What the Southwest Rapid Rewards card does and who it's built for
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 — typically 1 point per dollar spent — and those points convert directly into Southwest flight tickets, seat upgrades, and checked baggage fees. You do not earn miles toward a separate loyalty program; the card's rewards are the same currency Southwest uses for its own frequent flyer account.
This card makes sense if you fly Southwest multiple times a year and want to accumulate points faster than you would from ticket purchases alone. It also makes sense if you spend enough on everyday purchases — groceries, gas, utilities — that the points add up to a free flight within a year or two. It does not make sense if you rarely fly Southwest, prefer other airlines, or if the annual fee would cost more than the points you'd realistically earn.
Key Takeaways
- The card charges an annual fee (the amount varies by card version) and earns 1 point per dollar on most purchases, with bonus categories that earn more on specific spending like Southwest tickets or dining.
- Points are redeemable for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and baggage fees, but not for cash back or other airlines' tickets.
- New cardholders typically receive a sign-up bonus of points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.
- The card's value depends entirely on whether you fly Southwest often enough to use the points before they expire (points do not expire as long as your account stays active, but the card itself can be closed).
- You need a credit score in the good to excellent range — typically 670 or higher — to be considered for approval.
Annual fee, sign-up bonus, and the math of whether it pays
The Southwest Rapid Rewards card comes in multiple versions with different annual fees. The standard version charges an annual fee; the premium version charges a higher annual fee but includes additional perks like a companion pass (which lets one other person fly free on most Southwest flights for a year). Chase periodically changes the sign-up bonus, so the exact number of points offered to new cardholders shifts throughout the year.
To decide whether the card pays for itself, start with the sign-up bonus. If you meet the minimum spending requirement (usually $1,000 to $2,000 in the first three months), you'll receive a large chunk of points upfront — often enough for one or two free flights depending on the route. Then subtract the annual fee from what you'd spend on Southwest tickets in a year. If you normally buy two Southwest tickets annually at $200 each, and the annual fee is $69, you're already ahead after the sign-up bonus covers one ticket. If you fly once a year or less, the fee likely outweighs the benefit.
How points are earned and what they're worth
You earn 1 point per dollar on most everyday purchases. Some card versions offer bonus points — for example, 3 points per dollar on Southwest tickets purchased with the card, or 2 points per dollar on dining and rideshare. These bonuses vary by card version and can change, so check the current terms before explore.
The value of each point depends on the flight you book. Southwest uses a dynamic pricing model, meaning the same route costs different numbers of points on different days. A short flight might cost 5,000 points; a longer one might cost 25,000 or more. On average, points are worth roughly 1.5 cents each when redeemed for flights, though this varies widely. You can also use points for seat upgrades (typically 1,500 to 3,000 points per upgrade) or to pay baggage fees ($15 per bag, or roughly 1,500 points).
Comparing this card to other airline cards and cash-back alternatives
If you fly multiple airlines, a general travel rewards card (which earns points or cash back redeemable across many airlines) might give you more flexibility. If you fly one other airline frequently in addition to Southwest, you might come out ahead with two airline cards rather than one. If you rarely fly and spend heavily on everyday purchases, a cash-back card — which lets you redeem rewards as a statement credit or direct deposit — removes the risk that you'll accumulate points you never use.
The trade-off is specificity. A Southwest-branded card forces you to use the points on Southwest flights, which means you're betting that Southwest will remain your primary airline. A cash-back card gives you the option to use the rewards however you want, but typically earns a lower percentage (1% to 2% cash back versus 1 point per dollar, which may be worth more or less depending on how you value the points).
Credit score requirements and the approval process
Chase typically approves applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher, though approval is not may provide at any score. The card issuer will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. If you're denied, you can call the reconsideration line to ask whether additional information (like a lower credit utilization rate or a longer credit history) might change the decision.
The process itself takes a few minutes online. You'll provide your name, address, income, and employment information. Chase usually makes a decision within seconds or minutes; some applications go to a review queue and take a few business days. Once approved, the physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though you can often use the card number when ready for online purchases.
Annual fee waivers, retention offers, and keeping the card active
Chase does not automatically waive the annual fee for new cardholders, but you can call the customer service number on the back of your card after the first year and ask whether they'll waive it or offer a retention bonus (extra points to keep the card open). Whether they say yes depends on your account history — if you've spent heavily and carried a balance, you're more likely to get a waiver or bonus than if you've barely used the card.
If you decide to close the card, your points do not disappear when ready, but they're at risk if your Southwest frequent flyer account becomes inactive. Southwest's policy requires at least one earning activity (a flight, a credit card purchase, a transfer, or a promotional credit) every 24 months to keep the account open. If your account closes, your points are forfeited. This is why some cardholders keep the card open even after the annual fee kicks in — the points are worth more than the fee if you're likely to fly again within two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my points on flights booked by someone else?
No. Points are tied to your Southwest frequent flyer account and can only be used to book flights for yourself or when ready family members on your reservation. You cannot transfer points to another person's account or use them to buy a gift card for someone else to use.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points stay in your Southwest frequent flyer account as long as the account remains active. The account stays active if you have at least one earning activity every 24 months. If your account closes due to inactivity, your points are lost. Closing the card itself does not when ready close your frequent flyer account.
Do I have to spend a certain amount each year to keep the card?
No minimum spending is required to keep the card open. However, if you don't use the card and don't have other activity in your Southwest frequent flyer account, the account could become inactive after 24 months, which would forfeit your points. Using the card occasionally — even for small purchases — keeps both the card and your frequent flyer account active.
Is there a difference between the standard and premium versions of this card?
Yes. The premium version charges a higher annual fee but includes a companion pass (allowing one other person to fly free on most Southwest flights for a year), higher bonus points on certain categories, and other perks. The standard version has a lower annual fee and no companion pass. Which version pays depends on whether you'll use the companion pass and how much you spend in bonus categories.
What credit score do I need to be considered?
Chase typically considers applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher, though approval is not may provide. If you're denied, you can call to ask whether your process can be reconsidered. Having a lower credit utilization rate or a longer credit history may help your case.