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Southwest Airlines has undergone a lot of changes in 2025. The airline is now charging a fee for checked bags, restructuring its boarding process and beginning in January 2026, its open seating policy will be replaced with assigned seats.
These changes have been met with mixed reactions from Southwest devotees. Some welcome the introduction of assigned seating, believing it will help bring order to the boarding experience, since passengers will know exactly what seat they're headed towards when they get on the plane.
Bag fees, on the other hand, are more universally maligned. After all, Southwest's now defunct "bags fly free" policy helped the airline stand out from its competitors, and allowed thrifty travelers to save a little extra money when booking their trips.
The good news is Southwest has revamped its credit card line to go along with these changes, and cardholders can now enjoy new perks that will help them make the most of the updated policies. First and foremost, all Southwest cardholders can check their first bag for free (along with up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation).
We'll go over the similarities and differences of each card, and how to choose the right one based on your needs.
Southwest Credit Card Comparison
Southwest credit cards offer a variety of bonus categories that make earning rewards points for free travel faster than ever. Currently, Southwest offers three consumer credit cards and two business credit cards. Here's how they compare and stack up to each other:
| Card | Annual Fee | Intro Bonus | Rewards Rate | Product Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| $99 | 100,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,200 (100,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base) | 1x - 2xPoints
Earn 2X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases. Earn 2X points at Gas stations and Grocery stores on first $5,000 in combined purchases per year. Earn 1X points on all other purchases. | Apply Now Rates and Fees |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card | $149 | 100,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,200 (100,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base) | 1x - 3xPoints
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points at grocery stores and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year. Earn 1X points on all other purchases. | This product is currently not available via Slickdeals. All information about this product was collected by Slickdeals and has not been reviewed by the issuer. |
|
| $229 | 100,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,200 (100,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base) | 1x - 4xPoints
Earn 4X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases. Earn 2X points at gas stations and restaurants. Earn 1X points on all other purchases. | Apply Now Rates and Fees |
| Card | Annual Fee | Intro Bonus | Rewards Rate | Product Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| $149 | 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: $720 (60,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base) | 1x - 3xPoints
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year. Earn 1X points on all other purchases. | Apply Now Rates and Fees |
|
| $299 | 80,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $960 (80,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base) | 1x - 4xPoints
Earn 4X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2x points on gas station and restaurant purchases. Earn 2x points on hotel accommodations booked directly with hotel. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. | Apply Now Rates and Fees |
Who Should Get a Southwest Card?
If you love to fly Southwest Airlines, getting a Southwest credit card is worth it because it offers plenty of value to loyal flyers. While each card carries an annual fee, they also open the door to various perks and rewards-earning opportunities.
With generous welcome bonus offers, you can earn valuable points after meeting minimum spend requirements, plus additional points for spending each year of card ownership. Having a Southwest credit card can help Rapid Rewards members get closer to earning the coveted Southwest Companion Pass®.
Who Shouldn't Get a Southwest Card?
Suppose you prefer flying with another airline or you don't live near a Southwest hub. In that case, it makes more sense to research other airline credit cards or general travel rewards credit cards that earn more flexible points and miles you can redeem several ways. Southwest credit cards offer several travel benefits but lack luxury perks, and the airline doesn't offer premium cabins or operate airport lounges. You may be better suited for other cobranded airline cards if you prefer to travel in style.
Recommended Travel Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Intro Bonus | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
75,000Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,575 (75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points * 0.021 base) |
$95 |
1x- 5xPoints
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases |
Apply Now Rates and Fees |
|
|
60,000
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip. |
$95 |
1x - 5xPoints
Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases. |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
|
|
100,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,200 (100,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base) |
$99 |
1x - 2xPoints
Earn 2X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases. Earn 2X points at Gas stations and Grocery stores on first $5,000 in combined purchases per year. Earn 1X points on all other purchases. |
Apply Now Rates and Fees |
|
|
60,000Citi ThankYou® Points
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com. Dollar Equivalent: $1,080 (60,000 Citi ThankYou® Points * 0.018 base) |
$95 |
1X-10XPoints
10x on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked through CitiTravel.com 3x -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases 3x -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Restaurants 3x -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Supermarkets 3x -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Gas and EV Charging Stations 1x -- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on All Other Purchases |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
Another option is to consider a credit card with a generous sign-up bonus offer. This way you can earn a promotion in the form of cash back or points and spend it the way you want.
