a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/airlines\/spirit-debit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">co-branded debit card for Free Spirit members<\/a>. Unfortunately, it was only open for signups for 19 days, from its launch on April 13 to the airline\u2019s cessation of operations on May 2.<\/p>\n<p>But if you did sign up to earn Free Spirit points on debit card transactions, there is some clarity. Cross River Bank, the card\u2019s issuer, published a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/freespiritdebit.com\/#faqs\" rel=\"noopener\">handy FAQ on the card\u2019s landing page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In short, your funds are safe. Your balance is held separately from Spirit Airlines\u2019 assets, and the airline\u2019s bankruptcy has no impact on your money. You can even withdraw your funds now if you\u2019d like.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_261369\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-261369 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Featured.png\" alt=\"Spirit A320 at MYR.\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Featured.png 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Featured-750x600.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Featured-900x720.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Featured-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spirit-A320-Featured-325x260.png 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Tyler Glatt \/ AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>What\u2019s more, your card will continue to work, but it will no longer earn rewards. So, as with the Spirit credit cards above, you may want to switch to a different card for everyday spending. There are a couple of other debit cards that earn travel rewards, so you have options.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019d expect Cross River Bank to communicate with cardholders as more information becomes available. But since Free Spirit points are no longer redeemable, it\u2019s probably wise to transfer your funds out of your Free Spirit Debit Card account and turn over a new leaf somewhere else.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s truly unfortunate that Spirit Airlines shut down on May 2, 2026, leaving around 17,000 employees out of a job and complicating countless trips.<\/p>\n<p>The good news is that if you have a Spirit Airlines credit card or funds in a Free Spirit Debit Card account, there\u2019s no immediate reason to worry. You can still log in, make payments, and even use your card.<\/p>\n<p>That said, it\u2019s probably best to pause on using it for now, since Free Spirit points are no longer redeemable. Thankfully, there are plenty of other options out there.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ftoc\"><div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#What_Will_Happen_to_My_Spirit_Airlines_Credit_or_Debit_Cards\">What Will Happen to My Spirit Airlines Credit or Debit Cards?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Free_Spirit_Travel_More_MasterCard_and_Free_Spirit_Travel_Mastercard\">Free Spirit Travel More MasterCard and Free Spirit Travel Mastercard<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Free_Spirit_Debit_Card\">Free Spirit Debit Card<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In case you missed the news, Spirit Airlines ceased operations for good on May 2, 2026. And right now, there are far more questions than answers about what comes next. One of the biggest unknowns is what this means if you\u2019re a cardholder of a Free Spirit debit or credit card. To help get some clarity, we reached out to those in the know. And here\u2019s what you should know.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":80,"featured_media":261369,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12069],"tags":[12789,12036,29699],"coauthors":[36432],"class_list":["post-261368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-bank-of-america","tag-major-updates","tag-spirit-free-spirit"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/261368","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/80"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=261368"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/261368\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":261402,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/261368\/revisions\/261402"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/261369"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=261368"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=261368"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=261368"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=261368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}