What Southwest Rapid Rewards cards do

Southwest Airlines issues three Rapid Rewards credit cards through Chase: the Southwest Rapid Rewards, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier, and Southwest Rapid Rewards Business. Each card earns points on purchases that convert to Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and other travel benefits. The main difference between them is the annual fee, the sign-up bonus, and the earning rate on certain categories.

These are standard credit cards issued by Chase Bank. You explore through Chase, receive a credit line, and use the card like any other card — the airline benefit is what you earn on top of the purchase itself. The card does not give you free flights; it gives you a way to accumulate points that Southwest will redeem for flights at rates that vary by route and demand.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards cards earn points on every purchase, with bonus categories for dining, rideshare, and hotels depending on which card you hold.
  • Each card charges an annual fee ranging from $69 to $99, and the sign-up bonus (usually 40,000 to 75,000 points) typically covers the fee in the first year.
  • Points do not expire as long as your account remains active, but the card itself must be kept open to maintain your Rapid Rewards account status.
  • A round-trip flight on Southwest usually costs between 6,000 and 15,000 points depending on distance and how far in advance you book.
  • You can transfer points to a companion, but you cannot sell them or use them outside the Southwest ecosystem.

The three card options and their costs

The Southwest Rapid Rewards card (no tier name) charges $69 per year and earns 1 point per dollar on all purchases. The sign-up bonus is typically 40,000 points after you spend $500 in the first three months. This card is the entry point and has no bonus categories.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card charges $99 per year and earns 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, 2 points per dollar on dining and rideshare, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. The sign-up bonus is usually 50,000 points after $2,000 in spending in the first three months. You also receive a free checked bag on every Southwest flight you take as the cardholder.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Business card charges $99 per year and earns 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, 2 points per dollar on internet, cable, and phone services, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. The sign-up bonus is typically 60,000 points after $3,000 in spending in the first three months. This card is designed for business owners and self-employed people, though Chase does not verify business status strictly.

All three cards waive the annual fee in the first year for some promotions, though this varies. Check the current offer when you look at the process.

How points convert to flights and what they are worth

Southwest uses a dynamic pricing model for points redemption. A flight that costs $150 in cash might cost 6,000 points, while a peak-time flight that costs $400 in cash might cost 15,000 points. The airline does not publish a fixed points-per-dollar value; instead, you see the points price when you search for a specific flight.

In general, points are worth between 1.2 and 1.5 cents each when redeemed for flights — meaning 10,000 points might be worth $120 to $150 in airfare value. This is lower than some other airline cards, but Southwest has no blackout dates and allows you to book any available seat. You can also use points for seat upgrades (called "Upgraded Boarding"), though this is usually not the best use of points.

Points do not expire as long as your Rapid Rewards account is active. Your account stays active as long as you have any Rapid Rewards activity — a credit card purchase, a flight, or even a points transfer — at least once every 24 months. If you close the card and have no other activity, your points may be forfeited after 24 months of inactivity.

Annual fees versus the value you get back

The $69 or $99 annual fee is real money, and you need to earn enough points to justify it. The sign-up bonus usually covers the first year: 40,000 points on the base card is worth roughly $480 to $600 in flight value, well above the $69 fee. But in year two and beyond, you need to earn enough points through regular spending to offset the fee.

If you spend $5,000 per year on the base card, you earn 5,000 points, worth roughly $60 to $75. That does not cover the $69 fee. If you spend $10,000 per year, you earn 10,000 points, worth roughly $120 to $150, which does cover the fee with room left over. The Premier and Business cards have higher fees but also higher earning rates on bonus categories, so the break-even point is higher.

The free checked bag on the Premier card is worth $35 per round trip if you would otherwise pay for it. If you take two round trips per year, that benefit alone is worth $70, which covers most of the $99 fee before you earn a single point.

How to use points and transfer rules

You redeem points by logging into your Southwest account and searching for flights. You select a flight, choose to pay with points instead of cash, and complete the booking. The points are deducted from your account when ready. You can also call Southwest to book with points, though the phone line may have a wait.

You can transfer points to another person's Rapid Rewards account, but you cannot sell them or convert them to cash. Transfers are permanent and non-refundable. You can also use points to purchase gift cards for Southwest, though the value is usually lower than redeeming for flights directly.

Points earned on the credit card go into your Rapid Rewards account, which is separate from the credit card account. If you close the card, your points stay in your Rapid Rewards account as long as you keep the account active. You do not lose points just because you stop using the card.

Who should get one of these cards

These cards make sense if you fly Southwest at least once or twice per year and spend enough on the card to earn back the annual fee. If you fly Southwest four or more times per year, the Premier card's free checked bag alone may justify the higher fee, even before you earn points.

If you rarely fly or never fly Southwest, these cards are not worth the annual fee. If you fly other airlines primarily, a card from United, American, or Delta may offer better value. If you fly Southwest but only book flights months in advance at low cash prices, points may not be worth much to you, since the points price will be low too.

The Business card is useful if you own a business and can put business expenses on the card, since you earn 2 points per dollar on internet, cable, and phone services — common business costs. If you have no business expenses, the Premier card is usually the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my points if I close the card?

No. Your points live in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, not on the card itself. Closing the card does not delete your points. However, if your Rapid Rewards account has no activity for 24 months, Southwest may close the account and forfeit the points. Using the card, flying Southwest, or transferring points counts as activity.

Can I use points on flights booked by someone else?

No. Points must be used to book a ticket in your own name. You can transfer points to another person's account, and they can then use those points to book their own flight, but you cannot book a flight for someone else using your points.

What happens to my points if Southwest changes the points chart?

Your points do not change in number, but the flights they can buy may change. Southwest adjusts points prices based on demand and distance. A flight that cost 6,000 points last month might cost 8,000 points next month. Your points balance stays the same; only what you can redeem them for changes.

Is there a sign-up bonus if I already have a Southwest card?

Chase limits sign-up bonuses to customers who have not received a bonus on that specific card in the past 24 months. If you received a bonus on the Premier card two years ago, you may be able to get another bonus now. If you received one within the last two years, you cannot. Check Chase's current terms before you explore.

Do I have to use the card to keep my Rapid Rewards account open?

No. You need activity on your Rapid Rewards account at least once every 24 months, but that activity can be a flight, a points transfer, or even a purchase on a different Southwest card. You do not have to keep the credit card open or use it regularly. However, if you close the card and have no other activity, your account may close after 24 months.