What the Southwest Rewards Visa card is and who issues it
The Southwest Rewards Visa is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase Bank in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It is designed for people who fly Southwest regularly or want to earn rewards toward Southwest tickets and other purchases. Unlike a general rewards card, this card ties most of its benefits directly to Southwest travel.
Chase offers two versions: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier. Both cards earn points on every purchase, but they differ in annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and some perks. The Premier version costs more per year but includes additional benefits like priority boarding and a free checked bag on every flight.
The card is a standard Visa, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted — not just for Southwest bookings. This matters because you earn points on groceries, gas, and everyday spending, not just airline purchases.
Key Takeaways
- The Southwest Rewards Visa charges an annual fee (the amount varies by card version and changes periodically), and you earn points on all purchases that you can redeem for Southwest flights or other rewards.
- Sign-up bonuses typically require you to spend a set amount within the first few months, and the bonus points can cover a free flight or multiple domestic trips depending on current offer terms.
- The Premier version includes a free checked bag on every Southwest flight you take, which saves money if you check luggage regularly.
- Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active, but closing the card ends your ability to use accumulated points.
- You can transfer points to a companion, but the card itself is not a joint account — only the primary cardholder can use the card to make purchases.
How points are earned and what they are worth
You earn one point per dollar spent on all purchases made with the card. There are no bonus categories — the earning rate does not change whether you buy groceries, gas, or airline tickets. This simplicity is one reason people choose it over cards with rotating bonus categories.
The value of each point depends on how you redeem it. Southwest prices flights in points rather than dollars, and the point cost varies by route, time of year, and how far in advance you book. A short domestic flight might cost 6,000 to 8,000 points, while a longer route or peak travel date could cost 12,000 to 15,000 points or more. This means a single point is worth roughly 1 to 1.5 cents when redeemed for flights, though the actual value shifts constantly.
You can also redeem points for gift cards, hotel stays through partner programs, or car rentals, but the point value is typically lower through these channels than it is for Southwest flights. Most cardholders focus on redeeming for flights to maximize value.
Annual fees and when they are charged
Both versions of the Southwest Rewards Visa charge an annual fee. The exact amount depends on which card you hold and can change over time. Chase typically charges the fee on your card anniversary — the date you opened the account — each year.
The sign-up bonus is designed to offset the first year's fee for many people. If the current bonus is worth more points than the annual fee costs, you come out ahead in year one. However, in subsequent years you pay the full fee unless you close the card or downgrade to a no-annual-fee version if one is available.
Some people keep the card specifically for the free checked bag benefit on Southwest flights, which can save $35 to $70 per round trip. If you fly Southwest multiple times per year, that benefit alone may cover the annual fee.
Sign-up bonuses and how to earn them
Chase offers a sign-up bonus when you open a new Southwest Rewards Visa account. The bonus structure typically requires you to spend a certain amount on the card within the first three months. Once you meet that spending requirement, the bonus points post to your account.
The bonus amount and spending requirement change periodically. You can check the current offer on Chase's website or by calling the number on the back of a Southwest boarding pass. The bonus is usually worth enough points to cover one or more domestic flights, depending on the routes you fly.
You can only earn the sign-up bonus once per card version in a given time period. Chase has rules about how long you must wait between bonuses on the same card type, typically 24 months. Opening multiple Southwest cards in a short window will not earn you multiple bonuses.
Additional perks beyond points and checked bags
The Premier version includes a free checked bag on every Southwest flight you take as the cardholder. This applies to your first checked bag only, and it applies whether you paid for the ticket with the card or not — you just need to be the person flying.
Both versions give you access to the Southwest Rapid Rewards program, which means points you earn on the card combine with points you earn by flying Southwest. You can also earn points by booking hotels, rental cars, and shopping through the Rapid Rewards portal.
The card typically includes purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and travel accident insurance. These are standard benefits on most premium credit cards and are not unique to the Southwest card, but they do add value if you use them.
When the Southwest Rewards Visa makes financial sense
This card works best for people who fly Southwest at least a few times per year. If you fly once a year or less, the annual fee is harder to justify unless the free checked bag benefit covers it.
The card also makes sense if Southwest is your preferred airline and you want to consolidate your rewards earning. Points earned on the card combine with points earned by flying, so you reach redemption thresholds faster than you would with a general rewards card.
If you rarely fly or prefer other airlines, a general cash-back or travel rewards card with no annual fee will likely save you money. Those cards let you redeem rewards flexibly and do not lock you into one airline's pricing.
How to manage the card and avoid common mistakes
Set a reminder for your card anniversary so you know when the annual fee will be charged. This gives you time to decide whether to keep the card or close it before the fee posts.
Track your points balance regularly through your Southwest account. Points do not expire as long as your account is active, but if you close the card and do not fly Southwest for 24 months, your points may be forfeited. Keeping the account open — even if you do not use the card — preserves your points.
Do not overspend just to earn points. The annual fee and interest charges on a balance will quickly erase any rewards value. Use the card only for purchases you would make anyway, and pay the full balance each month if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Southwest Rewards points to someone else?
You can transfer points to a companion or family member through your Southwest account, but there may be restrictions on how often you can do this or how many points you can transfer. Check Southwest's current policy on their website, as transfer rules change periodically.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Closing the card does not when ready cancel your points. Your points remain in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account as long as you have account activity — flying, earning points through partners, or transferring points — at least once every 24 months. If your account goes inactive for 24 months, Southwest may forfeit unused points.
Is the sign-up bonus worth the annual fee?
That depends on the current bonus amount and your spending habits. If the bonus is worth more points than the annual fee costs, you come out ahead in year one. In year two and beyond, you need to decide whether the free checked bag or other benefits justify keeping the card.
Can I use this card for non-Southwest purchases?
Yes. The Southwest Rewards Visa is a standard Visa card that works anywhere Visa is accepted. You earn one point per dollar on all purchases, whether you buy groceries, gas, or anything else. Points earned on non-Southwest purchases can be redeemed for Southwest flights just like any other points.
How do I know if the Premier version is worth the extra cost?
The Premier version costs more per year than the Plus version. The main difference is the free checked bag benefit. If you check a bag on Southwest flights at least twice per year, the benefit likely covers the extra annual fee. If you rarely check bags or fly infrequently, the Plus version is probably the better choice.