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If you're not currently a Southwest Rapid Rewards cardholder, this is an excellent time to consider getting on board. Southwest Airlines' suite of consumer Rapid Rewards credit cards is offering new cardmembers 50,000 bonus points worth of free flights.
According to our points and miles valuation guide, your 50,000 bonus points are worth at least $700 in free Southwest flights. While this is lower than other Southwest bonuses we've seen in 2022, the spend requirement is achievable; you only need to spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening to qualify.
On top of that, Southwest credit cards offer a variety of bonus categories that make earning rewards points for free travel faster than ever.
| Bonus Offer | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card |
Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. |
$69 |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card |
Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. |
$99 |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card |
Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. |
$149 |
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card |
Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases during the first 3 months of account membership. |
$99 |
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card |
Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases during the first 3 months of account opening. |
$199 |
Eligible Consumer Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
Southwest's Rapid Rewards cards are considered to be among the best rewards credit cards. Similarly, they're regularly ranked by Slickdeals in the top-rated travel credit card category.
The consumer Rapid Rewards cards below are eligible for Southwest's 50,000-point bonus offer.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$69
-
50,000
50,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $700 (50,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.014 base)
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the entry level card for aspiring Rapid Rewards point earners. This airline credit card earns 2X points per dollar spent with Southwest and on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners. It also earns 2X points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services, as well as on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Finally, the credit card earns 1X points on all other purchases. Our favorite Rapid Rewards Plus perks include the 3,000 bonus points and 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins awarded to cardholders on the anniversary of your account opening. It’s all added incentive to retain the card after you’ve earned the introductory sign-up bonus.
Overview
This is the entry-level card for aspiring Rapid Rewards point earners, and new cardholders can earn a 50,000-point sign-up bonus, which can help get you closer to booking flights for your next travel destination. This card also earns 3,000 anniversary points each year.
Above all, for a modest $69 annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Plus credit card helps you rack up points as cheaply as possible.
Pros
- 2x points on Southwest purchases, local transit and commuting, select streaming and more
- Annual fee that's palatable
- All points earned count towards Companion Pass®
Cons
- In exchange for a lower annual fee, the card's ongoing benefits may seem lackluster
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Bonus
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card offers new cardholders a handy sign-up bonus. New cardmembers can earn 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 during the first three months of account opening.
Our points and miles valuation guide estimates that 50,000 Rapid Rewards Points are worth $700 in free Southwest flights.
You’ll also receive 3,000 points and 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins annually on your cardmember anniversary.
Rewards Rate
In addition to the sign-up bonus, you’ll earn Southwest points for using our card for purchases. Currently, cardmembers earn:
- 2X points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases and with Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners
- 2X points on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing
- 2X points on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services
- 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Annual Fee
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card has the lowest annual fee among the suite of Southwest credit cards. The card comes with a $69 annual fee, which is applied to the first billing statement. Always factor the annual fee cost in when determining the value of any rewards credit card.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Unlike most Southwest Airlines credit cards, the Plus card does charge foreign transaction fees. Purchases made with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card outside of the U.S. are subject to a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Benefits
As Southwest’s entry-level card, there aren’t many extra perks attached to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card. Like all Southwest Rapid Rewards members, you’ll enjoy free first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights. Travel perks featured with this airline credit card include:
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase damage and theft protection
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$99
-
50,000
50,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $700 (50,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.014 base)
If you’re not currently a Southwest Rapid Rewards cardholder, this is an excellent time to consider getting on board. In addition to perks like no foreign transaction fees, two complimentary EarlyBird Check-In vouchers each year and being able to earn A-list flight status, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card also offers a generous 6,000 bonus points every cardholder anniversary, which can often be enough to cover the cost of a one-way domestic flight. It’s these types of benefits that help round out the value of the $99 annual fee.
Overview
In addition to perks like no foreign transaction fees and being able to earn A-list flight status, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card also offers a generous 6,000 bonus points every cardholder anniversary. It’s these types of benefits that help round out the value of the $99 annual fee.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card also offers two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year.