Pros and Cons of Southwest Credit Cards
Pros
- Generous welcome bonus offers
- Earn qualifying points toward a Southwest Companion Pass®
- Earn qualifying points toward A-List status
- Travel protections like lost luggage reimbursement and baggage delay insurance
- Flexible spending categories
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Annual fees
- Rewards have limited flexibility
- No airport lounge access
- No premium cabins on Southwest flights
- Limited international flights
- No airline alliance partners
Perks of Southwest Credit Cards
The specific benefits and perks you'll receive depend on your Southwest card, but some nice perks can include:
- Anniversary bonus points
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Free first checked bag
- Baggage delay insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase damage and theft protection
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit
Southwest's Rapid Rewards consumer cards are considered to be among the best airline 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 robust bonus offer.
Best Southwest Card for a Lower Annual Fee
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Our Rating 3.5/5 How our ratings work
- APR19.99% - 28.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$99
-
Sign Up Bonus
100,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,200 (100,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base)
This is a great starter card for infrequent domestic travelers who want to earn rewards toward discounted Southwest flights without a huge annual fee. You won't get a ton of perks compared to other Southwest cards, but you can enjoy benefits like Standard seat selection within 48 hours of your flight's departure and the ability for you and up to 8 additional passengers to check your first bags at no additional cost.
Overview
This is the entry-level card for aspiring Rapid Rewards point earners, and new cardholders can earn a nice 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, and gives cardholders the ability to check their first bag for free.
Pros
- 2x points on Southwest Airlines purchases, as well as on gas and groceries (up to $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year).
- Free first checked bag for cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers
- All points earned count towards Companion Pass®
Cons
- In exchange for a lower annual fee, the card's ongoing benefits may seem lackluster
Why We Chose It
This entry-level card is a perfect fit for casual travelers who want to earn rewards toward free flights. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card (Rates and Fees) has the lowest annual fee among the suite of Southwest cards. It comes with a $99 annual fee applied to the first billing statement. It also earns 3,000 anniversary points each year and offers basic travel and purchase protections.
Sign-Up Bonus
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card offers new cardholders a handy sign-up bonus. For a limited-time, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening.
On your cardmember anniversary, you’ll also receive 3,000 points.
Rewards Rate
In addition to the sign-up bonus, you’ll earn Southwest points for using the card for purchases. Currently, cardmembers earn:
- 2X points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases
- 2X points per dollar spent at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Annual Fee
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card has the lowest annual fee among all Southwest credit cards. The card has a $99 annual fee 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
As of July 2025, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card does not charge foreign transaction fees. This helps make the card easier to recommend to people planning an international trip.
Card Perks
As Southwest’s entry-level card, there aren’t many extra perks attached to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card. Still, you'll gain the option to check your first bag at no additional cost, and to select a Standard seat within 48 hours of your flight's departure when the option is available. Other travel perks featured with this airline credit card include:
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase damage and theft protection
Drawbacks
- Limited card benefits
Who It's Good For
If you're a semi-regular Southwest flyer looking for a simple, lower-annual-fee card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus is a solid choice. You'll enjoy basic travel and airline perks, as well as elevated rewards on Southwest purchases.
Who It's Not Good For
This card is not the best fit for those who fly frequently on Southwest. If you're looking for a card with luxury perks, consider a premium travel card.
At the same time, people who only fly Southwest very occasionally would do well to consider several other cards from our list of the Best Travel Cards. Right now, you can find multiple other cards with comparable (in many cases lower) annual fees that also offer stronger rewards rates and more flexible point redemptions.
Many people will likely get more long-term value from a different option, be it a more premium Southwest card or a travel card that's not tied to a specific airline.
