Free, helpful information about Travel Cards and related Compare Southwest Credit Cards topics.
Get clear and easy-to-understand details about Compare Southwest Credit Cards topics and resources.
Answer a few optional questions to receive offers or information related to Travel Cards. The survey is optional and not required to access your free guide.
Southwest Airlines offers several cobranded credit cards designed to appeal to different travelers. If you fly Southwest regularly—or want to start—understanding how these cards differ helps you pick one that matches your travel pattern and spending habits. But the right card depends entirely on your situation, not on which one looks best on paper.
All Southwest cobranded cards share the core purpose: earning points on every purchase, with bonus rewards on Southwest flights and partner purchases. You earn points per dollar spent (the rate varies by card), redeem points for free flights, and typically get perks like checked bag fee waivers for cardholders and companions.
The cards also come with an introductory bonus—a one-time reward for meeting a minimum spending requirement in the first few months. This is often the most valuable benefit and the main reason people apply.
Southwest issues cards at different price tiers. Some have no annual fee, while premium versions carry annual costs (typically in the $69–$99 range, though this can change). Higher fees don't automatically mean better value—it depends on whether you'll use the card's premium perks and how much you spend annually.
Cards differ in how many points you earn per dollar on:
A card that earns 2% on dining might appeal to a frequent restaurant spender but matter less if you rarely eat out.
The introductory offer varies—some cards offer a flat point bonus, others require higher spending thresholds. The welcome bonus often represents the bulk of value in year one, so compare not just the number of points but what that equals in dollar terms or free flights.
Higher-tier cards may include:
These features appeal to frequent flyers but may not matter if you fly rarely or don't value them.
High-spending travelers who carry a balance month-to-month may benefit most from a no-annual-fee card with solid earning rates, since the cumulative points add up over time.
Infrequent Southwest flyers might prioritize the welcome bonus alone—apply for the card, hit the bonus, and move on. The annual fee becomes irrelevant if you don't renew.
Southwest frequent flyers who value perks like priority boarding or companion pass eligibility may find the premium version worthwhile, even with the annual fee, if they'll use those benefits consistently.
Bonus seekers should check whether you qualify for the current offer (credit history, recent applications) and whether you can realistically spend enough to unlock it without overspending.
The landscape is clear, but your answer isn't—it depends on which of these factors matter most to you and how you actually travel and spend.