Pros
- Land A-List status faster with 1,500 TQPs for every $10,000 you spend
- All points earned count towards Companion Pass®
- 6,000 bonus points awarded every cardmember anniversary
Cons
- $99 annual fee
- Must fly Southwest often for this card to make sense
Bonus
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers new cardholders a sign-up bonus of 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 during the first three months of account opening.
You’ll also receive 6,000 points and 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins annually on your cardmember anniversary.
Rewards Rate
Cardmembers can earn more Rapid Rewards points through purchases with the Premier card. Currently, cardmembers earn:
- 3X points per dollar spent with Southwest
- 2X points per dollar spent with Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners
- 2X points per dollar spent local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services
- 2X points per dollar spent on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services
- 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Annual Fee
The Southwest Premier Credit Card also comes with an annual fee. Cardmembers are charged the $99 annual fee on the first billing statement.
Foreign Transaction Fees
If you’re planning any post-pandemic travel outside of the US, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card is a great travel companion. The card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
Benefits
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers similar benefits to the Plus card. Again, there are no fees for first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights. The Premier card’s travel perks include:
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase damage and theft protection
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR20.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$149
-
50,000
50,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $700 (50,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.014 base)
When you look at benefits like a $75 annual travel credit, free checked bags and discounts on in-flight purchases, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is probably the most affordable of all the Southwest credit cards. Similarly, the 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary really pack on the value and offset this card’s $149 annual fee. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is as close to a premium credit card that Southwest Airlines offers non-business account holders. While its rewards-points earnings are the same as the Premier, the $149 annual fee does reward cardholders with a generous 7,500 bonus points on their account anniversary, as well as a $75 annual travel credit.
Overview
When you look at benefits like a $75 annual travel credit, free checked bags and discounts on in-flight purchases, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is probably the most affordable of all the Southwest credit cards. Similarly, the 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary really pack on the value and offset this card’s $149 annual fee.
Pros
- Although there's a $149 annual fee, the $75 Southwest annual travel credit makes the card much more affordable for frequent flyers
- 7,500 anniversary bonus points as a cardmember
Cons
- Higher annual fee may not be a fit for some
- Must fly Southwest with some frequency for card to make sense
Bonus
In line with other current Southwest credit card deals, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers new cardholders a solid sign-up bonus. New cardmembers can earn 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 during the first three months of account opening.
Cardmembers also receive 7,500 points annually on their cardmember anniversary.
Rewards Rate
The rewards rates for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card are the same as the Premier Card. Currently, cardmembers earn:
- 3X points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
- 2X points per dollar spent with Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners
- 2X points per dollar spent local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services
- 2X points per dollar spent on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services
- 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Annual Fee
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card has the highest annual fee among the Southwest personal credit cards. Cardmembers pay a $149 annual fee, which is applied to the first billing statement. Despite the fee, this is still a great deal for frequent Southwest travelers because of the bounty of travel perks included with the card.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Like the Premier Card, this airline card comes with no foreign transaction fees. As travel becomes part of life again post-pandemic, you won’t have to worry about paying extra charges for purchases made outside of the U.S.
Benefits
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card features more perks than other Southwest personal credit cards. Like the previous cards mentioned, you’ll enjoy no fees for first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights.
Also, the Priority card features the following travel perks:
- $75 Southwest annual travel credit
- 25% back on inflight drinks and WiFi (via statement credit)
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase damage and theft protection
Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Cards
If your business frequently uses Southwest airlines, then its suite of business cards are valuable options to consider.
Both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offer employee cards at no additional cost and offer travel-related perks like discount on in-flight amenities, as well as purchase protections including extended warranty and damage protection.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$99
-
60,000
60,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open Dollar Equivalent: $840 (60,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.014 base)
Southwest’s entry-level business card is a great option for business owners who want to maximize company spending to earn free Southwest flights. Like most business credit cards, there’s an annual fee to pay, but the signing bonus and travel and purchase perks provide enough value to negate the fee. The card offers employee cards at no additional cost and bonus points earned count towards earning a Southwest companion pass and also towards earning A-List and A-List Preferred status. This card’s annual fee is $99, but the perks you get outweigh its cost. We like that points earned can qualify towards Southwest’s A-List status, the airline’s rewards program. Let’s not forget the sign-up bonus, two free EarlyBird Check-Ins each year, and the 6,000 cardmember anniversary points you can receive. Plus, travel-related perks like no fees for first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights.