Best Card for Occasional Southwest Flyers
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
This product is currently not available via Slickdeals. All information about this product was collected by Slickdeals and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR19.99% - 28.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$149
-
Sign Up Bonus
100,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,200 (100,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base)
This middle-of-the-pack Southwest card is a good option for occasional travelers. In exchange for a moderate annual fee, you'll enjoy strong travel perks on top of 6,000 bonus points every anniversary. Another nice perk is this card charges no foreign transaction fees.
Overview
In addition to perks like no foreign transaction fees, 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 annual fee.
Pros
- Strong rewards rates on Southwest purchases
- All points earned count towards Companion Pass®
- 6,000 bonus points awarded every cardmember anniversary
Cons
- Relatively high annual fee
- Must fly Southwest often for this card to make sense
Why We Chose It
Southwest's mid-tier consumer card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offers a few more benefits than the Plus card with a slightly higher annual fee of $149. Notably, cardmembers and up to 8 accompanying passengers are allowed to board with Group 5, allowing for earlier access to overhead bins. It also earns higher rates for card spending and comes with 6,000 anniversary points annually.
Sign-Up Bonus
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier credit card offers new cardholders a chance to earn a welcome bonus. You can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening.
On your cardmember anniversary, you’ll also receive 6,000 points.
Rewards Rate
Cardmembers can earn more Rapid Rewards points through purchases with the Premier card. Currently, cardmembers earn:
- 3X points per dollar spent Southwest Airlines® purchases, including flights, inflight, and Southwest gift cards
- 2X points per dollar spent at grocery stores and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Annual Fee
The Southwest Premier card also comes with an annual fee. Cardmembers are charged the $149 annual fee on their first billing statement.
Foreign Transaction Fees
If you’re planning any travel outside the U.S., the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier credit card is a great travel companion. The card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
Card Perks
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier credit card offers similar benefits to the Plus card, with some notable upgrades. For example, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier cardholders are able to select a Standard or Preferred seat within 48 hours of their flight's departure (when available), whereas Plus cardholders are limited to Standard seat selection. The Premier card’s travel perks also include:
- First checked bag free for Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation.
- Cardmembers and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation will board with Group 5
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase damage and theft protection
Drawbacks
- $149 annual fee
Who It's Good For
Occasional Southwest flyers who are loyal to the airline will find a lot of value with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier. The card also does not charge foreign transaction fees, so you can bring it with you on your foreign travels.
Who It's Not Good For
Travelers who are looking for luxury perks will not exactly find that with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier.
Best Card for Frequent Southwest Flyers
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR19.99% - 28.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$229
-
Sign Up Bonus
100,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,200 (100,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base)
If you’re looking for a Southwest credit card stacked with travel rewards and perks, this is it. Although it has the highest annual fee of Southwest consumer cards, you could easily offset the fee if you travel Southwest frequently.
Overview
Frequent Southwest flyers will likely rack up a lot of value from this card’s generous 4x rewards rate on Southwest Airlines® purchases, which extends to flights, inflight and Southwest gift cards. And unlike other Southwest cards, none of this card’s rewards categories feature an annual cap. On top of that, the 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary really pack on the value and offset this card’s $229 annual fee.
Pros
- Strong rewards rate for Southwest Airlines® purchases
- 7,500 anniversary bonus points as a cardmember
- Guaranteed boarding with Group 5 or earlier
Cons
- Higher annual fee may not be a fit for some
- Must fly Southwest with some frequency for card to make sense
Why We Chose It
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (Rates and Fees) is the airline's most expensive consumer card, with a $229 annual fee, but it’s also its most valuable card. With added benefits like an extra-high rewards rate for Southwest purchases, there are plenty of ways to recoup the fee, especially if you frequently fly with Southwest. The card comes with 7,500 anniversary points annually.
Sign-Up Bonus
In line with other current Southwest credit card deals, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card offers new cardholders a lucrative sign-up bonus. Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening.
Cardmembers also receive 7,500 points annually on their cardmember anniversary.
Rewards Rate
Currently, Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority cardholders earn:
- 4X points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases, including flights, inflight, and Southwest gift cards.
- 2X points per dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Notably, this card's gas and restaurant rates do not feature an annual cap.
