Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card Review 2023
Advertiser Disclosure

This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card Review 2023

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card offers annual travel credit, priority boarding and anniversary points. But, there are drawbacks.
Author: Andrew O'Malley
Andrew O'Malley

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Andrew O’Malley has a BSc in Economics and Finance. He has worked in the finance industry as a risk analyst and is now pursuing a career in writing. In recent years, he has written for a number of leading publications. He studied Economics and Finance and has been fascinated with the financial markets since his teens.

Review & Fact Check: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Financial Expert, The Smart Investor CEO

Experience

Baruch Mann (Silvermann) is a financial expert and founder of The Smart Investor. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Author: Andrew O'Malley
Andrew O'Malley

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Andrew O’Malley has a BSc in Economics and Finance. He has worked in the finance industry as a risk analyst and is now pursuing a career in writing. In recent years, he has written for a number of leading publications. He studied Economics and Finance and has been fascinated with the financial markets since his teens.

Review & Fact Check: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Financial Expert, The Smart Investor CEO

Experience

Baruch Mann (Silvermann) is a financial expert and founder of The Smart Investor. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Rewards Plan

1X – 3X 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on Southwest’s Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshares) and internet, cable phone and select streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases

Sign up Bonus

50,000 points 50,000 points when you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

0% Intro

None

Annual Fee

$149

APR

19.74%–26.74% Variable

On Chase Secure Website

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

On Chase Secure Website

Rewards Plan

1X – 3X 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on Southwest’s Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshares) and internet, cable phone and select streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases

Sign up Bonus

50,000 points 50,000 points when you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months

0% Intro

None

PROS

CONS

APR

19.74%–26.74% Variable

Annual Fee

$149

Balance Transfer Fee

$5 or 5% (whichever is greater)

Credit Requirements

Good - Excellent

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a mid-level airline rewards credit card designed for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers. 

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers a 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on Southwest’s Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshares) and internet, cable phone and select streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases. The card also offers a variety of travel-related benefits, such as a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, four upgraded boardings per year when available, and 20% back on inflight purchases.

New cardholders earn 50,000 points when you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months. In addition to travel benefits, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers benefits such as 4 upgraded boardings every year, $75 Southwest annual travel and qualifying points (TQPs) toward A-List status.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider - there is no rewards on everyday spending, there is an annual fee which is $149, and as other co-branded cards - you can redeem rewards for mainly for airline benefits.

  • Sign Up Bonus+ Rewards
  • Annual Travel Credit
  • Anniversary Points
  • Priority Boarding
  • Faster Way To A-List Elite Status
  • Annual Fee
  • Only Useful For Southwest Flyers
  • Limited International Destinations

XX

In this Review

The Potential Rewards: A Comprehensive Analysis

The table below presents a rewards simulation that offers an overview of the potential benefits of using the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card based on both general usage and spending across different categories.

This simulation can provide you with valuable insights into the rewards you could earn from using this card. The point rewards will be added to your Southwest loyalty program.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the figures shown in the table are estimates and your actual rewards may differ depending on your unique spending habits and other factors.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Spend Per Category
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets
10,000 points
$4,000 – Restaurants
4,000 points
$5,000 – Airline
15,000 points
$3,000 – Hotels / Car Rental
6,000 points
$4,000 – Gas
4,000 points
Estimated Total Annual Points
39,000 points

Pros and Cons

Just like any other credit card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority has some advantages and disadvantages:

Pros
Cons
Sign Up Bonus + Rewards
Annual Fee
Annual Travel Credit
Only Useful For Southwest Flyers
Anniversary Points
Limited International Destinations
Priority Boarding
Faster Way To A-List Elite Status
No Foreign Transaction Fees

New cardholders can earn 50,000 points when you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months
.

The card offers 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on Southwest’s Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshares) and internet, cable phone and select streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases.

Cardholders receive a $75 annual credit for Southwest purchases.

Cardholders receive 7,500 bonus points on their account anniversary.

Cardholders receive upgraded boarding on Southwest flights.

The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel.

You can earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) towards A-List status for every $10,000 spent in purchases annually, with no limit on the number of TQPs you can earn.

 

The card has an annual fee of $149, which may be a drawback for those who want to avoid paying a fee for a credit card.

