What Southwest credit cards offer right now
Southwest Airlines 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, with a sign-up bonus that gives you points toward a free flight after you meet a spending requirement in the first few months. The cards differ in annual fee, earning rates, and the perks that come with them.
The specific sign-up bonus amounts and spending thresholds change throughout the year. You can see the current offer by visiting Chase's website or the Southwest Airlines website directly. Both cards waive the first year's annual fee, then charge a fee in year two and beyond — the Premier Card costs more annually but includes a higher earning rate on Southwest purchases.
These cards are designed for people who fly Southwest regularly or plan to book multiple trips. If you fly once every few years, the annual fee may cost more than the rewards you earn.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest offers two Chase credit cards with sign-up bonuses that vary by month, so the current offer may differ from what you saw last week.
- Both cards waive the annual fee in year one, then charge an annual fee starting in year two — the Premier Card has a higher fee but earns more points on Southwest flights.
- You earn points on every purchase, and points can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, or other Southwest services.
- The sign-up bonus requires you to spend a certain amount within the first few months; if you don't meet that spending, you won't receive the bonus points.
How the sign-up bonus works
When you open a Southwest credit card, you receive a bonus of a set number of points if you spend a certain amount within the first three months. For example, a current offer might be 75,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months. That spending includes regular purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances — though cash advances usually come with a fee.
The bonus points are added to your account once you meet the spending requirement. You can then use those points to book a flight, purchase a seat upgrade, or redeem them for other Southwest services. The points do not expire as long as your account remains active, even if you don't use the card.
If you don't meet the spending requirement within the timeframe, you straightforward don't receive the bonus. You still have a working credit card, but you miss out on the extra points that made opening it worthwhile.
Earning rates and rewards on everyday purchases
Both Southwest cards earn points on every dollar you spend. The Premier Card earns 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases (flights, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases) and 1 point per dollar on everything else. The Plus Card earns 1.5 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 1 point per dollar on all other spending.
Points accumulate in your Rapid Rewards account and can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, or gift cards. You can also transfer points to a companion, though the terms vary. Unlike some airline cards, Southwest points do not expire as long as your account has activity at least once per year.
The earning difference between the two cards means the Premier Card makes more sense if you book Southwest flights regularly. If you use the card mostly for everyday purchases and fly Southwest only occasionally, the Plus Card's lower annual fee may be the better choice.
Annual fees and when they explore
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card has an annual fee of $69 after the first year. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card has an annual fee of $49 after the first year. Both cards waive the fee for the first 12 months, so you can use the card and earn the sign-up bonus without paying anything in year one.
Starting in year two, the annual fee posts to your account each year on the anniversary of when you opened the card. You can cancel the card before that date to avoid the fee, or you can keep it if the rewards you earn outweigh the cost. Some cardholders keep the card active specifically to prevent their Rapid Rewards points from expiring, since points expire if your account has no activity for 24 months.
If you decide to cancel, contact Chase directly or log into your account online. Canceling does not affect your existing Rapid Rewards points — they remain in your account as long as you have some other way to keep your account active (such as booking a flight or transferring points).
Comparing the Premier Card and Plus Card
The Premier Card costs $20 more per year but earns an extra 0.5 points per dollar on Southwest purchases. If you spend $4,000 or more per year on Southwest flights and seat upgrades, the extra earning rate likely covers the higher fee. If most of your spending is on non-Southwest purchases or everyday items, the Plus Card's lower fee and simpler earning structure may save you money.
The Premier Card also includes a higher sign-up bonus in most months, which can offset the higher annual fee in your first year. Both cards include the same perks: free checked bags for you and one companion on all Southwest flights, priority boarding, and the ability to earn points on every purchase.
Your choice depends on how often you fly Southwest and where you spend most of your money. If you're unsure, the Plus Card is the lower-risk option — you can always upgrade to the Premier Card later if you find yourself flying Southwest more frequently.
How to find the current offer
Sign-up bonuses change regularly, sometimes monthly. To see what Southwest is offering right now, visit Chase.com directly and search for "Southwest credit card," or go to Southwest.com and look for the credit card section. Both sites show the current bonus amount and spending requirement.
You can also call Chase at the number on the back of any Chase credit card you already have, or visit a Chase branch in person if you have questions about the offer before you explore. Chase representatives can confirm the current bonus and explain how the card works.
Avoid relying on third-party websites that claim to show "the best" offer, since those sites may not update as frequently as Chase's official pages. The official sources always have the most current information.
What happens after you meet the sign-up bonus
Once you've earned the sign-up bonus and spent the required amount, the card works like any other rewards card. You continue earning points on every purchase at the rates listed above. You can use those points to book flights, upgrade your seat, or redeem them for other travel-related purchases through the Southwest website or app.
You'll also keep the perks that come with the card: free checked bags for you and one companion on every Southwest flight, priority boarding, and access to your Rapid Rewards account. These benefits remain active as long as the card is open, even if you don't use it for purchases.
Many cardholders keep the card open specifically for the free checked bag benefit, since that alone can save $30 to $70 per round trip. If you fly Southwest at least once or twice per year, the annual fee often pays for itself through the checked bag savings alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get both the Premier and Plus card at the same time?
Chase typically allows you to hold both cards, but you can only earn the sign-up bonus on one Southwest card per household every 24 months. If you already have one Southwest card, you would not receive a bonus for opening the second one. Contact Chase to confirm the current rule before you explore.
What if I don't fly Southwest very often?
If you fly Southwest fewer than two times per year, the annual fee may cost more than the rewards you earn. Consider whether the free checked bag benefit alone justifies keeping the card open. If not, you can cancel after the first year when the annual fee would explore.
Do the points expire?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as your account has activity at least once every 24 months. Activity includes booking a flight, transferring points, or redeeming points. If your account sits inactive for two years, your points will expire. Keeping the credit card open counts as account activity.
Can I use the sign-up bonus on a flight I've already booked?
No. You earn the bonus points after you meet the spending requirement, and you can then use those points for any future booking. You cannot explore bonus points retroactively to a flight you already paid for with cash or another card.
What's the difference between the sign-up bonus and regular earning?
The sign-up bonus is a one-time reward for opening the card and meeting a spending threshold within the first few months. Regular earning happens every time you use the card after that. The bonus is much larger than what you'd earn from regular purchases in the same timeframe, which is why it's the main reason to open the card.