The sudden end of Spirit Airlines has left many travelers adrift, grappling with canceled flights and the uncertainty of refunds. But for those who frequently chose the budget carrier, a different kind of question looms: what happens to their Spirit credit cards and the rewards they’ve diligently earned?
Bank of America issued two Spirit-branded cards – the Free Spirit® Travel Mastercard® and the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® – both now closed to new applicants. While the airline has grounded its planes, these card accounts surprisingly remain open and active, allowing existing holders to continue making purchases.
However, a critical detail casts a shadow over this continued access. The Free Spirit points earned through these cards are currently frozen – unable to be redeemed or transferred to other loyalty programs. This effectively renders those points valueless in the short term, leaving cardholders with rewards they simply can’t use.
The future of the Free Spirit loyalty program itself hangs in the balance, tied to the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. Until clarity emerges, continuing to accumulate points on a Spirit card feels like filling a vessel with no bottom. Experts suggest pausing use of the card and opting for alternatives that offer immediately usable rewards.
For now, applying for a new Spirit card is impossible, as Bank of America halted applications on May 2nd. The question of whether to close your existing card is more nuanced. While there’s no immediate benefit to using it, canceling a long-held card could potentially impact your credit score.
The possibility of converting existing Free Spirit points to another loyalty program remains elusive. Plans for the program are still being determined through the bankruptcy process, and no concrete solutions have been announced. Cardholders seeking information about their points can reach out directly to Spirit Airlines at SpiritAirlinesInfo@epiqglobal.com.
Bank of America has indicated they will keep cardholders informed of any updates, including the potential for a product transition. However, there are currently no plans to automatically convert Spirit cardholders to another Bank of America card.
The bottom line is clear: in the wake of Spirit’s collapse, your Spirit credit card is best left unused. The rewards are inaccessible, and the future remains uncertain. For now, focus on earning rewards with cards that offer tangible benefits and flexibility.
