What the Southwest Rapid Rewards card does

The Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card is a co-branded card issued by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It earns points on every purchase you make, and those points convert directly into Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and checked baggage fees. Unlike some airline cards that lock you into one carrier's ecosystem, Southwest points don't expire as long as your account stays active, and you can use them on any Southwest route without blackout dates.

The card comes in two versions: the personal card and the business card. Both earn the same rewards rate and offer the same sign-up bonus structure, though the business version has different annual fees and some business-specific perks. The personal card is the more common choice for individual travelers.

Key Takeaways

  • The card earns 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 1 point per dollar on everything else, with no category restrictions or rotating categories to track.
  • New cardholders receive a sign-up bonus that typically requires you to spend a set amount within the first three months; the exact bonus amount changes periodically.
  • You pay an annual fee to hold the card, and that fee is waived for the first year on the personal version.
  • Points never expire as long as your Southwest Rapid Rewards account remains open, even if you close the credit card itself.
  • The card includes a free checked bag benefit for you and one companion on all Southwest flights, which alone can save $130 to $260 per year depending on how often you fly.

How points and rewards work

Every dollar you spend on the card earns points toward Southwest flights. The earning rate is straightforward: 2 points per dollar when you use the card for Southwest Airlines purchases (flights, seat upgrades, gift cards), and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. There are no bonus categories that rotate, no caps on earning, and no restrictions on which merchants earn the higher rate — it's straightforward 2x on Southwest and 1x everywhere else.

Points convert into Southwest flights at a variable rate depending on the route and how far in advance you book. A short domestic flight might cost 6,000 to 8,000 points, while a longer route could run 15,000 to 25,000 points or more. Southwest publishes its award chart, so you can see the point cost for any route before you book. You redeem points directly through Southwest's website or by calling their reservations line.

The sign-up bonus is the largest chunk of points most new cardholders receive. This bonus typically requires you to spend a certain amount (often $1,000 to $2,000) within the first three months of opening the account. The bonus point value changes throughout the year, so the exact offer you see depends on when you explore. You should check the current offer before submitting your process.

Annual fees and the first-year waiver

The Southwest Rapid Rewards personal credit card charges an annual fee, but Chase waives this fee for the first year. After that, you pay the full annual fee each year the card remains open. The annual fee amount is set by Chase and does not vary by credit score or account history.

Whether the card makes financial sense for you depends on how much you fly and how much value you place on the free checked bag benefit. If you take at least two Southwest round trips per year, the checked bag savings alone often cover the annual fee. If you rarely fly Southwest, the card's value drops significantly.

The free checked bag benefit

One of the most tangible benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards card is the free checked bag for you and one companion on all Southwest flights. This benefit applies to every flight you take on Southwest as long as the card remains open and you use it to purchase the ticket. A single checked bag normally costs $35 on the first bag and $45 on the second; a companion's first checked bag would also be free under this benefit.

The free bag benefit is one reason many people keep the card even in years when they don't fly much. Over two round trips, the savings can easily exceed $200. The benefit applies only to the cardholder and one designated companion per flight, not to your entire family, so plan accordingly if you travel with multiple people.

how the process works and what you'll need

You can explore for the Southwest Rapid Rewards card directly through Chase's website or through Southwest's website. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Chase will pull your credit report as part of the process.

You don't need to be a Southwest frequent flyer to open the card, though you will need a Southwest Rapid Rewards account number to link the card to your account once it arrives. If you don't have one, you can create a free account on Southwest's website before you explore for the card, or you can set one up after approval.

Chase typically notifies you of approval or denial within minutes to a few days. If approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can then set up it through Chase's website or by calling the number on the back of the card.

Credit score and approval odds

Chase generally prefers applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher for the Southwest Rapid Rewards card, though approval is not may provide at any score. Your credit history, income, and existing Chase accounts also factor into the decision. If you have recent late payments, high debt relative to your income, or a very short credit history, your odds of approval drop.

If you're denied, you can call Chase's reconsideration line to discuss your process. Sometimes providing additional information about your income or explaining recent credit issues can lead to approval. You can also wait a few months, improve your credit score, and explore again.

Comparing the personal and business versions

Southwest also offers a business version of the Rapid Rewards card through Chase. The earning rates and point structure are identical to the personal card: 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 1 point per dollar elsewhere. The main differences are the annual fee amount (which may differ from the personal card) and the sign-up bonus structure, which is tailored to business spending patterns.

The business card is designed for self-employed people and small business owners who want to earn points on both personal and business travel. If you're a sole proprietor or own a small business and fly Southwest regularly, the business card might make sense. If you're an employee at a company, the personal card is the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Southwest Rapid Rewards points expire?

No. Points do not expire as long as your Southwest Rapid Rewards account remains active. Your account stays active as long as you have account activity at least once every 24 months — this can be a flight, a credit card purchase, or even a phone call to Southwest. If you close the credit card, your points remain in your Southwest account and don't disappear.

Can I use points on flights booked by someone else?

Yes. You can book a flight for anyone using your points, not just yourself. You don't have to be the passenger on the flight. This is useful if you want to send a family member or friend a Southwest flight as a gift.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points stay in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account. Closing the credit card does not delete your points. However, you will lose the free checked bag benefit once the card is closed, so you won't earn that perk on future flights.

Can I transfer points to another airline or use them for something other than flights?

Southwest points can only be used for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and checked baggage fees. You cannot transfer them to other airlines, use them for hotel stays, or redeem them for cash. This is one reason some travelers prefer airline cards from carriers that are part of larger alliance networks.

How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?

This depends on how much you spend and how you use the card. If you spend $10,000 per year on the card at the 1 point per dollar rate, you earn 10,000 points annually. A short Southwest flight might cost 6,000 to 8,000 points, so you could earn a free flight in less than a year. If you spend less or take longer flights, it will take more time.