The post has been updated with the most recent credit card information.
The Southwest RapidRewards Priority Credit Card has a $75 annual Southwest credit and 7,500 anniversary bonus points. The card rating is 12.
Southwest is known for its customer-friendly travel policies and reputation of going above and beyond for passengers. It doesn't offer lounges, any type of premium cabin or seating with extra legroom. Frequent flyers can use a full suite of co branded credit cards to fulfill their travel goals.
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The most premium credit card in the Southwest lineup is the Southwest Rapid rewards priority credit card. It offers hundreds of dollars in value with Southwest each year, and a new sign-up bonus of 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.
Is its benefits worth the yearly fee? Let us know what you think.
The highest earning Southwest card is the Southwest Priority Card. Those who are loyal to Southwest will benefit from this.
Chase has a rule regarding Southwest cards. If you have opened more than five credit cards in the last year, you may not be approved. If you earned a sign-up bonus in the past 24 months on any personal Southwest card, you can't open a new card.
If you spend $1,000 in the first three months of your account opening, you'll get 50,000 points. 50,000 RapidRewards points are worth $750.
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Southwest Airlines is adding more routes.
Southwest flyers should be able to use the card perks to offset the yearly fee.
Lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, extended warranty coverage, and purchase protection are included in the Southwest specific benefits. The card has no foreign transaction fees so you don't have to pay any.
All Southwest flyers don't pay change or cancellation fees, they get two free checked bags, and they have access to the Rapid rewards program. Many are persuaded to invest their rewards earnings with Southwest because of these policies.
The Southwest Priority Card will give you a certain amount of money.
The Southwest Rapid rewards priority credit card is very easy to use. The cash value of the ticket is what determines Southwest award prices. You should never have a hard time getting back your points. You can redeposit your award if your plans change.
Many points and miles enthusiasts stay away from these types of rewards, but they can often provide more value than airline miles. Depending on the time of year, you can fly from Los Angeles to Chicago for just 5,743 points. You can find saver-award availability on American Airlines and United.
The picture was taken by Southwest Airlines.
Southwest has flash sales where you can score awards for less than 1,500 points. Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Mexico are fun destinations to visit.
Personal cards are offered by Southwest Airlines. It can be hard to choose the best card for your wallet because both the Priority and the premier cards have the same sign up bonus.
Southwest credit cards have earning rates, perks, and annual fees.
Card feature | Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card |
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Annual fee | $69. | $99. | $149. |
Sign-up bonus | 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. |
Anniversary points bonus | 3,000 Rapid Rewards points. | 6,000 Rapid Rewards points. | 7,500 Rapid Rewards points. |
Earning rates |
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Other perks | 25% back on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi. | 25% back on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi. | $75 annual Southwest travel credit.
There are four upgraded boardings per annum. Back on in flight drinks and internet. |
Tier qualifying points | N/A. | Earn 1,500 TQPs for each $10,000 spent in a calendar year (with no limits). | Earn 1,500 TQPs for each $10,000 spent in a calendar year (with no limits). |
Upgraded boardings (when available) | N/A. | N/A. | 4 per year. |
Early Bird Check-In | 2 per year. | 2 per year. | N/A. |
Foreign transaction fee | 3%. | None. | None. |
If you fly Southwest two or more times a year, you should use the Southwest Priority Card. The card has an annual fee of 74. You will come out $38.50 ahead just by having the card if you factor in the anniversary bonus. The card's other perks are not considered before.
The Southwest Priority card also competes with other Southwest cards. It's possible to go head to head with more general travel cards, which may give you a chance to earn Rapid Rewards points.
Southwest points can be earned by using two cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. You can easily transfer your points from Southwest to the airline with either of these cards. An annual fee of 95 dollars is paid by the Sapphire Preferred.
Primary car rental coverage and trip delay protection are included in the benefits.
The Chase preferred card review is related.
The Reserve offers 3 points per dollar on all travel and dining purchases, as well as many of the same travel protections. You will get a $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass lounge access. It comes with a higher annual fee.
One of these cards may be your best bet if you want to convert your earnings to Southwest points, but still want the flexibility of a points program.
If you want Southwest-specific perks when you travel, the Southwest Priority card is a good choice.
You can get the Southwest Priority Credit Card if you fly Southwest at least a few times annually. The card's everyday earning rates leave something to be desired, but impressive built in perks like a $75 annual travel credit and 7,500 point anniversary bonus easily make up for it.
You can apply for a credit card here.
Additional reporting was done by Ryan Wilcox and others.