If you enjoy flying with Southwest airlines and want to get the most from the airline’s loyalty program, you may have considered a Southwest credit card.
There are three personal and two business co-branded card options, but which one is right for you? Here we’ll delve into these cards in more detail to help you make an informed decision.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Reward details
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
Current Offer
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Annual Fee
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APR
- Overview
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- Pros & Cons
- FAQ
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is an entry-level option for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts, offering a lower annual fee compared to higher-tier cards. Despite fewer perks, the card presents a solid value, especially for occasional travelers or those new to travel rewards.
The card earns 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.
With a $69 annual fee, the card provides benefits like first two checked bags free, two EarlyBird Check-In boarding upgrades, and a point anniversary bonus, which almost offsets the annual fee. However, compared to other travel cards, the rewards rate and flexibility might be limiting.
- APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
- Annual fee: $69
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Rewards Plan: 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
- Sign Up bonus: 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Companion Pass Potential
- Anniversary Bonus
- Free Checked Bags and in-flight Discounts
- No Flight Change Fees
- Limited Bonus Categories
- Less Versatility in Redemption
- No Elite Status Accelerators
Can I use points for things other than flights?
Yes, Southwest credit cardholders can redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, experiences, hotels, and travel through the More Rewards program.
How long does the Southwest Companion Pass last?
The Companion Pass lasts for the remainder of the year it's earned and the entire following year.
Are there bonus categories for everyday spending?
While the card offers 2X points on specific categories, it lacks bonus categories for common spending areas like groceries or dining.
Are there any restrictions on redeeming points for flights?
Southwest has no blackout dates, and points redemption is based solely on the price of the flight, offering flexibility in booking.
Does the card offer elite status benefits?
The card lacks elite status accelerators, such as upgraded boardings or fast tracks to elite status.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
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- Overview
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- Pros & Cons
- FAQ
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is the most premium Southwest card, an ideal choice for frequent Southwest flyers, offering a range of benefits that outweigh its $149 annual fee. The card provides a welcome bonus of 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Key advantages of the card include an annual travel credit. This credit is versatile, as Southwest has introduced a policy allowing it to be used for any Southwest flight, even those not intended for travel. For travelers seeking elite benefits, the Southwest Priority card provides four free upgraded boardings annually, valuable for those without assigned seats. Additionally, cardholders can earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $10,000 in card purchases, facilitating progress towards A-List elite status.
However, there are drawbacks, such as limited bonus categories. While the card provides a earns 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, it pales in comparison to cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which offers more extensive bonus categories and flexibility.
- APR: 21.24% – 28.24% variable APR
- Annual fee: $149
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% (whichever is greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: 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 after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Annual Travel Credit
- Companion Pass Eligibility
- Upgraded Boardings
- Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
- Annual Fee
- Limited Bonus Categories
- Lack of Comprehensive Travel Protections
Is there a limit to the number of qualifying points earned for A-List elite status?
There is no cap on the number of Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) that can be earned, providing flexibility to accumulate points for elite status.
What are the perks of the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Companion Pass allows a friend or family member to fly for free (plus taxes and fees) for up to two years when traveling with the cardhold
Can the annual travel credit be used for any Southwest purchase?
Yes, the travel credit can be applied to most Southwest purchases, excluding upgraded boardings and in-flight purchases.
Can points earned on the card be transferred to other airlines or hotel partners?
No, the points are specific to Southwest and cannot be transferred to other loyalty programs.
How does the Southwest fixed-value redemption program work?
The program ties the points needed for redemption to the cash price of the ticket, offering flexibility without blackout dates.
Are there limitations to the four free upgraded boardings per year?
The upgraded boardings are subject to availability and can be used for positions A1 to A15.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
Reward details
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.
Current Offer
50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
- Overview
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- FAQ
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card occupies a mid-tier position within Southwest's credit card lineup. Despite the general limitations of airline credit cards, this particular card stands out for its absence of foreign transaction fees and a notableanniversary bonus points, which helps offset its $99 annual fee.
The card's earning structure earns 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.. The current welcome bonus includes 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The simplicity of the redemption process for Southwest Rapid Rewards points, coupled with no change or cancellation fees, adds to its user-friendly appeal. However, the Southwest Premier's earning structure is focused on Southwest purchases, limiting its appeal, and its benefits. It also lacks premium travel perks you can find on general travel cards.
- APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
- Annual fee: $99
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% (whichever is greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: 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.
- Sign Up bonus: 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Redemption Flexibility
- EarlyBird Check-Ins
- Companion Pass Eligibility
- Limited Perks
- Limited Bonus Categories Compared To Other Travel Cards
- Lack of Travel Protections
How does the Companion Pass work with this card?
