What the Southwest Chase Visa card is and who it's designed for
The Southwest Chase Visa is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase Bank in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It's designed for people who fly Southwest regularly or want to earn rewards on everyday purchases that convert to Southwest travel credits. The card comes in two versions: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier, each with different annual fees and reward structures.
This card is not a travel card in the sense that it requires you to book through a specific portal — you earn points (called Rapid Rewards) on purchases, and those points can be redeemed directly with Southwest for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel benefits. The card also gives you a one-time bonus of Rapid Rewards points when you open the account, though the exact number varies depending on current promotions.
If you don't fly Southwest, this card will not be useful to you. The rewards are locked to Southwest redemptions only, and there's no way to convert them to cash or use them with other airlines. If you fly other carriers or prefer maximum flexibility, a general rewards card would serve you better.
Key Takeaways
- The Southwest Chase Visa comes in two versions (Plus and Premier), each with its own annual fee, bonus offer, and benefits like free checked bags.
- You earn points on every purchase, and those points redeem only with Southwest Airlines for flights and seat upgrades.
- The card includes a one-time sign-up bonus of Rapid Rewards points, but the amount changes based on current promotions.
- Both versions include benefits like two free checked bags per flight and priority boarding, which can offset the annual fee if you fly Southwest multiple times a year.
- You need a credit score in the good to excellent range (typically 670 or higher) to be considered for this card.
The two versions: Plus versus Premier
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus has a lower annual fee (currently $69) and is aimed at people who fly Southwest occasionally or want to test the card before committing to a higher tier. The sign-up bonus is smaller than the Premier version, and the card does not include some of the premium perks like priority boarding or free seat selection.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier has a higher annual fee (currently $99) but includes more benefits: priority boarding, free seat selection on all flights, and a higher sign-up bonus. If you fly Southwest at least two or three times per year, the value of priority boarding and free seat selection often covers the difference in annual fees.
Both cards include two free checked bags per flight for you and one companion on the same reservation — a benefit that alone can save you $60 to $70 per round trip if you normally check luggage. Both also earn the same points per dollar spent on purchases: 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
How to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points
Every purchase you make with the card earns points at the rates listed above. You can also earn bonus points by shopping through the Southwest Rapid Rewards shopping portal, which partners with hundreds of retailers. Points accumulate in your Southwest account and never expire as long as your account remains active.
To redeem points, you log into your Southwest account online or through the Southwest mobile app, search for a flight, and choose to pay with points instead of cash. The number of points required varies by route, time of year, and how far in advance you book — a short flight during off-peak times might cost 6,000 points, while a cross-country flight during peak travel season could cost 25,000 or more.
You can also use points to upgrade your seat class, extend a trip, or book a companion ticket at a reduced rate. Points do not transfer to other airlines or convert to cash, so your redemption options are limited to what Southwest offers.
Annual fees and whether they make sense for your travel
The Plus card costs $69 per year and the Premier costs $99 per year. These are not optional — you pay them whether you use the card or not. The question is whether the benefits justify the cost for your specific situation.
If you fly Southwest two or more times per year and check bags, the two free checked bags alone typically save you more than the annual fee. Add in the sign-up bonus points (which can cover a short flight or two), and the card often pays for itself in the first year. If you fly Southwest once a year or less, or if you never check bags, the annual fee is harder to justify.
Chase occasionally runs promotions that waive the first-year annual fee, which can make sense as a way to test the card without when ready cost. After the first year, you'll need to decide whether to keep the card based on your actual travel patterns.
Credit score and approval requirements
Chase typically considers applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher for this card, though the exact threshold can vary. A higher score (750 or above) makes approval more likely and may result in a higher credit limit. If your score is below 670, you may still be considered, but approval is less certain.
The process process is straightforward: you provide your name, address, income, employment status, and Social Security number. Chase pulls a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. The decision usually comes within minutes, though some applications are flagged for manual review and may take a few business days.
If you're denied, you can call Chase's reconsideration line to discuss your process, though this rarely changes the outcome. If you're approved, your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Sign-up bonuses and how they work
Chase regularly changes the sign-up bonus for both the Plus and Premier cards. A typical offer might be 40,000 to 60,000 bonus points after you spend a certain amount (usually $500 to $1,000) within the first three months. The bonus points are added to your account once the spending requirement is met, usually within one or two billing cycles.
These bonus points are real Rapid Rewards points — they work exactly like points you earn through regular purchases and can be redeemed for flights when ready. A 50,000-point bonus, for example, could cover a round-trip flight within the continental United States during off-peak times, or a significant portion of a longer flight.
The bonus offer changes frequently, so the amount you see today may be different from what's available next month. If you're considering this card, check the current offer on Chase's website or through Southwest's website before you explore.
Other benefits and protections
Beyond the free checked bags and priority boarding, both cards include purchase protection (coverage if something you buy is damaged or stolen within a certain period), extended warranty protection on may be able to access purchases, and roadside information. These are standard benefits on most Chase credit cards and are not unique to the Southwest card.
The card also includes trip cancellation and trip delay reimbursement, which can cover expenses if your Southwest flight is cancelled or delayed by more than a certain number of hours. The coverage limits and specific terms vary, so review the full benefits guide that comes with your card.
You also have access to Chase's travel booking portal, though most Southwest cardholders book directly with Southwest rather than through the portal. The portal offers the same flights and prices as Southwest's website, so there's no advantage to using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this card for purchases other than Southwest flights?
Yes. You earn 1 point per dollar on all non-Southwest purchases, which is lower than the 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, but the points still accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for Southwest flights. Many cardholders use the card for everyday spending to build up points faster.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your Rapid Rewards points remain in your Southwest account as long as your account stays active. Closing the credit card does not close your Southwest account or erase your points. However, if your Southwest account goes inactive (no activity for 24 months), Southwest may close it and you could lose your points.
Do I have to fly Southwest to make this card worth it?
Yes. The points redeem only with Southwest, so if you don't fly Southwest or fly other airlines primarily, this card will not provide value. A general rewards card that lets you redeem points for cash or travel with any airline would be a better fit.
Can I get both the Plus and Premier cards at the same time?
Chase's rules typically allow you to hold both versions of the same card, but you can only receive the sign-up bonus on one of them per calendar year. If you already have one version, you can explore for the other, but the second process may be denied or the bonus may not post.
What if I don't spend enough to meet the sign-up bonus requirement?
You won't receive the bonus points. The requirement is firm — you must spend the full amount within the timeframe (usually three months) to trigger the bonus. If you're close to the requirement, you can make planned purchases to reach it, but there's no partial credit for spending less than required.