Overview
Southwest’s entry-level business card is a great option for business owners who want to maximize company spending to earn free Southwest flights. Like most business credit cards, there’s an annual fee to pay, but the signing bonus and travel and purchase perks provide enough value to negate the fee. The card offers employee cards at no additional cost and bonus points earned count towards earning a Southwest companion pass and also towards earning A-List and A-List Preferred status.
Pros
- Receive 6,000 bonus points every year
- Reasonable $99 annual fee for a business card--with free employee cards
- Earn towards a coveted Southwest Companion Pass
- Two annual EarlyBird Check-in passes for a better shot at selecting your preferred seat
Cons
- Bonus spending categories may not be compelling for some business owners
Bonus
With the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, you’ll earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on your card in the first three months from account opening.
You’ll also receive 6,000 points annually on your cardmember anniversary.
Rewards Rate
You’ll also earn Rapid Rewards points when you use your Premier Business card for purchases. Currently, cardmembers earn:
- 3X points per dollar spent on all Southwest purchases
- 2X points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners
- 2x points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services
- 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Bonus points earned with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card count toward earning a Southwest Companion Pass and also towards earning A-List and A-List Preferred status.
Annual Fee
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card comes with a $99 annual fee, which is applied to the first billing statement. Keep in mind that business owners can receive cards for employees at no additional cost.
Foreign Transaction Fees
When you return to business travel, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has your back. Use it for all of your international travel expenses since it doesn’t carry any foreign transaction fees.
Benefits
The Premier Business card offers just enough travel-related perks to make it a viable option for business owners. Similar to other Southwest credit cards, you’ll enjoy no fees for first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights. The benefits that come with this business card include:
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase damage and theft protection
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$199
-
80,000
80,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Dollar Equivalent: $1,120 (80,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.014 base)
It’s perfect for small business owners who have employees who travel. This Southwest business card offers employee cards at no additional cost and provides perks like inflight WiFi credits, a TSA Pre✓® fee credit and complimentary upgraded boardings. The business airline credit card also offers the most generous point rewards structure of any of the Southwest cards: 4x points per dollar spent with Southwest. This credit card’s annual fee is expensive, but the perks you get outweigh its cost. We like that points earned can qualify towards Southwest’s A-List status, the airline’s rewards program. Let’s not forget the sign-up bonus and the 9,000 cardmember anniversary points you can receive. Plus, you’ll get other benefits like four upgraded boardings per year, free inflight WiFi credits and credit toward a Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® application. In other words, these can help you have a much smoother flight, which is helpful if you’re on an important business trip.
Overview
It’s perfect for small business owners who have employees who travel. This Southwest business card offers employee cards at no additional cost and provides perks like inflight WiFi credits, a TSA PreCheck fee credit and complimentary upgraded boardings. The business airline credit card also offers the most generous point rewards structure of any of the Southwest cards: 4x points per dollar spent with Southwest.
Pros
- 4x points on Southwest Airlines flights, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
- An array of exclusive Southwest benefits including free Wi-Fi passes and more
- Shortcut to A-List elite status
- TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee reimbursement
Cons
- Higher annual fee may not be a fit for all
Bonus
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card features an 80,000-point sign-up bonus for new cardholders who spend $5,000 with their new cards during the first three months of account opening.
You’ll also receive 9,000 points annually on your cardmember anniversary.
Rewards Rate
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card comes with elevated earning in three categories:
- 4X points per dollar spent on all Southwest purchases
- 3X points per dollar spent with Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners
- 2X points pre dollar spent on local commuting and transit, including ride-shares
- 2X points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising, and internet, cable and phone services
- 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchase
Bonus points earned with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card count towards earning a Southwest Companion Pass and also towards earning A-List and A-List Preferred status.
Annual Fee
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card also features the highest annual fee of any Southwest credit card. The card comes with a $199 annual fee, which is applied to your first billing statement. Note that business owners have access to free cards for employees, which also earn Southwest points.
Foreign Transaction Fees
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card doesn’t carry any foreign transaction fees. If you frequently travel outside of the US for business, you don’t have to worry about extra charges on your purchases if you use the Performance Business card.
