Southwest Airlines credit cards come with sign-up bonuses, but the real value depends on how often you fly and what you spend
Southwest offers two main credit cards through Chase: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card. Both cards earn points on every purchase, but they differ in annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and perks. The sign-up bonus typically ranges from 40,000 to 75,000 points depending on the card and the current offer — that bonus alone can cover a round-trip flight within the continental U.S. if you redeem it right.
The catch is that these cards only make financial sense if you actually use the points. If you open a card, collect the bonus, and never fly Southwest again, you've paid an annual fee for nothing. The decision comes down to three things: how much you'll spend in the first year, whether you fly Southwest regularly, and whether the perks (like free checked bags) save you money on your actual travel.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest credit card sign-up bonuses range from 40,000 to 75,000 points, but you must spend a set amount within the first few months to earn them.
- The Premier Card costs $69 per year and the Plus Card costs $99 per year, so you need to fly enough to make the annual fee worth it.
- Both cards give you two free checked bags per flight, which saves money if you normally pay baggage fees on other airlines.
- Points expire if your account is inactive for 24 months, so you need to use the card or fly Southwest at least once every two years.
- The sign-up bonus is only one part of the card's value — your everyday spending and redemption strategy matter more over time.
How the sign-up bonus works and what it actually costs
When Southwest runs a sign-up bonus offer, you earn the bonus points only after you spend a certain amount within a set timeframe — usually $2,000 to $3,000 in the first three months. That spending requirement is real: if you don't hit it, you don't get the bonus. Many people open the card, assume the bonus is automatic, and miss the important date.
The bonus itself is worth money only if you redeem it for a flight. A 50,000-point bonus typically covers a round-trip flight within the continental U.S., which on Southwest usually costs $200 to $400 in cash. But if you book a flight during peak travel times or to Hawaii, the same flight might cost 60,000 to 80,000 points. The value of your points depends entirely on when and where you want to fly.
You also pay an annual fee upfront — $69 for the Premier Card or $99 for the Plus Card. That fee hits your account every year, whether you use the card or not. If you earn the bonus, use it for one flight, and never touch the card again, you've paid the annual fee for a one-time benefit. The card only pays for itself if you fly Southwest at least once or twice per year and use the card for everyday spending.
Comparing the Premier Card and the Plus Card
The main differences between the two cards come down to annual fee, sign-up bonus size, and one specific perk. The Premier Card ($69 per year) typically offers a smaller sign-up bonus than the Plus Card ($99 per year), but both cards give you two free checked bags per flight and priority boarding. The Plus Card adds a $75 Southwest travel credit each year, which offsets some of the higher annual fee if you book directly through Southwest.
The travel credit on the Plus Card is not automatic cash back — it only works when you buy a Southwest flight, hotel stay, car rental, or gift card directly through Southwest's website. If you book through a third-party site or fly another airline, the credit does not explore. For frequent Southwest travelers, the $75 credit can cover most or all of the $99 annual fee, making the Plus Card the better choice. For occasional flyers, the Premier Card's lower fee might make more sense.
| Feature | Premier Card | Plus Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $69 | $99 |
| Typical Sign-Up Bonus | 40,000–50,000 points | 60,000–75,000 points |
| Free Checked Bags | 2 per flight | 2 per flight |
| Priority Boarding | Yes | Yes |
| Annual Travel Credit | None | $75 Southwest only |
When free checked bags actually save you money
Southwest does not charge for the first two checked bags on any flight — that is their standard policy for all passengers. If you have a Southwest card, you get the same two free bags, plus priority boarding. The real savings come if you normally fly other airlines that charge $30 to $40 per checked bag. If you switch to Southwest and check two bags per trip, you save $60 to $80 per round trip.
The math works like this: if you take four round trips per year and check two bags each time, you save $240 to $320 annually. The Premier Card costs $69 per year, so the free checked bags alone cover the fee and leave you ahead. But if you only fly once or twice per year, or if you travel light and never check bags, the free checked bag benefit is worthless to you.
How points expire and why you cannot just sit on them
Southwest Rapid Rewards points expire if your account has no activity for 24 consecutive months. Activity means either using your credit card or flying Southwest. If you earn a 50,000-point bonus, open the card, and then do not use it or fly Southwest for two years, those points vanish. You lose the entire bonus.
This rule catches people off guard. You might think you are saving points for a big trip years down the road, but if you do not use the card or fly Southwest in the meantime, the points disappear. To keep points alive, you need to charge at least one small purchase to the card or book one Southwest flight every 24 months. Many cardholders set a phone reminder or calendar alert to make a small purchase before the 24-month window closes.
Everyday spending and earning rates
Outside of the sign-up bonus, both Southwest cards earn 1 point per dollar spent on all purchases. That is a standard earning rate — not high, not low. You earn the same 1 point per dollar whether you buy groceries, gas, or plane tickets. Some other airline cards earn 2 points per dollar on airline purchases or 3 points per dollar on dining, so if you spend heavily in those categories, a different card might earn points faster.
The real value of everyday spending comes only if you fly Southwest regularly. If you spend $10,000 per year on the card, you earn 10,000 points from that spending alone. Combined with the sign-up bonus and any annual travel credits, that might cover one or two additional flights per year. But if you do not fly Southwest, those points sit unused and eventually expire.
The decision: is a Southwest card right for you?
A Southwest credit card makes sense if you fly Southwest at least twice per year, you check bags regularly, or you spend enough on the card to earn meaningful points. The sign-up bonus is attractive, but it is only a one-time benefit. The real value comes from the combination of free checked bags, the annual travel credit (on the Plus Card), and points earned on everyday spending.
If you fly other airlines more often, do not check bags, or travel infrequently, a Southwest card will cost you money in annual fees without delivering enough value to offset them. In that case, a general cash-back card or a card from an airline you actually use regularly makes more financial sense. The decision is not about the bonus — it is about whether the card fits your actual travel and spending habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to spend the full amount to get the sign-up bonus?
Yes. The bonus only posts to your account after you meet the spending requirement, usually $2,000 to $3,000 within three months. If you spend $1,999, you get nothing. Check the specific terms when you explore, because the requirement changes with each offer.
Can I use my points on flights booked through third-party sites?
No. You must book directly through Southwest.com to redeem points. If you book through Expedia, Google Flights, or another travel site, you cannot use Rapid Rewards points, even if the flight is on Southwest.
What happens if I close the card before the annual fee hits?
You can close the card anytime, but the annual fee typically posts on your account anniversary — the date you opened the card. If you want to avoid the second year's fee, close the card before that date. You keep any points you have already earned, but remember they expire after 24 months of no activity.
Is the sign-up bonus worth opening a card I will only use once?
Only if the bonus value exceeds the annual fee. A 50,000-point bonus is worth roughly $200 to $400 depending on when you fly. If you subtract the $69 or $99 annual fee, you come out ahead by $100 to $300. But you have to actually redeem the points — if they expire unused, you lose money.
Can I get the sign-up bonus again if I close and reopen the card?
Chase typically does not allow you to earn the same sign-up bonus twice within a 24-month period. If you close the card and reopen it within two years, you will not may have access to for the bonus again. Wait at least 24 months before explore for the bonus a second time.