What the Southwest Rapid Rewards card does
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It earns points on every purchase you make, and those points convert directly into Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and other airline perks. Unlike some travel cards that require you to book through a specific portal, Southwest points work on any Southwest ticket you buy, whether you book online, by phone, or at the airport.
The card comes in two versions: the standard Rapid Rewards card and the Rapid Rewards Priority card. The main difference is the annual fee, the sign-up bonus, and the ongoing benefits you receive as a cardholder. Both cards earn the same points per dollar spent, but the Priority version includes perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag on every flight.
Key Takeaways
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards card earns points on all purchases, with a higher earning rate on Southwest bookings and gas stations.
- The standard card has no annual fee; the Priority version charges an annual fee but includes priority boarding and a free checked bag benefit.
- You must meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months to receive the sign-up bonus, which is typically worth several hundred dollars in flight value.
- Points never expire as long as your account remains open and you use the card at least once every 24 months.
- The card's value depends on how often you fly Southwest and whether you would pay for priority boarding or checked bags anyway.
Annual fees and sign-up bonuses
The standard Southwest Rapid Rewards card has no annual fee. You can hold it indefinitely and pay nothing to keep it open. The Rapid Rewards Priority card charges an annual fee that varies but typically falls between $69 and $99 depending on current offers. Chase occasionally waives the first-year fee as part of a promotional offer.
Both versions offer a sign-up bonus when you open the card and spend a certain amount within a set timeframe—usually $1,000 to $2,000 in the first three months. The bonus is typically 40,000 to 75,000 points, depending on which version you choose and what promotion is running at the time. A rough conversion is that 25,000 Southwest points equals one free round-trip flight within the continental United States, though the actual value varies by route and how far in advance you book.
If you carry the Priority card, the annual fee is offset partly by the free checked bag benefit. Southwest charges $35 per checked bag for most passengers, so if you check even one bag per year, the Priority card's fee begins to pay for itself. The priority boarding benefit has less direct monetary value but can matter if you prefer earlier seating or want to avoid middle seats.
How points are earned and used
The card earns points at different rates depending on what you buy. On Southwest flights and Southwest.com purchases, you earn 3 points per dollar. At gas stations and restaurants, you earn 2 points per dollar. On all other purchases, you earn 1 point per dollar. These rates explore whether you book directly with Southwest or use the card for everyday spending.
Points are redeemed directly for Southwest flights with no blackout dates. You can book any available seat on any Southwest flight, though premium cabin seats and flights during peak travel times may require more points. You can also use points to purchase gift cards, pay for seat upgrades, or cover baggage fees, though converting points to flights is usually the highest-value use.
One important feature: Southwest points do not expire as long as your account stays open and you use the card or your Rapid Rewards account at least once every 24 months. This means you can accumulate points over time without pressure to spend them when ready, which is useful if you are saving toward a specific trip or a premium cabin upgrade.
Comparing the standard and Priority versions
| Feature | Standard Card | Priority Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $69–$99 (varies by offer) |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 40,000–50,000 points | 60,000–75,000 points |
| Points per Dollar (Southwest) | 3 points | 3 points |
| Points per Dollar (Gas/Restaurants) | 2 points | 2 points |
| Free Checked Bag | No | Yes, every flight |
| Priority Boarding | No | Yes |
| Annual Companion Pass Bonus | No | Yes (after spending threshold) |
The Priority card's main advantage is the free checked bag on every flight. If you travel more than once or twice a year and check luggage, this benefit alone can save you $70 to $140 annually, which covers most or all of the annual fee. The priority boarding benefit is secondary but useful if you prefer an aisle or window seat without paying extra.
The standard card makes sense if you rarely fly Southwest, travel light without checked bags, or want to test whether the card fits your spending habits before committing to an annual fee. You can always upgrade to the Priority version later if your travel patterns change.
Interest rates and fees beyond the annual charge
Like all credit cards, the Southwest Rapid Rewards card charges interest on balances you carry from month to month. The interest rate (APR) varies based on your credit score and current market rates, typically ranging from around 18% to 27%. If you carry a balance, interest charges will quickly outpace any points you earn, so this card is most valuable when you pay the full statement balance each month.
The card also charges standard fees for late payments, returned payments, and cash advances. There is no foreign transaction fee, which is useful if you travel internationally and want to use the card abroad. However, Southwest itself does not fly internationally, so the card's points benefits do not extend to non-Southwest airlines.
When this card makes financial sense
The Southwest Rapid Rewards card is worth holding if you fly Southwest at least a few times per year and would otherwise pay for flights out of pocket. The points accumulate quickly on everyday spending, and the lack of blackout dates means you have genuine flexibility in when and where you redeem them. For frequent Southwest travelers, the Priority version's free checked bag and priority boarding often pay for the annual fee within a single year.
The card is less valuable if you rarely fly, prefer other airlines, or already have a general travel rewards card that earns points on all purchases without an annual fee. It is also less useful if you carry a credit card balance month to month, because interest charges will exceed the value of points earned.
The sign-up bonus is the highest-value benefit of any rewards card, so if you are considering opening one, timing matters. If you have a large planned expense or upcoming trip, opening the card and meeting the spending requirement during that period maximizes the bonus value. However, do not spend more than you normally would just to reach the bonus threshold—the interest and fees on extra spending will outweigh the points gained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer Southwest points to another airline or use them for non-Southwest flights?
No. Southwest points are locked into the Southwest Rapid Rewards program and can only be used for Southwest flights, upgrades, gift cards, or baggage fees. You cannot transfer points to other airlines or use them with partner airlines. This is a key difference from some other travel cards that offer more flexibility.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points remain in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account as long as you use the account at least once every 24 months. Closing the card itself does not erase your points. However, if your account goes inactive for 24 months with no card use or other activity, Southwest may close the account and forfeit the points.
Is the sign-up bonus worth the spending requirement?
The sign-up bonus is typically worth $200 to $300 in flight value, which makes it the card's best benefit. However, only pursue it if you can meet the spending requirement through purchases you would make anyway. Spending extra just to reach the threshold erases the bonus value through interest charges and defeats the purpose of using a rewards card.
Does the Priority card's annual fee get waived if I do not fly that year?
No. The annual fee charges every year regardless of whether you use the card or fly Southwest. If you know you will not travel for a year, downgrading to the standard card before the fee posts can save you money. You can upgrade again when travel resumes.
How do I know how many points a flight will cost?
Southwest publishes a points chart on its website showing the point cost for each route. Costs vary by route and demand, with popular routes and peak travel times requiring more points. You can check the cost before booking to decide whether a particular flight is worth the points or whether you should wait for a lower-cost option.