Benefits
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card comes loaded with travel-related perks business owners will love. Like other Southwest credit cards, you’ll enjoy no fees for first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights. In addition, it comes with these business and travel-related perks:
- Up to 365 inflight WiFi credits annually
- Four upgraded boarding passes annually (when available)
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit up to $100 every four years
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase damage and theft protection
Redeeming Southwest Points
Southwest points are redeemed through Rapid Rewards, Southwest Airlines’ loyalty program. The best value for your points is booking Southwest flights. Southwest travels to over 99 destinations across the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Note that rewards flights are subject to taxes and fees from $5.60 per one-way flight. The number of points required for rewards flights varies based on the destination, time and day of travel and other factors.
Southwest flights may be the best use of your Rapid Rewards points, but you can choose other redemption options. You can also use your rewards points towards merchandise, international flights operated by other airlines, hotel stays, gift cards and rental cars. There’s also an option to donate your Southwest points to various charities.
Another reason to love the Rapid Rewards program is that your Southwest points never expire. The only way to lose your points is if you close your Rapid Rewards account.
What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Companion Pass allows holders to bring a companion with them on any Southwest flight and only pay taxes and fees on the plus-one ticket, which start at $5.60 one way. In other words, if you book a roundtrip ticket for $350, you can add your companion to your reservation and pay only $11.20 for them to join you.
To qualify, you need to earn 135,000 qualifying points or take 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. After you've earned the Companion Pass, you'll be able to use it through the next calendar year, which means people who earn it quickly will reap the most value.
You can change your companion up to three times in a calendar year, so if you don’t regularly travel with any one person, you’ll have some flexibility.
Depending on how often you fly, having the Companion Pass could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on flights with your chosen travel buddy. Even if you only fly once, the savings can be worth it. Also, note that the pass is good whether you book a flight with cash or Rapid Rewards points.
If your aim is to maximize the value of your Companion Pass, we recommend working towards earning 135,000 qualifying points as soon as possible.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this limited-time promotion is ideal if you want to use your new credit card for everyday spending, upcoming travel or any big ticket items in the first half of the year. Be sure to connect your new card to your favorite online stores, so you don't miss out on an opportunity to earn. Plus, if you need to book a trip to visit family in another state, book with this card through Southwest to earn even more points.
If you’re planning on applying, carefully consider each card and its features compared with its fees. Because the sign-up bonus is the same on each card, the best one for you will depend on which one has features that best fit your travel plans.
Southwest Card FAQs
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Generally, Southwest cards require a “good” credit score for approval. Additionally, those who have applied for more than five credit lines in the previous 24 months will be denied regardless of credit score, due to Chase’s unofficial 5/24 rule. However, if you have a strong credit profile and have not had too many hard inquiries on your credit report in the past two years, you should qualify for a Southwest card.
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No, Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire, even for accounts that have been inactive for several years or more. Still, according to Southwest, members who close their Rapid Rewards accounts will lose their points. But as long as you keep your account open, your Southwest points never expire.
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No, Southwest Rapid Rewards points cannot be redeemed for either cash or a statement credit. However, Rapid Rewards members can redeem Southwest points for flights, rental cars, merchandise, and gift cards through their online accounts. Similarly, Rapid Rewards members who carry a Southwest credit card have access to the same redemption options, but can also redeem their points for special events and other exclusive offers.
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You’ll need between 3,000 to 40,000 points for a free one-way economy Southwest flight, called “Wanna Get Away.” You’ll need even more points to fly “Business Select” or “Anytime” flights for free. Still, the exact number of points needed for a free Southwest flight depends on the actual fare, which is determined by the destination, time of day, date of travel, demand, and other factors. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to pay taxes and fees, even for a free Southwest flight. Currently, Southwest charges $5.60 per one-way trip.
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi is a personal finance and travel writer and credit card expert. He has a degree in finance from Brigham Young University and worked in financial planning, banking and auto finance before writing full-time for NerdWallet and Student Loan Hero. Ben is now a full-time freelance writer and enjoys traveling and spending time with his two kids. His work has appeared in several publications, including U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Money, Success and Slickdeals.
