Frontier
Frontier Airlines is a low-cost carrier offering discounted flights, loyalty rewards, and co-branded credit cards. It is not a consumer finance or credit alternative service.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Frontier Review
Frontier Airlines is a major U.S. airline operating since the 1980s, known for ultra-low fares and a no-frills business model. The company primarily operates as a budget carrier offering domestic and international flight bookings, vacation packages, and travel-related services. Frontier's financial products include a frequent flyer program (FRONTIER Miles), a co-branded FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard credit card with introductory rewards, and membership programs like the Discount Den subscription and GoWild Pass unlimited flight membership. The airline distinguishes itself through aggressive pricing (advertising one-way fares starting at $24), a à la carte pricing model for bags and seat selection, and loyalty program features like companion travel and elite status benefits. The FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard offers 50,000 miles sign-up bonus, a $0 introductory annual fee (then $99), and earning rates on everyday purchases. Frontier is fundamentally a travel and transportation company, not a consumer finance lender, credit counselor, or emergency lending provider. While it does offer a credit card product, this is a co-branded travel rewards card issued through a bank partner, not a primary financial services offering. The company has no involvement in credit repair, debt relief, payday lending, credit building, personal loans, or any form of consumer lending tied to creditworthiness or financial hardship.
For consumers building or rebuilding credit, secured credit cards require a deposit but report to all three bureaus. Credit builder loans work similarly. For those with damaged credit, credit repair services address inaccurate negative items, while credit monitoring services track progress. A small installment loan with on-time payments is one of the most effective ways to build credit history.
Services & Features
Feature Checklist
Pricing Plans
Credit Card
- Reports to all three bureaus
- Online account management
- Fraud protection
- Mobile app access
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultra-low advertised fares starting at $24 one-way for Discount Den members
- Free frequent flyer program (FRONTIER Miles) with no enrollment cost and mile-matching feature for new members
- Co-branded credit card with $0 introductory annual fee and 50,000-mile sign-up bonus
- Companion travel benefits and free bag/seat access available through elite status
- Kids Fly Free promotions on select dates for Discount Den members
- Flexible bundling options (Bundle & Save) and GoWild Pass for frequent travelers
- Integration with hotel, car rental, and activity booking for trip bundling
Cons
- Introductory 0% annual fee on credit card jumps to $99/year after first year
- Advertised low fares require significant restrictions (14-day advance purchase, blackout dates, limited seat availability)
- À la carte pricing model adds substantial costs for bags, seat selection, and other services typically included with competitors
- Discount Den membership required to access lowest promotional fares
- No consumer finance offerings—company is purely an airline and travel booking platform
Rating Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frontier legitimate?
Yes. Frontier is a registered company, headquartered in ,, founded in 1935.
How much does Frontier cost?
Frontier plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.
How long does Frontier take to show results?
Membership approval and account opening typically takes 1-3 business days. Loan decisions are usually faster than traditional banks.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1935
- Headquarters
- ,
- BBB Accredited
- No
- Certifications
- NCUA Insured Charter #68376
- Starting Price
- Free/mo
- Setup Fee
- None
- Money-Back Guarantee
- No
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on Frontier
Frontier Airlines is a budget airline and travel booking platform, not a consumer finance company. It was miscategorized as a payday alternative and should be recategorized as a credit cards provider (for its co-branded Mastercard offering) or removed entirely as outside the scope of consumer lending and credit services. This company is appropriate only for consumers researching airline travel, flight rewards programs, or travel-focused credit card options.
Best For
- Budget-conscious leisure travelers booking flights 2+ weeks in advance
- Frequent flyers seeking rewards and loyalty program benefits
- Consumers interested in a travel rewards credit card with low introductory annual fee
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