Spirit's New Debit Card: A Rewards Reality Check

Spirit Airlines has introduced a Free Spirit debit card, and while the idea of earning points on everyday spending through a debit card might seem appealing, it's crucial to analyze whether it aligns with your rewards strategy. The card comes with a $6.99 monthly fee, a significant factor to consider.

What You Get:

  • Monthly Points: The card offers 200 Free Spirit points each month during the first year. That's a total of 2,400 points annually. This could be helpful for topping off your account for an award flight.
  • Priority Boarding: This benefit allows you to board the plane earlier, potentially securing overhead bin space.
  • Points Pooling: You can pool your points with other Free Spirit members, making it easier to reach redemption thresholds as a family or group.

The $6.99 Question: Is It Worth It?

The key question is whether the benefits outweigh the $6.99 monthly fee, which translates to $83.88 per year. To determine its value, consider the following:

  • Point Valuation: Spirit points are typically valued around 1 cent each. Therefore, 2,400 points are worth approximately $24. Is priority boarding and points pooling worth an additional $59.88?
  • Spirit Flight Frequency: How often do you fly Spirit? If you only fly once or twice a year, the benefits might not justify the cost. If you are a frequent Spirit flyer, the potential savings from priority boarding and the ease of pooling points could be more appealing.
  • Opportunity Cost: Consider what else you could do with that $83.88 per year. Could it be better spent on a different travel rewards card with more comprehensive benefits?

Smarter Ways to Earn Spirit Points

Before committing to a debit card with a monthly fee, explore alternative and potentially more lucrative ways to earn Spirit points:

  • Free Spirit Credit Cards: Consider the Free Spirit credit card. These cards typically offer a welcome bonus, ongoing rewards on purchases, and other travel perks. Weigh the annual fee against the benefits to determine if it's a better fit.
  • Partner Programs: Explore partnerships between Spirit and other companies, such as rental car agencies or hotels. Earning points through these partnerships can be a simple way to boost your balance.
  • Dining Programs: Some airlines offer dining programs where you earn points for dining at participating restaurants.

RewardSmart Recommendation

For most users, the Spirit debit card's monthly fee likely outweighs the benefits, especially when compared to other methods of earning Free Spirit points. Before signing up, carefully evaluate your travel habits, point valuation, and alternative earning opportunities. Explore credit card options and partner programs first. Only if you heavily value priority boarding and find points pooling essential might the debit card be worthwhile.

Actionable Takeaway: Before signing up for the Spirit debit card, calculate the value of the points and perks against the $6.99 monthly fee and compare it to other Free Spirit earning options. Prioritize credit card rewards and partner programs for potentially higher returns.