As a co-branded credit card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is only useful for those who fly Southwest frequently and can take advantage of the Southwest-specific benefits. 

If you don't fly Southwest often, this card may not be as valuable to you.

While Southwest flies to many domestic destinations, its international route network is more limited, which may make it difficult for some cardholders to use their rewards.

Unlocking Rewards: Points Redemption Options

There are a variety of ways to redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card points. Here are a few options:

  • Flights: You can redeem your points for flights on Southwest Airlines. This is often the most valuable option, with redemption rates averaging around 1.5 cents per point. You can search for award flights on the Southwest website and use your points to book.

  • Travel Partners: You can also use your Rapid Rewards points with Southwest travel partners, such as hotel chains and car rental companies, to create a vacation package. This can help you maximize the value of your points.

  • Hotel Stays: You can redeem your points for hotel stays through Southwest's hotel partners, including Best Western, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt.

  • Car Rentals: You can use your points to rent a car through Southwest's car rental partners, such as Avis, Dollar, and Budget.

  • Experiences: You can use your points to purchase experiences, such as sporting events or concerts, through the Southwest More Rewards platform.

  • Gift Cards: Southwest also offers the option to redeem your points for gift cards to popular retailers, such as Amazon and Target. However, this may not provide the best value for your points

redeem Southwest points for flights
Example: redeem Southwest points for flights (Screenshot from southwest.com)

Is This Card Right for You?

Here are some situations when you may want to consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card:

  • You're a frequent Southwest traveler: If you fly with Southwest Airlines regularly, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card can help you earn rewards for your spending and enjoy a variety of travel-related benefits that can make your trips more comfortable and convenient.

  • You have another card for everyday spending: If you carry a primary card for everyday spending and use the Southwest card specifically for travel and especially paying for Southwest flights, that may be a good idea.

  • You don't mind paying an annual fee: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has a $149 annual fee, so it's best for those who are comfortable paying an annual fee in exchange for the card's rewards and benefits.

You may want to take a look on additional Southwest cards:

Card
Rewards
Welcome Bonus
Annual Fee

southwest_rapid_rewards_premier_art

1X – 3X 3X points on Southwest® purchases,2X on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car partners, local transit and commuting, including rideshare, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming and 1X points on all other purchases.
75,000 Points 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
$99

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

1x – 2x 2X points on Southwest purchases, Southwesthotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including ride-shares),internet, cable, phone and select streaming services, and 1X points on all other purchases
40,000 points 40,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases during the first three months
$69

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
1X – 3X 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on Southwest’s Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshares) and internet, cable phone and select streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases
50,000 points 50,000 points when you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months
$149

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
1x – 4x 4X points on Southwest purchases, 3X points on participating hotel and rental car partners, 2X points on local transit, rideshares, commuting, 2X points on social media and search engine advertising as well as internet, cable and phone services; 1X points on all other purchases
80,000 points 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months
$199

Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
1x – 4x 4X points on Southwest purchases, 3X points on participating hotel and rental car partners, 2X points on local transit, rideshares, commuting, 2X points on social media and search engine advertising as well as internet, cable and phone services; 1X points on all other purchases
80,000 points 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months
$199

How To Apply For The Southwest Priority Card?

Here's how to apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card:

  1. Visit the Southwest or Chase website: Go to the card's webpage and review the features, benefits, and fees associated with the card.

  2. Fill out the application: Click on the “Apply Now” button on the card's webpage and fill out the application form, providing your personal and financial information. You'll need at least a 660 score to qualify.

  3. Review and accept the terms and submit application: Carefully review the card's terms and conditions, including the annual fee, interest rates, and other fees. If you're comfortable with the terms, click “Submit” to complete the application.

  4. Wait for a decision: The credit card issuer will review your application and let you know if you've been approved or denied. If you're approved, you'll receive your new card in the mail in 7-10 business days.

  5. Activate your card: Once you receive your card, you'll need to activate it before you can start using it. You can activate your card online or by calling the phone number provided with your new card.

Overall, the application process for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is straightforward and can be completed online in just a few minutes.

Andrew O'Malley

Andrew O'Malley

Andrew O’Malley has a BSc in Economics and Finance. He has worked in the finance industry as a risk analyst and is now pursuing a career in writing. In recent years, he has written for a number of leading publications. He studied Economics and Finance and has been fascinated with the financial markets since his teens.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.