Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card Review: Is It Worth It?

Read our in-depth Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card Review to discover its perks, rewards, fees, and whether it's the best travel card for Southwest flyers!

Travel Feb 12, 2025 35 Add to Reading List

Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card Review: Is It Worth It?

If you’re a frequent Southwest Airlines traveler looking to maximize your rewards, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card is a top contender. With generous points, exclusive benefits, and travel perks, this credit card can help you save on flights and earn rewards faster. But is it the right choice for you? In this detailed review, we’ll explore the features, benefits, fees, and whether this card is worth adding to your wallet.

Overview of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, offered by Chase, is designed for travelers who frequently fly Southwest Airlines. It allows cardholders to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, redeem points for flights, and enjoy perks like travel credits and anniversary bonuses.

There are three main personal credit card options under the Southwest Rapid Rewards program:

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

Each card comes with its own benefits, annual fees, and rewards structure, catering to different traveler needs.

Key Features & Benefits

1. Generous Sign-Up Bonus

Southwest frequently offers limited-time welcome bonuses that allow new cardholders to earn thousands of Rapid Rewards points after meeting a minimum spending requirement. These points can be redeemed for free Southwest flights, hotel stays, and more.

2. Earn Rapid Rewards Points on Purchases

Cardholders earn points for every dollar spent, with bonus categories offering accelerated earnings:

2X points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases
2X points on select travel and dining purchases (varies by card)
1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases

3. No Expiration on Points

Unlike some airline rewards programs, Southwest Rapid Rewards points never expire as long as your account remains active.

4. Anniversary Bonus Points

Depending on the card type, you’ll receive anniversary bonus points each year, ranging from 3,000 to 7,500 points, helping you maintain your rewards balance.

5. No Blackout Dates & Unlimited Award Seats

Redeeming points for flights is easy with no blackout dates or seat restrictions, ensuring you can book flights whenever you need.

6. Free Checked Bags

All Southwest passengers enjoy two free checked bags, making this card even more valuable for travelers looking to avoid baggage fees.

7. Travel & Purchase Protections

Chase offers a range of benefits, including:

Travel accident insurance
Lost luggage reimbursement
Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage

8. Fast Track to the Southwest Companion Pass

One of the biggest perks is that points earned with this credit card count toward earning the Southwest Companion Pass, allowing a companion to fly free with you for up to two years (excluding taxes and fees).

Annual Fees & Potential Downsides

While the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card offers great benefits, there are a few factors to consider:

Annual Fees: These range from $69 to $149 per year, depending on the card tier. While the benefits can outweigh the cost, occasional travelers may not see enough value.
Limited Airline Redemption: Points can only be redeemed for Southwest flights, limiting flexibility compared to general travel rewards cards.
No Luxury Travel Perks: Unlike premium travel cards, you won’t get perks like airport lounge access or TSA PreCheck credits.

Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card Worth It?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for Southwest loyalists who fly frequently and want to earn rewards toward free flights. If you often travel on Southwest and can take advantage of the perks, this card can provide significant savings.

However, if you prefer flexibility in redeeming travel rewards for different airlines or need luxury travel benefits, you might want to explore other premium travel cards.