Southwest Rapid Rewards

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card is a travel-focused credit card designed for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. It’s a great way to earn Rapid Rewards points, which can be redeemed for Southwest flights, gift cards, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Southwest offers several versions of this card, each tailored to different spending habits and travel needs, but all are issued by Chase and feature no blackout dates, seat restrictions, or change fees when booking award flights.

Types of Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards

1. **Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card**
- **Annual Fee**: $69
- **Bonus**: Currently, you can earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- **Earning Rate**: 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- **Anniversary Bonus**: 3,000 points each year on your cardmember anniversary.
- **Foreign Transaction Fees**: 3%

2. **Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card**
- **Annual Fee**: $99
- **Bonus**: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- **Earning Rate**: 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting, including rideshare, 2 points per dollar on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- **Anniversary Bonus**: 6,000 points each year on your cardmember anniversary.
- **Foreign Transaction Fees**: None

3. **Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card**
- **Annual Fee**: $149
- **Bonus**: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- **Earning Rate**: 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting, including rideshare, 2 points per dollar on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- **Anniversary Bonus**: 7,500 points each year on your cardmember anniversary.
- **Travel Credit**: $75 Southwest travel credit each year.
- **Additional Benefits**: Four upgraded boardings per year (when available), 20% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi.
- **Foreign Transaction Fees**: None

Key Benefits and Features

1. **Sign-Up Bonus**:
- Depending on the card, new cardholders can earn between 50,000 and 60,000 Rapid Rewards points after meeting a specified spending requirement in the first 3 months.

2. **Earning Rapid Rewards Points**:
- All Southwest Rapid Rewards® credit cards offer elevated points earnings on Southwest purchases and other select categories, making it easy to accumulate points quickly for future travel.

3. **Anniversary Points**:
- As a cardholder, you receive bonus points each year on your cardmember anniversary, ranging from 3,000 to 7,500 points depending on the card.

4. **Companion Pass**:
- The points earned with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards can help you qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows a companion to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) whenever you purchase or redeem points for a flight.

5. **No Blackout Dates**:
- Southwest doesn’t have blackout dates or seat restrictions when booking flights with points, making it easier to use your rewards for the flights you want.

6. **No Change Fees**:
- Southwest is known for its customer-friendly policies, including no change fees if you need to alter your travel plans. This benefit applies to both cash and points bookings.

7. **Travel Perks**:
- The Priority version of the card offers additional travel perks such as upgraded boarding passes, a travel credit, and discounts on in-flight purchases.

8. **Chase Offers**:
- Access to Chase Offers, where you can earn statement credits or additional points on purchases with participating merchants.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

- **Generous Sign-Up Bonus**: A substantial points bonus for new cardholders, which can be used toward Southwest flights and other rewards.
- **Companion Pass Eligibility**: Points earned with the card contribute toward earning the Southwest Companion Pass, one of the best travel perks in the industry.
- **No Blackout Dates**: Flexibility to redeem points for any available seat without worrying about blackout dates or seat restrictions.
- **Anniversary Bonuses**: Recurring points each year on your cardmember anniversary, adding ongoing value.
- **No Change Fees**: Flexibility to change your travel plans without incurring fees.
- **Travel Perks**: The Priority card offers valuable extras like upgraded boardings, travel credits, and in-flight discounts.
- **No Foreign Transaction Fees** (for Premier and Priority cards): Ideal for international travelers.

#### **Cons:**

- **Annual Fees**: The cards come with annual fees ranging from $69 to $149, which might not be justified for infrequent Southwest flyers.
- **Limited Use of Points**: Points can only be redeemed through Southwest, limiting flexibility compared to cards that offer transferable points to multiple airlines or hotels.
- **Foreign Transaction Fee on the Plus Card**: The Plus version has a foreign transaction fee, which can add up if you frequently travel abroad.

### Who Should Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card?

- **Frequent Southwest Flyers**: If you often fly Southwest Airlines, this card can help you accumulate points faster and enjoy additional travel perks.
- **Companion Pass Seekers**: Those working towards earning the Southwest Companion Pass will find this card especially valuable as the points count towards the Companion Pass qualification.
- **Flexible Travelers**: If you value Southwest’s flexible policies, like no change fees and no blackout dates, this card will enhance your travel experience.

### Conclusion

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines and want to maximize their rewards. With a generous sign-up bonus, no blackout dates, and perks like anniversary points and travel credits, it offers substantial value. However, its benefits are best suited to loyal Southwest customers, as the points are limited to Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program.