Rewards Plan
Sign up Bonus
Our Rating
0% Intro
Annual Fee
APR
- Annual Travel Credit
- Priority Boarding
- Only Useful For Southwest Flyers
- Limited International Destinations
Rewards Plan
Sign up Bonus
Our Rating
PROS
- Annual Travel Credit
- Priority Boarding
CONS
- Only Useful For Southwest Flyers
- Limited International Destinations
APR
21.24% - 28.24% variable APR
Annual Fee
$149
0% Intro
N/A
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 after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 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.
Can points be transferred to other airlines or partners?
No, points earned with the Southwest Priority Card cannot be transferred to other airlines or partners.
Does the card offer trip cancellation insurance?
Can the annual travel credit be used for in-flight purchases?
The $75 annual travel credit can be applied toward Southwest purchases, excluding in-flight purchases and upgraded boardings.
How many upgraded boardings does the card provide annually?
The card credits for up to four upgraded boardings per year, subject to availability.
Does the card provide airport lounge access?
No, the Southwest Priority Card does not offer airport lounge access.
What is the annual anniversary bonus?
Cardholders receive a 7,500-point annual anniversary bonus, automatically credited each year.
Is there a limit to tier-qualifying points that can be earned for A-List status?
There is no limit to the 1,500 tier-qualifying points earned for every $10,000 in purchases, contributing to A-List status.
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.
| |
|---|---|
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 |
- Sign Up Bonus
New cardholders can earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Rewards
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.
- Annual Travel Credit
Cardholders receive a $75 annual credit for Southwest purchases.
- Anniversary Points
Cardholders receive 7,500 bonus points on their account anniversary.
- Priority Boarding
Cardholders receive upgraded boarding on Southwest flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel.
- Faster Way To A-List Elite Status
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.
- Annual Fee
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.
- Only Useful For Southwest Flyers
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.
- Limited International Destinations
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.
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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
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
| 50,000 Points
50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $99 | |
| 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
| 50,000 points
50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $69 | |
| 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 after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $149 |
| 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 | 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:
Visit the Southwest or Chase website: Go to the card's webpage and review the features, benefits, and fees associated with the card.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compare Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
If you're looking for airline travel rewards, there is a clear winner. But what about other premium travel benefits?
Here's our comparison: Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
We think the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier wins – it's cheaper and there is no significant difference in points rewards or airline perks.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier vs Priority: Side By Side Comparison
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum is the winner with higher cashback value and better travel and airline benefits. But, it has higher annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum: Side By Side Comparison
The United Quest card offers better airline benefits, but we don't think it worth the higher annual fee, unless you're a frequent flyer.
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