Annual Fee
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card has the highest annual fee among the Southwest personal credit cards. Cardmembers pay a $229 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 high rewards rates and bounty of travel perks included with the card.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Like the other Southwest cards, this airline card comes with no foreign transaction fees.
Card Perks
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card perks are similar to what's offered with the Premier. These include:
- First checked bag free for cardholder and up to 8 accompanying passengers
- Select a Preferred seat when booking at no additional charge (subject to availability)
- Cardmembers and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation will board with Group 5
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase damage and theft protection
Drawbacks
- Highest annual fee among Southwest cards
- Fewer luxury perks than comparable airline cards
Who It's Good For
If you are a Southwest loyalist and want to access higher rewards rates and extra perks like early Preferred seat selection, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority is the best choice among the three consumer cards.
Who It's Not Good For
If you don't fly Southwest often and don't want to pay a high annual fee, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority won't be worth its price tag.
Best for Occasional Business Travelers
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR19.99% - 28.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$149
-
Sign Up Bonus
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: $720 (60,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base)
This entry-level business card is a great choice for those looking for a lower-annual-fee business card with competitive rewards. To help offset the annual fee, you'll earn 3x points per dollar on Southwest purchases, as well as the ability to select a Standard or Preferred seat within 48 hours of your flights departure. We also appreciate that this card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
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 majority of the fee. The card offers employee cards at no additional cost and bonus points earned count towards earning a Southwest Companion Pass®.
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
Why We Chose It
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (Rates and Fees) is an entry-level introduction to rewards earning for small business owners. The card comes with a decent sign-up bonus and enough perks to justify its $149 annual fee. It also offers free cards for employees.
Sign-Up Bonus
With the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business credit card, you have the chance to earn an impressive sign-up bonus. Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
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 Southwest Airlines® purchases
- 2X points per dollar at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Annual Fee
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business credit card comes with a $149 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 embark on 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.
Card Perks
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, cardholders get a first checked bag free for themselves and up to 8 accompanying passengers. The benefits that come with this business card include:
- Cardmembers and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation will board with Group 5
- Select a Standard or Preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure (subject to availability)
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase damage and theft protection
Drawbacks
- $149 annual fee
- It doesn't earn bonus rates in some popular business spending categories
Who It's Good For
- Business owners who want to earn airline rewards
- Individuals who travel occasionally for business
Who It's Not Good For
- Business owners who spend considerable money on office supplies and other spending categories not featured with the card
- Luxury business travelers
Best Southwest Card for Small Business Owners
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR19.99% - 28.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$299
-
Sign Up Bonus
80,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $960 (80,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base)
As Southwest's top business card, small business owners who travel Southwest frequently or have employees who travel will benefit the most from the card's premium perks. From an extra high rewards rate on Southwest purchases to free first checked bags for cardmembers and up to 8 accompanying passengers, this card's benefits can easily outweigh its annual fee.
Overview
This Southwest business card is perfect for small business owners who have employees who travel. It offers employee cards at no additional cost and provides perks like a TSA PreCheck fee credit and free first checked bags. It also offers an impressive 4x points per dollar spent with Southwest, making it easy to maximize your earnings.
Pros
- Strong rewards rate on Southwest purchases
- An array of exclusive Southwest benefits
- 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
Why We Chose It
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (Rates and Fees) carries the highest annual fee among Southwest cards, at $299, but it also offers perks not included with the other cards, such as its Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. It also offers extra-high rewards rates for Southwest purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card features a valuable welcome bonus for new customers. Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from 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 a variety of categories:
- 4X points per dollar spent on all Southwest purchases
- 2X points per dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants
- 2X points per dollar spent on local commuting and transit, including rideshare
- 2X points per dollar spent on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Annual Fee
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business credit card features the highest annual fee of any Southwest credit card. The card comes with a $299 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 U.S. for business, you don’t have to worry about extra charges on your purchases if you use the Performance Business card.
