What Happens to Your Spirit Credit Card Now
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Spirit Airlines stopped flying on May 2, 2026, and that left thousands of cardholders with a co-branded card tied to an airline that no longer exists. Bank of America has now confirmed what happens next. If you carry a Spirit credit card, your account moves to a cash back product rather than closing.
In this article, we explain which card replaces yours, what the new rewards structure looks like, and which details Bank of America has not confirmed yet. We also cover the Free Spirit points and debit card questions readers keep asking. If you would rather start fresh, compare your options in our guide to the best credit cards.
Which Card Replaces Your Spirit Card
Bank of America stopped accepting new applications for the Free Spirit cards when the airline shut down, but it kept existing accounts open and usable. The bank then began notifying cardholders of the conversion plan. Here is how the accounts map across.
| Your current card | New card | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards | $0 (was $79) |
| Free Spirit® Travel Mastercard® | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards | $0 |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards (already held) | Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards | $0 |
The third row matters if you already hold the Customized Cash card. Because Bank of America does not want you holding the same product twice, it moves your existing account to the Unlimited Cash Rewards card instead. Consequently, some households end up with one of each.
What the New Cards Earn
Neither replacement earns airline miles, so the value calculation changes completely. Both cards return cash back with no annual fee, which at least removes the $79 charge that came with the Travel More card.
- Customized Cash Rewards, first year: 6% cash back in a category you choose and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, on up to $2,500 in combined purchases per quarter.
- Customized Cash Rewards, after that: 3% in your chosen category and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, on the same quarterly cap, then 1% on everything else.
- Unlimited Cash Rewards: 1.5% back on every purchase, with 2% during the first year and up to 2.625% for Preferred Rewards members.
- No annual fee on either card: Both replacements cost nothing to keep, so there is no rush to close the account.
For a Spirit flyer who valued the companion voucher and the free checked bag, this is clearly a downgrade in perks. Nevertheless, a no-fee cash back card that keeps your account history is better than a closure, since a closed account can affect the average age of your credit file.
What Is Still Unconfirmed
Several claims circulate in forums and comment sections, yet Bank of America has not put them in writing. Treat the following as open questions rather than facts.
- Conversion of recent points: Reports say points earned after late April 2026 become cash rewards, but the bank has not confirmed the mechanics.
- Annual fee refunds: Whether Travel More cardholders get the $79 back has not been formally announced.
- Welcome bonus progress: It is unclear how in-progress sign-up bonuses carry over to the new product.
- Account numbers and credit lines: Many cardholders expect both to stay the same, though nothing official confirms it.
What About the Free Spirit Debit Card
The debit card sits with a different issuer, Cross River Bank, so it is not part of the Bank of America conversion. Your money remains safe and the card keeps working for everyday purchases. However, it no longer earns Free Spirit rewards, which removes the only reason most people carried it.
If that account was your main spending card, this is a good moment to move on. A no-fee cash back card or a flexible travel card will serve you better than a rewards account with nowhere to spend. Our roundups of the best cash back credit cards and best travel credit cards are the place to start.
Bottom Line
Bank of America is converting Free Spirit cards to the Customized Cash Rewards card, and moving anyone who already held that card to Unlimited Cash Rewards. Both replacements carry no annual fee, so the conversion costs you nothing and keeps your credit history intact.
Still, cash back at 1.5% to 3% is a different product from an airline card with a companion voucher. Watch your mail for the new card, confirm your rewards balance once it arrives, and decide whether a stronger travel card deserves that slot in your wallet. For updates on card changes like this one, subscribe to our newsletter.
- Annual fee
- $0
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$200Total$200Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $200
- Welcome offerAfter $1,000 in 3 months
- $200
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $199 | |||
| $95 |
Spirit Credit Card — Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my Spirit credit card?
Bank of America converts Free Spirit Travel and Free Spirit Travel More accounts to the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card. Your account stays open, and the new card carries no annual fee. If you already held the Customized Cash card, your existing account moves to Unlimited Cash Rewards instead.
Can I still use my Spirit card right now?
Yes. Bank of America kept existing accounts open and active after Spirit stopped flying on May 2, 2026. You can keep using the card until the replacement arrives in the mail, although purchases no longer earn usable Free Spirit rewards.
Are my Free Spirit points worth anything?
Not today. With no Spirit flights to book, the points cannot be used, and the program’s future depends on the bankruptcy process. Reports suggest recent card earnings convert to cash rewards, but Bank of America has not confirmed the details.
Will I get my $79 annual fee back?
Bank of America has not announced a formal refund policy for the Travel More card’s $79 annual fee. If you paid it shortly before the shutdown, call the number on the back of your card and ask directly. The replacement card itself has no annual fee.
Should I close my converted card?
Usually not right away. Because the new card has no annual fee, keeping it preserves your account age and your available credit, both of which help your credit profile. Add a stronger card for daily spending instead, then decide later.
What about the Free Spirit debit card?
Cross River Bank issues that card, not Bank of America, so it falls outside this conversion. Your funds stay safe and the card still works for purchases. It no longer earns Free Spirit rewards, so most people should switch to a cash back card for everyday spending.
