The Three Southwest Cards and What Sets Them Apart
Southwest offers three co-branded credit cards through Chase: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Card. Each one earns points on every purchase, but they differ in annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and perks tied to frequent flyer status. The choice between them depends on how often you fly Southwest, whether you travel for business, and what benefits matter most to you.
All three cards are issued by Chase and use the same Rapid Rewards program, so points earned on any card work the same way. The real differences show up in the welcome bonus structure, the annual fee, and which card holders get priority boarding or checked bag discounts. Understanding those differences helps you pick the one that actually saves you money instead of costing it.
Key Takeaways
- The Premier Card has a lower annual fee and is best for people who fly Southwest a few times a year and want a straightforward earning structure.
- The Plus Card costs more annually but includes two free checked bags per year and a higher sign-up bonus, making it worth it if you check luggage regularly.
- The Business Card is designed for self-employed people and small business owners who can put business spending on the card and want the same perks as the Plus Card.
- All three cards earn the same points per dollar on purchases, so the choice comes down to annual fees, bonuses, and travel perks rather than earning rates.
- Sign-up bonuses change throughout the year, so the current offer on each card may differ from what you see advertised elsewhere.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card: Lower Cost, Fewer Perks
The Premier Card carries a lower annual fee than the Plus Card and is aimed at occasional Southwest flyers. You earn points on every purchase, and the sign-up bonus typically covers the annual fee in value if you meet the spending requirement. The card does not include free checked bags or priority boarding, so you pay for those separately when you need them.
This card makes sense if you fly Southwest once or twice a year, do not check bags often, and want to build a points balance without paying a high annual fee. The points you earn on everyday spending — groceries, gas, restaurants — add up over time and can eventually cover a flight. If you rarely check luggage and do not mind boarding in the later groups, the Premier Card keeps your costs low while still giving you a way to earn toward free flights.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card: Free Bags and Higher Bonus
The Plus Card costs more per year than the Premier Card but includes two free checked bags on every Southwest flight for the cardholder. If you check even one bag per trip, that benefit alone can pay for the annual fee within a few flights. The sign-up bonus is also higher than the Premier Card's, and you get a points boost on your account anniversary each year.
The Plus Card is built for people who fly Southwest several times a year and check luggage regularly. Business travelers, people visiting family in other cities, and anyone who packs more than a carry-on should look at this card first. The free bags, anniversary bonus, and higher sign-up bonus often make the annual fee worth it if you use the card for at least a few Southwest trips per year.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Card: For Self-Employed and Small Business Owners
The Business Card has the same perks as the Plus Card — free checked bags and a higher sign-up bonus — but is designed for people who put business expenses on their credit card. You need a business tax ID to open it, though a sole proprietorship counts. The card earns points on business purchases like office supplies, travel, and client entertainment, and those points work the same way as points on personal cards.
If you are self-employed or own a small business and fly Southwest for work, this card lets you earn points on business spending while getting the same free bag benefit. You can also track business expenses more easily by keeping them on one card. The annual fee and sign-up bonus structure are the same as the Plus Card, so the choice between them comes down to whether you have business spending to put on the card.
How Points Work Across All Three Cards
Every Southwest card earns 1 point per dollar spent on purchases, with some categories earning more. You earn 2 points per dollar at gas stations and restaurants, and 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases made through the airline's website. Points never expire as long as your account stays open, so you can let them build up over time without pressure to use them when ready.
Points convert directly to dollars toward Southwest flights — 100 points equals $1 in flight value. You can also use points for seat upgrades, car rentals, and hotel stays through Southwest's travel partners, though the value is usually lower than using them for flights. The earning rate is identical across all three cards, so the difference in value comes from the perks and fees, not from how fast you accumulate points.
Annual Fees, Sign-Up Bonuses, and When They Change
Each card has an annual fee charged on the anniversary of when you open the account. The Premier Card's fee is lower than the Plus and Business Cards. Sign-up bonuses vary by card and change throughout the year based on what Chase is promoting. A typical bonus might be 40,000 to 60,000 points after you spend a certain amount in the first few months, but the exact offer depends on when you explore.
The sign-up bonus is usually worth more than the annual fee, so if you meet the spending requirement, you come out ahead in year one. In year two and beyond, you pay the annual fee every year unless you close the card. Some people open a Southwest card, use the bonus, and close it after a year. Others keep it open for the ongoing perks like free checked bags or anniversary bonuses. The math changes based on how much you fly and whether you check luggage.
Priority Boarding and Other Perks
The Plus and Business Cards include priority boarding on Southwest flights, which means you board earlier and have better seat selection. The Premier Card does not include this perk. Priority boarding matters most if you fly Southwest frequently and want to find an aisle or window seat without paying extra. On less crowded flights, the difference is small; on full flights, it can mean the difference between a good seat and a middle seat in the back.
All three cards also give you a points boost on your account anniversary — usually 3,000 to 6,000 points just for keeping the card open another year. This anniversary bonus is one reason people keep their Southwest card even in years when they do not fly much. The combination of free checked bags, priority boarding, and anniversary points makes the Plus Card's higher annual fee worth it for regular Southwest travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one Southwest credit card at the same time?
Yes, you can hold multiple Southwest cards, and points earned on all of them go into the same Rapid Rewards account. Some people open both a personal and business card to earn points faster. However, you will pay the annual fee on each card, so make sure the combined perks and bonuses justify the cost.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points stay in your Rapid Rewards account even after you close the card. Points do not expire as long as you have some account activity — like earning points or redeeming them — at least once every 24 months. Closing the card does not affect your points balance.
Do I have to fly Southwest to make this card worth it?
No. You earn points on every purchase regardless of whether you fly Southwest. If you spend enough on groceries, gas, and restaurants to meet the sign-up bonus, you can redeem points for flights later or use them on other travel partners. The card pays for itself through everyday spending even if you do not fly often.
How do I know which card's sign-up bonus is best right now?
Sign-up bonuses change throughout the year and vary by card. The best way to see the current offer is to visit Chase's website directly or call Southwest's customer service. Compare the bonus amount against the annual fee and the spending requirement to see which card gives you the most value for your situation.
Can I switch from one Southwest card to another?
Yes, you can close one card and open another, or hold both at the same time. If you close a card and open a different one later, you may be able to get another sign-up bonus on the new card. Check Chase's rules on how long you need to wait between bonuses, as there are sometimes restrictions on how often you can earn a bonus on the same card.