Card Perks
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 a free first checked bag for yourself and up to 8 accompanying passengers. In addition, it comes with business and travel-related perks such as:
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit up to $120 every four years
- Cardmembers and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation will board with Group 5
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase damage and theft protection
Drawbacks
- $299 annual fee
- No airport lounge access
Who It's Good For
- Businesses with employees who travel
- Frequent business travelers
Who It's Not Good For
- Luxury business travelers
- Business startups trying to save money by avoiding annual fees
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 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:
- Merchandise
- International flights operated by other airlines
- Hotel stays
- Gift cards
- Rental cars
- 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.
- How to qualify: To qualify, you need to earn 135,000 qualifying points or take 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year.
- Using your pass: 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.
- Changing companions: 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.
What Slickdealers Are Saying
“I’ve had the Southwest Companion Pass twice and I think it’s the best deal around when it comes to saving money on flights (unless you mostly travel outside of North America). Last year, my wife and I flew together three times and only paid for one ticket each time. We went to Hawaii, Washington D.C. and Santa Barbara (and we’re trying to sneak in one more quick trip before it expires).
“The value for the free tickets we got through the Companion Pass equated to about $1,000 for those three trips. Considering we got the pass through a credit card sign-up bonus, we didn’t really have to change our spending habits to get it. So all I really paid to get it was the $69 annual fee, which is a slick deal in my book.”
Bottom Line: Which Card Should You Get?
Regardless of which Southwest card you chose, you'll enjoy standard Southwest benefits like a free first checked bag for yourself and up to 8 other people on your reservation. Other perks vary between cards as the annual fee increases, from basic travel protections to elite perks like a Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fee credit.
The best Southwest card depends on your needs, your spending habits and how much you want to pay each year for card access. Here's a quick recap on the current suite of Southwest credit cards:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card: Best for a lower annual fee since it features the lowest annual fee among Southwest cards.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Card: Best for occasional Southwest flyers because of its mix of benefits and mid-level annual fee.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card: Best for frequent Southwest flyers, as it offers more benefits and the highest rewards rates of all Southwest consumer cards.
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Card: Best business card for a low annual fee, perfect for businesses just starting and those who want to earn rewards without costly fees.
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card: Best for small business owners because of its elevated rewards rates and a long list of benefits.
| Card | Annual Fee | Intro Bonus | Rewards Rate | Product Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| $99 | 100,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,200 (100,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base) | 1x - 2xPoints
Earn 2X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases. Earn 2X points at Gas stations and Grocery stores on first $5,000 in combined purchases per year. Earn 1X points on all other purchases. | Apply Now Rates and Fees |
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card | $149 | 100,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,200 (100,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base) | 1x - 3xPoints
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points at grocery stores and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year. Earn 1X points on all other purchases. | This product is currently not available via Slickdeals. All information about this product was collected by Slickdeals and has not been reviewed by the issuer. |
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| $229 | 100,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,200 (100,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base) | 1x - 4xPoints
Earn 4X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases. Earn 2X points at gas stations and restaurants. Earn 1X points on all other purchases. | Apply Now Rates and Fees |
| Card | Annual Fee | Intro Bonus | Rewards Rate | Product Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| $149 | 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: $720 (60,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base) | 1x - 3xPoints
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year. Earn 1X points on all other purchases. | Apply Now Rates and Fees |
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| $299 | 80,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $960 (80,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.012 base) | 1x - 4xPoints
Earn 4X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2x points on gas station and restaurant purchases. Earn 2x points on hotel accommodations booked directly with hotel. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. | Apply Now Rates and Fees |
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.
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Yes. Southwest Rapid Rewards is one of 14 travel loyalty rewards partners of Chase. Points transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 value.
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Southwest points are redeemable online or through the airline's mobile app by logging into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account. You can redeem points for Southwest flights, hotel stays, experiences, exclusive Southwest events, gift cards and merchandise. Point values vary between redemption options. Award flights are subject to taxes and fees from $5.60 per one-way flight.
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You must meet the card issuer's credit and other requirements to qualify for a Southwest credit card. Chase doesn't disclose its credit requirements publicly, but most travel rewards credit cards require good to excellent credit to qualify, which is a FICO® Score of 670 or higher. Because Chase issues Southwest credit cards, you'll also need to pay attention to Chase's unwritten 5/24 rule.
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.
