Choosing the right airline credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience, especially if you are a loyal flyer of a particular airline. Southwest Airlines offers a suite of personal credit cards, all under the Rapid Rewards program, and while they might seem similar at first glance, each card comes with unique benefits and caters to different types of travelers. This article provides a detailed comparison of Southwest Airlines consumer credit cards to help you determine which one best fits your needs and travel habits.
Currently, Southwest is offering an enticing welcome bonus across its personal credit card lineup. New applicants can earn a Companion Pass plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. This offer, ending on March 31st, mirrors some of the best offers seen on these cards, making it a perfect time to consider adding a Southwest credit card to your wallet. The Companion Pass itself is a valuable perk, allowing you to bring a designated companion on Southwest flights for free (excluding taxes and fees) through February 28, 2026.
However, beyond the welcome bonus, the three Southwest personal credit cards – Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier, and Priority – diverge in their ongoing benefits and annual fees. Understanding these differences is crucial to maximizing the value you receive. Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Southwest Credit Cards: A Detailed Comparison
To effectively compare Southwest credit cards, it’s essential to look at key features such as annual fees, rewards earning, bonus points, and other travel perks. Here’s a side-by-side comparison table to highlight the main differences:
| Benefit | Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $69 | $99 | $149 |
| Anniversary Points Bonus | 3,000 Rapid Rewards points | 6,000 Rapid Rewards points | 7,500 Rapid Rewards points |
| Earning Rates | – 2x points on Southwest purchases – 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners – 2x points on local transit and commuting – 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming – 1x point per dollar on everything else |
– 3x points on Southwest purchases – 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners – 2x points on local transit and commuting – 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming – 1x point per dollar on everything else |
– 3x points on Southwest purchases – 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners – 2x points on local transit and commuting – 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming – 1x point per dollar on everything else |
| Other Perks | – 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins per year – 25% back on inflight purchases – 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year |
– 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins per year – 25% back on inflight purchases – 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year |
– $75 annual Southwest travel credit – 25% back on inflight purchases – 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year – Four upgraded boardings per year (when available) |
| Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) | N/A | Earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent per calendar year | Earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent per calendar year |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | None | None |
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card: For the Frequent Flyer
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is positioned as the premium offering in the lineup, and for good reason. While it carries the highest annual fee at $149, it also provides the most robust set of benefits, especially for frequent Southwest flyers.
The standout perk of the Priority card is the $75 annual Southwest travel credit. For regular Southwest customers, utilizing this credit should be straightforward, effectively reducing the annual fee to a net $74. Considering the value of Southwest points, estimated at around 1.35 cents per point according to TPG valuations, and the Companion Pass benefit, this travel credit becomes even more valuable. For Companion Pass holders, a $75 credit could be argued to represent $150 in value, as each dollar spent on Southwest travel effectively becomes worth double.
Furthermore, Priority cardholders receive 7,500 bonus points each year on their cardmember anniversary, which is 1,500 more than the Premier card and 4,500 more than the Plus card. These bonus points alone can offset a significant portion of the annual fee and provide a boost to your Rapid Rewards balance. The card also includes four upgraded boardings per year (when available), offering a chance to secure a better boarding position and potentially overhead bin space.
If you frequently fly Southwest and can utilize the $75 travel credit and appreciate benefits like upgraded boardings, the Priority card offers the most comprehensive value despite its higher annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card: The Balanced Choice
For those seeking a middle-ground option that balances benefits and cost, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card presents a compelling case. With an annual fee of $99, it sits between the Plus and Priority cards, offering enhanced rewards and perks compared to the basic card, but without the premium price tag of the Priority card.
One of the primary advantages of the Premier card is its higher anniversary bonus of 6,000 Rapid Rewards points, double that of the Plus card. These bonus points alone can justify the slightly higher annual fee compared to the Plus card. According to TPG valuations, 6,000 Southwest points are worth approximately $81, making a significant contribution towards offsetting the $99 annual fee.
Another key benefit of the Premier card is the absence of foreign transaction fees. This is a significant advantage over the Plus card, which charges a 3% foreign transaction fee. If you anticipate using your credit card for purchases outside the United States, the Premier card can save you money on these transactions. Southwest’s expanding network, including Caribbean destinations, makes this perk increasingly relevant.
Finally, the Premier card allows you to earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) towards A-List elite status with Southwest. You earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent on purchases each calendar year. If pursuing Southwest elite status is of interest to you, the Premier card offers a pathway to accelerate your progress.
The Premier card is a solid choice for Southwest enthusiasts who want more benefits than the basic Plus card but are hesitant to pay the higher annual fee of the Priority card. Its balanced features make it a versatile option for a wide range of travelers.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card: The Entry-Level Option
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is the most accessible and budget-friendly option among the personal Southwest credit cards. With the lowest annual fee of $69, it serves as an entry point into the world of Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card benefits.
While it offers fewer perks compared to its Premier and Priority counterparts, the Plus card still provides valuable benefits, particularly for occasional Southwest flyers or those new to airline credit cards. Cardholders receive 3,000 bonus points on their cardmember anniversary, which is a nice return for the modest annual fee. You also get two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year, providing a better boarding position on two Southwest flights annually, and 25% back on inflight purchases.
However, it’s important to note the limitations of the Plus card. It charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, which can add up if you use the card for international purchases. It also does not offer a Southwest travel credit or upgraded boardings, and it does not earn Tier Qualifying Points towards elite status.
The Plus card is best suited for individuals who are primarily interested in earning Rapid Rewards points on Southwest purchases and want a low-cost option to enjoy basic travel perks. It’s a good starting point for those exploring Southwest credit cards without committing to a higher annual fee.
Eligibility and Application Rules
Before applying for any Southwest credit card, it’s crucial to understand Chase’s eligibility rules. Chase, the issuer of Southwest credit cards, has the 5/24 rule in place. This rule states that if you have opened five or more credit cards across any bank in the past 24 months, Chase will likely deny your application.
Additionally, specific to Southwest personal credit cards, you are not eligible for the welcome bonus if you are a current cardholder of any Southwest Rapid Rewards personal credit card, or if you have received a new cardmember bonus for any Southwest Rapid Rewards personal credit card in the last 24 months. This restriction does not apply to Southwest Rapid Rewards business credit cards.
Therefore, ensure you meet these eligibility criteria before applying to avoid a potential application denial.
Which Southwest Credit Card is Right for You?
Choosing the best Southwest Airlines credit card depends on your individual travel habits and priorities.
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Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card if: You are a frequent Southwest flyer who can maximize the $75 annual travel credit and appreciate perks like upgraded boardings. The higher annual fee is justified by the robust benefits package for loyal Southwest customers.
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Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card if: You seek a balance of benefits and cost. The mid-tier annual fee offers a good return with a higher anniversary bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and the ability to earn Tier Qualifying Points.
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Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card if: You are looking for the lowest annual fee option to earn Rapid Rewards points and enjoy basic Southwest travel perks. This card is suitable for occasional Southwest flyers or those new to airline credit cards.
Ultimately, by comparing Southwest Airlines credit cards side-by-side and considering your own travel patterns, you can select the card that will provide the most value and enhance your Southwest travel experience.
Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Learn more: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Related: Airline credit cards vs. travel credit cards
