What the Chase Southwest Visa Card is and who it's for
The Chase Southwest Visa is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase 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 flights and upgrades. Unlike a general rewards card, this one ties directly to Southwest's loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, so every dollar you spend earns points you can redeem only with Southwest.
This card makes sense if you already book Southwest flights a few times a year, or if you spend enough on groceries, gas, and dining that the rewards add up faster than you'd earn them flying alone. It's less useful if you fly other airlines, prefer flexibility to switch rewards between programs, or don't want to pay an annual fee for a card you won't use heavily.
Key Takeaways
- The Chase Southwest Visa charges an annual fee (the amount varies by card tier) but gives you a sign-up bonus of points that typically covers at least one domestic flight.
- You earn points on every purchase, but the earning rate and benefits differ between the regular card and the premium tier — check which one fits your spending.
- Points are locked into Southwest's Rapid Rewards program and can only be used for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and a few other Southwest services.
- The card includes perks like a free checked bag on Southwest flights and priority boarding, which save money if you fly Southwest multiple times a year.
- You need to be approved by Chase's credit review, which typically looks at your credit score, income, and payment history.
Annual fees and sign-up bonuses
Chase offers two versions of the Southwest Visa: the standard card and the premium card. The standard card has a lower annual fee, while the premium card costs more but includes additional benefits like higher earning rates and extra perks. Both charge an annual fee, which is not waived in the first year — you pay it when you open the account.
To offset that cost, both cards offer a sign-up bonus of Rapid Rewards points if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. That bonus is usually enough to book a domestic flight or get close to it, depending on the route and how far in advance you book. The exact bonus amount and spending requirement change periodically, so check Chase's current offer before you explore.
The math is straightforward: if the annual fee is $69 and the sign-up bonus is worth $200 in flight value, you come out ahead in year one if you use the card. In year two and beyond, you break even only if the rewards you earn on regular spending exceed the annual fee.
How earning points works on everyday purchases
Every time you use the card, you earn points at a rate that depends on what you're buying. Most purchases earn a base rate — typically 1 point per dollar spent. Certain categories like gas stations, restaurants, and Southwest purchases earn a higher rate, often 2 or 3 points per dollar. The premium card usually offers higher earning rates across these categories than the standard card.
Points accumulate in your Rapid Rewards account, which is separate from your Chase account. You can see your balance anytime by logging into Southwest's website. There's no limit to how many points you can earn or how long you can hold them — they don't expire as long as your account stays active.
The catch is that points are only useful for Southwest. You can't transfer them to another airline, redeem them for cash, or use them for hotels or rental cars. If you switch airlines or stop flying Southwest, the points become worthless.
Perks that save money on Southwest flights
Beyond earning points, the card includes benefits that reduce what you pay when you actually fly. The most valuable is a free checked bag on Southwest flights — normally $35 per bag each way. If you check a bag twice a year, that benefit alone pays for the annual fee on the standard card.
Both versions also give you priority boarding, which means you board earlier and get better seat selection without paying extra. The premium card adds additional perks like a higher annual points bonus just for keeping the card open, and sometimes a discount on in-flight purchases.
These perks only work on Southwest flights. If you book a connecting flight on another airline, or fly a different carrier entirely, you don't get the checked bag waiver or priority boarding.
Credit requirements and the approval process
Chase reviews your credit report, credit score, income, and payment history before deciding whether to approve you. There's no published minimum credit score, but most people approved for Chase rewards cards have a score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may still be approved, but it depends on your overall financial picture.
The process takes about 15 minutes online. Chase usually gives you a decision within seconds or a few minutes. If they need more information, they'll contact you by phone or email. Once approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you're denied, you can call Chase to ask why and whether you can reapply later. Sometimes the issue is recent credit inquiries, a recent late payment, or straightforward too many new accounts in a short time. Waiting a few months and improving your score can change the outcome.
How to redeem points for flights and upgrades
When you're ready to book a flight, you log into your Rapid Rewards account and search for flights as usual. At checkout, you choose to pay with points instead of cash. Southwest shows you the point cost for each flight, which varies by route, time of day, and how far in advance you book. A short domestic flight might cost 6,000 to 8,000 points, while a longer route could cost 15,000 or more.
You can also use points to buy upgrades to premium seating or to extend your trip. The point cost for upgrades is usually lower than booking a full flight, so some people use points strategically for upgrades rather than entire tickets.
Points don't expire as long as you have account activity at least once every 24 months. Activity includes earning points, redeeming points, or even just logging into your Rapid Rewards account. If your account goes inactive for two years, Southwest may close it and forfeit your points.
Comparing this card to other airline and rewards cards
If you fly multiple airlines, a general rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred might be better because points transfer to many airline programs and you're not locked into one carrier. If you fly Southwest exclusively and take several trips a year, this card's perks and earning rates usually beat a general card.
Other airlines offer co-branded cards too — American, United, and Delta all have Chase versions. The structure is similar: annual fee, sign-up bonus, earning rates tied to that airline, and perks like free checked bags. Your choice depends on which airline you fly most often and which perks matter to you.
If you don't fly much at all, neither an airline card nor a general rewards card makes sense. A basic cash-back card with no annual fee is better because you keep the rewards without paying a yearly cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the card to get the free checked bag benefit?
Yes. The free checked bag only applies when you use the card to purchase your Southwest ticket. If you book with cash or points but don't present the card at check-in, you'll be charged the bag fee. You need to have the physical card or the digital version in your mobile wallet when you check in.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points stay in your Rapid Rewards account and don't disappear when you close the card. You can still redeem them for flights as long as your Rapid Rewards account remains active. However, you lose the perks like free checked bags and priority boarding once the card is closed.
Can I earn points on the annual fee itself?
No. The annual fee is charged by Chase and doesn't earn points. Only purchases you make with the card earn points.
Is there a limit to how many Southwest Visa cards I can have?
Chase typically allows you to hold multiple versions of the same card, but there are limits on how often you can open new cards and receive sign-up bonuses. Most people can't get another sign-up bonus on the same card within 24 months. Check Chase's current rules before explore for a second card.
What if I have a balance I can't pay off right away?
The card charges interest on unpaid balances, just like any credit card. The interest rate varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Carrying a balance means you're paying interest charges that eat into the value of the rewards you're earning. It's better to use the card only for purchases you can pay off in full each month.