Points earned on the card contribute towards the qualifying points needed to earn the Southwest Companion Pass.
Can points be redeemed for merchandise or gift cards?
Yes, although the best value typically comes from using points for Southwest flights.
Are there any restrictions on the welcome bonus?
You cannot earn the bonus if you currently have any personal Southwest card or have earned a sign-up bonus on a personal Southwest card in the past 24 months.
Does the card offer travel protections?
While it offers some benefits, it has fewer travel protections compared to other Chase cards.
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Requirements For Southwest Credit Cards
As with any credit card, there are some requirements you’ll need to meet to qualify for these cards. These include:
- Good to Excellent Credit: Despite the cards offering varying benefits and perks, you’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify for any of them. This means you need a FICO score of at least 670 to be considered.
- Sufficient Income: You will also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient income to support the card spending requirements.
- The 5/24 Rule: Since all of these cards are Chase co-branded cards, you will need to make sure that you adhere to the 5/24 rule to qualify for the card. This means that you cannot have opened five or more new credit card accounts with any issuer in the past 24 months.
Pros and Cons of Southwest Cards
There are both pros and cons of Southwest cards that you need to be aware of before deciding if one is the right choice for you.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Free Travel Insurance | Southwest Specific Benefits |
Airport Perks | Airline Card |
Reasonable Annual Fees | Good to Excellent Credit Required |
Generous Welcome Bonuses |
- Free Travel Insurances
While this is not unique to Southwest credit cards, it is a nice perk that offers value to potentially offset the card’s annual fee.
- Airport Perks
Depending on the card, you can get upgraded boardings, or EarlyBird check ins, which can enhance your airport experience.
- Reasonable Annual Fees
Despite these cards offering some great perks, even the top of the line cards don’t have a massive annual fee.
The highest annual fee is still less than $200, which is far less than you would pay with a premium travel card.
- Earn Southwest Qualifying Points
All Southwest cards execpt Southwest Rewards Plus earn Earn Southwest Qualifying Points (TQP) that can help you to buy your way to Southwest elite status.
- Southwest Specific Benefits
As you would expect with a co-branded credit card, there are very few benefits that are not tied to Southwest. You do get some purchase protections and insurances, but these are mostly due to the Visa collection.
So, if you are not completely brand loyal to Southwest, you’ll find these cards a little frustrating.
- Airline Caes
This follows on, but you need to bear in mind that the highest reward tiers are always for Southwest purchases since it's a co-branded airline card.
This means that if you want to use the card for everyday purchases and the occasional travel purchase, you’ll not be able to accumulate as many rewards as you may have liked.
- Good to Excellent Credit Required
If you don’t have a credit score of 670 or more, you’re going to struggle to qualify for any of the Southwest credit cards.
This means that those with average or fair credit have little to no chance of getting this type of card.
How to Choose a Southwest Credit Card?
Since there are a few Southwest credit cards to choose from with similar credit score requirements, you may find yourself having difficulty choosing the right airline card for you.
Fortunately, there are some factors to consider that will help you:
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The Cost of the Annual Fee
This is one of the most obvious areas of comparison, but even though the annual fees on Southwest cards are reasonable, you need to be comfortable with the cost.
If you don’t travel all that regularly, you may prefer a card that has a lower fee, but frequent travelers may prefer the additional benefits offered with a higher annual fee.
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Which Benefits You’ll Use
While a long list of credit card benefits may look appealing, they are usually scaled with the annual fee. This means that higher annual fees typically offer the most benefits.
So, you need to think about which benefits you’ll actually use and choose a card accordingly. There is no point in paying a higher annual fee for benefits you won’t use.
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Spending Requirements
You also need to check the spending requirements for each card to ensure that you can access all of the perks. This includes the welcome bonus, which typically has a three month period to make the spending requirement after you open the account.
Although a large welcome bonus is great, you don’t want to miss out because you’re a few dollars short on your spending.
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How the Southwest Loyalty Program Works
Rapid Rewards is the Southwest loyalty program, allowing you to earn points, which you can accumulate for flights, hotel stays, car rentals and gift cards. The points have an average value of 1.5 cents each, depending on how you redeem them, which we’ll discuss in more detail later.
The loyalty program has four membership tiers, with each tier offering additional perks. The Basic tier is the lowest level and it increases the number of points that you earn when you purchase Southwest airfares. Additionally, you’ll get free checked bags when you fly with Southwest.
