The Best Southwest Credit Card for Your Travel Needs

Southwest Airlines is one of the most popular airlines for domestic travel in the United States. They are known for their low fares, humorous flight attendants, and lack of assigned seating. Southwest also has a very generous rewards program that allows you to earn free flights quickly through their Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the three personal Southwest credit cards and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Overview of Southwest Credit Cards

Southwest and Chase Bank offer three personal Southwest credit cards:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

All three cards earn valuable Southwest Rapid Rewards points on purchases which can be redeemed for free flights. The key differences are in the signup bonus, annual fee, and additional benefits offered by each card.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card is the entry-level option with a moderate annual fee and signup bonus.

• Signup Bonus: 40,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• Annual Fee: $69
• Earning Rates: 2x points on Southwest purchases, 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rentals, 1x point per $1 spent on everything else
• Benefits: 3,000 anniversary points each year, no foreign transaction fees

This card is a solid choice for occasional Southwest flyers who want to earn points on everyday spending.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

The Southwest Premier card offers a higher signup bonus and 6,000 anniversary points for a slightly higher annual fee.

• Signup Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• Annual Fee: $99
• Earning Rates: 2x points on Southwest purchases, 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel/car rentals, 1x point per $1 on all other purchases
• Benefits: 6,000 anniversary points each year, no foreign transaction fees

This card is better for frequent Southwest customers who can take advantage of the higher bonus and anniversary points.

Here’s a quick overview of the key benefits and differences between the cards:

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card

The Southwest Priority card is the premium option with the highest annual fee, signup bonus, and additional travel benefits.

• Signup Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• Annual Fee: $149
• Earning Rates: 2x points on Southwest purchases, 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel/car rentals, 1x point per $1 on all other purchases
• Benefits: 7,500 anniversary points, $75 Southwest travel credit each year, 4 upgraded boardings per year, 20% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi, no foreign transaction fees

With luxury perks like free inflight drinks and priority boarding, this card best suits Southwest loyalists who fly frequently.

Choosing the Best Southwest Credit Card for You

Deciding which Southwest card is right for you depends primarily on your travel habits and needs. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. How often do you fly Southwest?

If you only fly Southwest occasionally, the lower annual fee on the Plus card may be the better option. But for frequent Southwest flyers, the higher annual fee cards make sense for the added perks.

2. What’s your typical spending profile?

To earn the signup bonus, you’ll need to spend either $1,000 or $2,000 within the first 3 months. Make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirements organically.

3. Will you use the additional benefits?

The Priority card’s travel perks like upgraded boardings and inflight discounts provide the most value for heavy Southwest flyers. If you won’t use these perks often, a lower-fee card may be better.

4. How quickly do you want to earn the signup bonus?

The Priority and Premier cards offer 50,000 point signup bonuses compared to 40,000 for the Plus. But the higher minimum spending makes them harder to earn quickly.

5. Can you justify the annual fee long-term?

While the Priority card has the highest $149 annual fee, you can offset it with the $75 annual Southwest travel credit and 7,500 anniversary points.

By considering these factors, you can zero in on the Southwest card that offers the optimal mix of value and rewards for your spending habits and travel needs.

Managing your Southwest card wisely can help avoid interest charges. For example, be sure to pay your bill on time each month to avoid 90 days past due. Make payments during the 0% APR intro period to avoid interest charges. And follow the 90 day rule between card applications to protect your credit score when qualifying for new cards. Pairing your Southwest card with a Companion Pass is a great way to save on airfare when traveling with family or friends.

Maximizing the Value of Your Southwest Credit Card

Once you’ve selected the best Southwest card for your situation, here are some tips to maximize the value you get from the card:

• Use it for Southwest purchases: Earn 2x points by using your card to buy Southwest flights directly.
• Add your Rapid Rewards number: Be sure to add your Rapid Rewards account number to the card to earn points on purchases.
• Refer friends: Earn bonus points for each friend you refer who gets approved for a Southwest card.
• Combine points with a companion pass: Pair your signup bonus with a Southwest Companion Pass to book 2-for-1 flights.
• Transfer points to partners: Move your points to partners like Hyatt and Marriott to redeem free hotel nights.
• Use points for Amazon or gift cards: If you don’t fly often, trade points for Amazon credit or gift cards to use for everyday purchases.

The Bottom Line

The Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer generous rewards and benefits for loyal Southwest customers. Pick the version that best matches your spending and travel habits to get the most value. Use Southwest points for free flights, hotel stays, gift cards and more to maximize your earnings.

So if you frequently fly Southwest, consider signing up for one of their co-branded credit cards and make the most of the perks. You’ll be on your way to earning free flights and travel upgrades in no time.

1. Southwest Airlines Official Website: Link to the official Southwest Airlines website where readers can find detailed information about Southwest’s credit card offerings and the benefits they provide for travelers. Southwest Airlines
2. Chase Credit Cards: If the Southwest credit cards you’re discussing are issued by Chase, you can link to Chase’s official credit card page. Chase Credit Cards
3. Credit Karma: Credit Karma is a resource that provides information and reviews on various credit cards. Linking to their Southwest credit card review page can give readers additional insights. Credit Karma – Southwest Credit Cards