Should you join Frontier's Discount Den or the new Spirit Saver$ Club?
America's two largest ultra-low-cost carriers, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines, have a lot in common. They both offer low fares and, in turn, charge extra for just about everything. Additionally, they both offer paid memberships that promise exclusive discounts. These memberships are separate from their loyalty programs, which allow travelers to rack up miles and earn elite status.
Frontier's Discount Den and the Spirit Saver$ Club — formerly known as the $9 Fare Club — can be big money savers. They both typically discount flights by $10-30 each way and each provides some unique benefits, such as free flights for kids and discounts on bags and seat assignments. But they're not for everyone. For instance, both programs are more appealing for family or group travelers than those typically traveling on their own.
In light of Spirit revamping its program, today, we're going to compare the two memberships head-to-head to help you decide which one you should join — if any at all. Reports suggest that both membership fees typically trigger American Express airline fee credits, meaning your membership could potentially be free.
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Comparing Discount Den and Spirit Saver$ Club
Before we dive into each program, let's start with a quick summary of the two programs. Although they are fairly similar, there are some differences in price and benefits.
| Discount Den | Spirit Saver$ Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $69.95 - $129.90 |
| Membership options | 12-month | 12-month, 18-month, 24-month |
| Trial membership | N/A | N/A |
| Benefits | Discounted fares
Access to "kids fly free" flights First to hear about offers, promotions and new destinations | Discounted fares
Up to 50% off checked and carry-on bags Discounts on seat assignments, including the Big Front Seats Discounts on additional perks, such as Shortcut Boarding and Flight Flex |
| Number of eligible travelers | Six | Eight |
Related: Which low-cost carrier should you fly? Comparing Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines
Discount Den
Price
The cost of Frontier Airlines' Discount Den is slightly lower than Spirit's Saver$ Club. Membership costs $59.99 and you'll have access to the program for an entire year. The membership will renew automatically for the following year, but you can cancel any time.
There are some requirements to join Discount Den. First, you must be a member of Frontier's frequent flyer program, Frontier Miles. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old.
If you have Frontier elite status, you may be eligible for a free or discounted Discount Den membership. Elite 50K members get 50% off, while Elite 100K members get complimentary membership.
Related: The best credit cards for booking flights
Benefits
The primary benefit of the program is access to discounted Discount Den fares. Based on our searches, Discount Den fares are typically $10-30 cheaper than the standard price, so it will take anywhere from 2-6 flights each year to make the membership worth it. That said, you can see how a normal Frontier fare stacks up against a Discount Den fare yourself by searching routes on the airline's website.
The second major benefit is access to Frontier's "Kids Fly Free" offer. With this promotion, children ages 15 and under fly for free when accompanied by the Discount Den member on select flights. While there are some limitations on flight eligibility, this benefit alone can offset the annual fee for family travelers. Bookings must be for round-trip, nonstop domestic flights made at least three days in advance and can't fall within Frontier's blackout dates.
So long as the member is on the reservation, you can book discounted fares for up to six travelers.
Related: How this $59.99 membership can pay for itself after booking one flight
Spirit Saver$ Club
Price
With the launch of the revamped Saver$ Club came some changes to membership options and pricing. A 12-month membership now costs $69.95, with no discount in your first year and no trial option. However, you can save $5 by committing to an 18-month membership for $99.90 or save $10 by purchasing a 24-month membership for $129.90.
Even with the 24-month option, the lowest price you could pay for a membership is $64.95 each year, which is still more expensive than Discount Den. As is the case with Frontier's program, the membership fee must be paid upfront, is nonrefundable and renews automatically.
Existing $9 Fare Club members have automatically been transferred to the new program.
Related: Earn easy miles with the Free Spirit Dining program
Benefits
Like Discount Den, Spirit Saver$ Club offers access to exclusive discounted fares. Again, on average, you can expect to save $10-30 per ticket, though we have seen bigger discounts before — especially on last-minute bookings. But that's not all.
Related: Can you save money by purchasing Spirit tickets at the airport?
Savings vary by flight but Saver$ Club members can get up to 50% off checked and carry-on bag fees. Additionally, members now get discounts on seat assignments, including Big Front Seats and exit row seats. Other new perks include discounts on À La Smarte options, such as shortcut security, priority boarding and Flight Flex.
While we don't know yet what they'll be, Spirit says that members will soon get exclusive offers with some of its partners.
Like Frontier's program, these perks can be used for friends and family members who travel with you. While this likely won't make a difference for most travelers, Spirit takes things up a notch by extending the perks to up to eight guests on the same reservation, as opposed to six.
The recent changes to Spirit's membership come in addition to a slew of enhancements to its frequent flyer program. The new Free Spirit program offers actual elite status tiers with tangible benefits like free seat assignments and bag fee waivers. Additionally, all elites and Spirit Airlines credit cardholders can now pool points with others.
Related: Why having the Spirit credit card isn't crazy
Which should you get?
There's value to be had with both Discount Den and Saver$ Club. Which program is best ultimately depends on whether you're more loyal to Frontier or Spirit.
With both programs, you'll generally get the most value if you're a frequent traveler or tend to travel in groups – the more you fly, the greater the savings. Discount Den's Kids Fly Free benefit is appealing for families with young children. But given the limitations and how cheap Frontier fares are to begin with, Saver$ Club's discounts on bags and seat assignments can ultimately be more valuable.
In both cases, it's certainly possible for a family of four to recoup the annual fee from just one family vacation a year. However, given the discounts on bags and other add-ons, Saver$ Club may be easier to justify for solo travelers.
If you decide that it makes sense for you to join one of the programs, don't sign-up right away. Since membership starts as soon you sign up, you should only join once you have an immediate use for it.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.