The next tier, A List, adds priority boarding and seating, along with expedited security, while A List Preferred also offers free inflight WiFi and a dedicated helpline.
The highest tier is Companion Pass. This status allows you to bring a travel companion with you when you fly for free. You’ll simply have to pay the appropriate taxes and fees for the second ticket.
Each point you earn will help you to work towards achieving the next tier of membership status. This includes the points you earn with your Southwest credit card. So, by having a Southwest credit card, you can enjoy access to some great perks without needing to fly very frequently.
Redemption Options
As with many airline loyalty programs, there are a number of ways to redeem your rewards. These include:
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Flights
This is the most obvious way to use your rewards and you’re likely to get the best redemption rates. You can search for flights on the Southwest website and click “points” to look for award flights. You’ll get a typical redemption rate of 1.5 cents per point, but some flight deals offer far better value.
If you have flexible travel dates, you can check the Southwest Low Fare calendar, which can make it easier to search for the best deals. You can also use your points for Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime or Business Select fares.
Business Select tends to cost the most in either dollars or points, but they do have some included benefits such as preferred boarding, which can offset the additional cost.
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Travel Partners
You can also use your Rapid Rewards points with Southwest travel partners. This includes Best Western, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt and Choice hotels. There are also rental car partners including Avis, Dollar and Budget. This means that you can use your points to create a vacation package with the minimum of costs and fees.
The specific redemption values vary according to the program, but you can search for deals via the Southwest platform. Just check your redemption values carefully against the cash prices, as the redemption values can be a little hit and miss.
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Other Redemption Options
If you’re not interested in traveling at the moment, but want to redeem some of your points there are some other redemption options. These include:
- Gift Cards: These don’t offer the best redemption value, as you’re looking at an average of less than 1 cent per point. However, the list of gift card options is impressive and includes popular brands such as Macy’s Olive Garden, PetSmart and Staples.
- Physical Products: You can also use your Southwest credit card and your loyalty points to purchase physical items such as electronics, fashion items and garden tools. You’ll find a products catalog on the More Rewards platform, which is available to Southwest credit cardholders. However, the redemption rates are a little poor, so be sure to compare cash prices before using your points.
- Charity Donations: You can also use your points to make a donation to a list of charities on the platform. You can browse the donation page and choose your preferred charity.
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FAQs
Which Southwest credit card is best?
There is no easy answer to this as the best card will depend on your requirements and circumstances. If you’re looking for the most card perks and are happy to pay a higher annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Priority card is the top tier option.
How do you cancel a Southwest credit card?
If you want to cancel your Southwest credit card, you should call the customer support line. A Chase representative will guide you through the cancelation process.
How do you upgrade a Southwest credit card?
You can call the Chase customer support line and ask whether you qualify for an upgrade. The representative will assess your account and let you know if an upgrade is possible.
What credit score is needed for a Southwest credit card?
You’ll need good to excellent credit for any of the Southwest credit cards, which means a FICO score of at least 670.
How do you apply for a Southwest credit card?
You can apply for a Southwest credit card on the Chase website or click through from the Southwest website.
Can you use a Southwest credit card for other purchases?
Yes, you can use your Southwest credit card for any purchases, but you’re likely to get the lowest possible rewards on your purchase.
How do you link a Southwest credit card to Rapid Rewards?
If your Rapid Rewards membership is not automatically linked to your new Southwest credit card, you’ll need to reach out to the Chase customer support line, who will be able to help you.
Can I get pre approved for a Southwest credit card?
Unfortunately, Chase does not offer pre-approval for Southwest credit cards on its website, so the only way to get pre-approval is to receive a mailer.
Related Posts
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
How We Picked The Best Southwest Credit Cards: Methodology
To identify the best Southwest credit cards, our team researched various cards, focusing on Southwest. We rated these cards based on two key categories tailored for consumers seeking Southwest rewards:
Southwest Airlines Rewards & Benefits (50%): We evaluate the rewards program specific to Southwest, including miles earned per dollar spent on Southwest purchases, bonus categories for accelerated rewards, and redemption options such as free flights, upgrades, or lounge access. Cards offering generous rewards rates, versatile redemption choices, and valuable benefits like companion passes or priority boarding score higher in this category.
Card Features & Offers (50%): This category assesses additional features that enhance the overall value of the card for Southwest travelers, such as annual or foreign transaction fees , free checked bags, priority check-in, and discounts on in-flight purchases. Cards offering a comprehensive range of benefits without excessive fees earn higher scores.
This comprehensive evaluation ensures that the best Southwest credit cards offer valuable rewards, benefits, and a seamless user experience for consumers seeking to maximize their travel with Southwest.
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