The two main Southwest cards and what they cost

Southwest offers two co-branded credit cards through Chase: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card. Both cards earn points on every purchase, but they differ in annual fee, sign-up bonus structure, and perks.

The Priority card carries a higher annual fee — currently $69 — but includes benefits like a free checked bag each year and priority boarding. The Plus card has a lower annual fee of $35 and is designed for people who fly Southwest less often. Both cards waive the annual fee for the first year if you open a new account.

Neither card is free to carry long-term. You need to decide whether the perks you actually use — checked bags, boarding position, lounge access on the Priority card — are worth the yearly cost. If you fly Southwest once or twice a year, the Plus card's lower fee might make sense. If you fly four or more times annually and check bags, the Priority card's benefits could offset its higher fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest's two cards differ mainly in annual fee ($35 for Plus, $69 for Priority) and perks like free checked bags and priority boarding on the Priority card.
  • Both cards waive the annual fee for your first year, so the real cost comparison starts in year two.
  • Points earned on these cards never expire as long as your account stays open, even if you stop using the card.
  • The sign-up bonus typically requires you to spend a certain amount within the first few months; read the terms carefully because bonus structures change.
  • Carrying a Southwest card affects your credit score the same way any new credit card does — a small temporary dip when you open it, then neutral or positive if you pay on time.

How the rewards actually work

Both Southwest cards earn points in the Rapid Rewards program. You get one point per dollar spent on most purchases, and bonus points on Southwest flights and at partner merchants like hotels and rental car companies. The points convert directly to Southwest flights — you redeem them at checkout on Southwest's website, and the system tells you how many points each flight costs.

A key difference from some other airline cards: Southwest points don't expire. As long as your Rapid Rewards account has activity (which includes having the card open), your points stay in your account indefinitely. This matters if you earn points but don't fly for a year or two — you won't lose them.

The sign-up bonus is where most people get their first big point haul. Chase periodically changes the bonus structure, so it might be "earn 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months" or a different threshold. Check the current offer on Chase's website before you explore, because the bonus terms vary and change frequently.

Annual fees and perks on the Priority card

The Priority card's $69 annual fee includes a free checked bag on every Southwest flight you take as the cardholder. If you check a bag even once a year, that alone covers most of the fee — Southwest charges $35 for the first checked bag on most fares. You also get priority boarding (boarding group A instead of B or C), which means you board earlier and have better seat selection.

The Priority card also includes a $75 annual Southwest travel credit that you can use toward flights, seat upgrades, or baggage fees. This credit posts automatically each year on your card anniversary. Combined with the free checked bag benefit, the Priority card's perks can substantially reduce or eliminate the annual fee if you use them.

The card also offers trip cancellation insurance, emergency medical and dental coverage while traveling, and other travel protections. These are secondary benefits — they cover you only if your primary insurance doesn't — but they exist if you need them.

The Plus card for occasional flyers

The Plus card's $35 annual fee is lower, but it doesn't include the free checked bag or priority boarding. You earn the same points per dollar as the Priority card, so the earning rate is identical. The main trade-off is that you pay for checked bags and board in a later group, but you keep more money in your pocket each year.

The Plus card makes sense if you fly Southwest fewer than four times a year or if you rarely check bags. It also works well as a second card if someone in your household already has the Priority card — you can both earn points toward the same Rapid Rewards account, and one Priority card's free checked bag benefit covers the cardholder.

Like the Priority card, the Plus card waives the annual fee for the first year, so you can test whether the card fits your flying habits before you commit to paying the fee in year two.

How opening a Southwest card affects your credit

explore for a Southwest card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which causes a small temporary dip in your credit score — typically 5 to 10 points. This dip fades within a few months as long as you pay your bills on time. The new account itself also lowers your average account age, which can cause another small dip, but this effect also diminishes over time.

Once the card is open and you use it responsibly — paying your full balance or at least making on-time payments — it actually helps your credit score. It adds to your total available credit, which lowers your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your total credit limit you're using). A lower utilization ratio is good for your score.

If you already carry balances on other cards, opening a new card doesn't automatically hurt you, but it also won't fix the problem. The real impact on your score comes from how you use the card going forward. Carrying a balance on the Southwest card and paying interest defeats the purpose of earning rewards.

Comparing the Southwest cards to other airline cards

Southwest's cards are straightforward: points equal flights, no blackout dates, and points don't expire. Some other airline cards offer higher sign-up bonuses or more premium perks, but they also charge higher annual fees and have more complex earning structures.

The main advantage of Southwest cards is simplicity. You don't have to decode award charts or worry about points expiring. The main disadvantage is that Southwest only flies domestic routes and a few Caribbean destinations, so the card's value depends on whether Southwest serves your home airport and your preferred destinations.

If you fly multiple airlines or take international trips, a general travel rewards card (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred) might give you more flexibility. If you fly Southwest regularly, the Rapid Rewards card is built specifically for that loyalty.

What to consider before you explore

Before opening a Southwest card, think about how often you actually fly Southwest and whether you'll use the perks. If you fly once every two years, the annual fee is hard to justify. If you fly four or more times yearly and check bags, the Priority card's benefits likely pay for themselves.

Also consider your current credit situation. If your credit score is below 670, you're less likely to be approved. If you've opened multiple credit cards in the past six months, Chase may decline your process. You can call Chase to ask about your odds before you explore, though they won't give you a may provide.

Finally, read the current terms on Chase's website. Sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and earning rates change periodically. The information here describes how these cards generally work, but the specific offer you see may differ from what's described here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Southwest points to another airline?

No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points can only be redeemed for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, or baggage fees. You cannot transfer them to another airline's program or convert them to cash. This is one reason Southwest's program is simpler than some competitors — you're not trying to figure out transfer partners and conversion rates.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points stay in your Rapid Rewards account as long as your account has activity within 24 months. Closing the card doesn't automatically close your Rapid Rewards account. However, if your Rapid Rewards account goes inactive for 24 months with no flights, points purchases, or card activity, Southwest may close the account and you could lose your points. Keep the card open or use your Rapid Rewards account periodically to protect your balance.

Do I have to fly Southwest to use the rewards?

You earn points by using the card for any purchase, not just Southwest flights. You can accumulate points through everyday spending — groceries, gas, restaurants — and then redeem them for flights whenever you're ready. Many people use the card as their everyday card specifically to build up points for a future trip.

Is the sign-up bonus worth it if I don't spend much?

The sign-up bonus requires you to spend a specific amount (usually $1,000 to $2,500) within a set timeframe (usually three months). If you can't naturally spend that much in your normal budget, opening the card just for the bonus isn't worth it. Manufactured spending to hit the threshold can backfire if it leads you to carry a balance and pay interest.

Can I have both the Priority and Plus card at the same time?

Chase's rules typically allow you to hold both cards simultaneously, and some households do this to maximize points earning and perks. However, you'd pay both annual fees, so this only makes sense if both cardholders fly Southwest regularly. Check Chase's current rules before explore for a second card.