The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the perfect entry-level airline credit card from Southwest Airlines, offering a range of perks and rewards that can make your travel experience smoother and more rewarding. With an affordable annual fee, anniversary bonus points, and complimentary EarlyBird Check-ins, this card might be just what you need to start earning more from your travels.
Heads Up: Free Bags for Everyone!
One thing to note is that while many airline cards offer a free checked bag benefit, Southwest gives all passengers two free checked bags, so this perk isn’t unique to the card.
Who Should Consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card?
If you’re an occasional traveler who loves Southwest but isn’t ready for a higher annual fee, the Southwest Plus Card could be your perfect travel buddy. With this card, you earn 2X points on Southwest flights, phone, internet, local transit, and more. Plus, each year when you renew the card, you’ll receive 3,000 bonus points and get reimbursed for two EarlyBird check-ins annually. Not to mention, there’s a 25% discount on inflight purchases.
For those aiming for the coveted Companion Pass, the card’s welcome bonus and points from purchases contribute toward earning it. You’ll also get a 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year just for holding the card. Curious about the Companion Pass? Check out our detailed guide.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
If your travel ambitions extend beyond the U.S., Central America, and the Caribbean, you might find Southwest’s network too limiting. For globetrotters dreaming of Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America, other airline or flexible point cards might be a better fit.
Additionally, if luxury travel is your thing, the Southwest Plus card isn’t for you. Southwest focuses on affordability, so you won’t find lie-flat seats, premium drinks, or full-service meals on their flights.
How to Earn Rewards with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
This card offers several ways to rack up Rapid Rewards points:
Welcome Bonus
Kickstart your journey with a welcome bonus of 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. With points valued at 1.4 cents each, that’s equivalent to $700 in Southwest flights!
Bonus Categories
Earn unlimited 2X points on Southwest flights, hotel and car rental reservations with Southwest partners, local transit, select streaming services, and phone, cable, and internet bills.
Everyday Purchases
For all other purchases, you’ll earn 1X points per dollar spent. So, even when you’re not traveling, you’re still accumulating points.
Refer-A-Friend
Refer friends to the card and earn up to 100,000 points each year. For each approved referral, you get 20,000 points. Just remember, Chase considers these points as income, so you’ll likely receive a Form 1099 for the value of the points earned.
Redeeming Your Rewards
Southwest provides several ways to redeem your points, each offering different values:
Southwest Flights
Your best value comes from booking flights. Use your points to book any Southwest flight without blackout dates. Wanna Get Away Fares usually provide the best bang for your buck, averaging 1.4 cents per point.
Pay Yourself Back
If you’re not in the mood for travel, redeem your points for statement credits. Currently, eligible categories include annual fees, groceries, and delivery services, with points valued at 0.8 cents each. You can redeem up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year.
Exclusive Events
From concert tickets to culinary experiences, Southwest offers exclusive member events you can access with your points. These tickets are limited, so grab them while you can!
Other Options
You can also redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, hotels, rental cars, and more, though these generally offer less value than flights. To maximize your points, it’s best to stick to flight redemptions.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Rates and Fees
- Annual Fee: $69
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Purchase APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
Additional Perks
Beyond earning points, the Southwest Plus Card offers several other benefits:
- Annual Bonus Points: 3,000 points each year when you renew the card.
- EarlyBird Check-in: Enjoy two complimentary EarlyBird Check-ins annually.
- 25% Inflight Discount: Get a 25% discount on inflight purchases like WiFi and drinks.
- Companion Pass Boost: Receive 10,000 qualifying points each year toward the Companion Pass.
- Visa Benefits: Enjoy rental car protection, baggage protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage.
Comparing Cards: Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card Right for You?
Before you decide, consider how the Southwest Plus Card stacks up against other options:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
If you prefer flexible points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers more versatility. Earn 3X points on dining and select streaming services, plus 2X points on travel. Points transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners, including Southwest. With a robust welcome bonus and flexible redemption options, it’s a strong contender for frequent travelers.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
For die-hard Southwest fans, the Priority Card offers the best value. Despite a $149 annual fee, it includes a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, 7,500 anniversary points, and four Upgraded Boardings each year. These benefits can easily offset the higher fee, making it a great choice for frequent Southwest flyers.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card Your Perfect Travel Partner?
If you’re an occasional Southwest flyer looking to earn Rapid Rewards points with a reasonable annual fee, the Southwest Plus Card is a solid choice. Enjoy perks like inflight discounts, EarlyBird Check-Ins, anniversary points, and more. Plus, you’ll keep earning points on everyday purchases and travel expenses, even when you’re not flying.
View Southwest Rapid Rewards Card Offers
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