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Spirit Airlines first teased a debit card back in May 2025. Since then, we’ve watched United and Southwest roll out debit cards of their own. But now, Spirit is live with a landing page for its own product, which means that a launch is likely right around the corner.
Here’s what to know about the Free Spirit Debit Card, including its earning rates, benefits, and welcome offer.
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Spirit Airlines to Launch a Points-Earning Debit Card
A quick glance at the Free Spirit® Debit Mastercard® landing page shows that applications aren’t open just yet. But the fact that the page is live tells us a launch likely isn’t far off.
Ahead of the launch, we’ve gotten a look at the official details, so we can start breaking down what’s actually on the table. The card is issued by Cross River Bank, which also issues products like the Current Build Card and Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®, among other niche offerings. It carries a $6.99 monthly fee, and based on the current terms, that fee can't be waived.
On the bright, expressive landing page, Spirit is advertising 200 Free Spirit points just for signing up. You’ll also earn 200 points each month for the first 12 months where your monthly fee is successfully processed. All in, that’s 2,600 points without having to actually swipe the card even once.
The guaranteed 2,600 points per year is technically enough for a “free” flight at Spirit’s lowest redemption rates. But with a $6.99 monthly fee, you’re paying $83.88 per year, so that flight isn’t exactly free.
In addition to the signup bonus, you’ll earn Free Spirit points on everyday spending. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Earn 1 point per dollar on eligible Spirit purchases
- Earn 1 point per $2 spent on qualifying everyday purchases
- No cap on points earned each year
And much like the United MileagePlus® Debit Rewards Card, cardholders can earn bonus Free Spirit points for keeping a balance in their debit account. You can earn up to 4,000 points per month based on your average daily balance, as follows:
- $1,000 to $2,499: 100 points per month
- $2,500 to $4,999: 200 points per month
- $5,000 to $9,999: 400 points per month
- $10,000 to $24,999: 800 points per month
- $25,000 to $49,999: 2,000 points per month
- $50,000+: 4,000 points per month
This Debit Card Unlocks Benefits When Flying Spirit
The Free Spirit Debit Card comes with a handful of flying perks, some of which you won't see on other airline debit cards. Here’s what cardholders get when flying Spirit:
- Group 2 boarding
- Priority check in
- Points Pooling with up to 8 friends and family
Group 2 boarding takes place after pre boarding and Group 1, which includes Spirit Gold members and travelers who purchased a Big Front Seat. Group 2 also includes Spirit Silver members, shortcut boarding purchasers, Spirit credit card holders, and premium economy passengers.
Priority check in gives you access to a separate line at the airport counter. It’s currently available at 22 Spirit airports, so if you plan to use this perk, it’s worth confirming your airport offers it.
Related: Family Points Pooling: Combine Miles for Faster Free Travel
Why Would Spirit Launch A Debit Card?
Credit cards get a lot of attention, but debit cards still make up roughly a third of payments in the U.S. As airlines look to build deeper financial relationships with customers, adding a debit card is a natural extension of the brand.
Most AwardWallet readers focus on credit cards, but that’s not everyone. Some travelers aren’t comfortable opening a credit card, and others may not qualify for one just yet. A debit card gives those customers a way to earn Free Spirit points on everyday purchases, even if the earning rates are lower.
If you are comfortable with a credit card, using it like a debit card and paying it off in full each month might still be the optimal strategy. The Free Spirit® Travel More MasterCard® earns at a faster rate and includes perks like a free checked bag on every flight.
Bottom Line
Free Spirit points aren’t the most exciting currency out there, but if you’re loyal to the airline, award flights can start as low as 2,500 points. That said, the $6.99 monthly fee is a tough sell in my book. Hopefully, there will be a way to waive it once the card officially launches.
If you’re mainly interested in the travel perks and can qualify for a Spirit credit card, that’s likely the more cost effective route. The Spirit Travel More Mastercard carries a $79 (waived for the first year) annual fee, which is ultimately a cheaper carry than the Free Spirit Debit Card will be.
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