Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card – Everything You Need to Know (2025 Guide)

If you’re anything like me, booking flights with points feels like unlocking a secret travel superpower. I still remember the first time I flew from Denver to San Diego for just 2,800 points and a few bucks in taxes—it felt unreal. That’s the kind of value Southwest Airlines offers through its Rapid Rewards program, especially when you have the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card in your wallet.

Whether you’re a weekend traveler hopping between states or a frequent flyer chasing sunshine and family reunions, this card could be your gateway to free flights, priority boarding, and even a Companion Pass—arguably one of the best travel perks out there.

But is it really worth it? Should you go for the Southwest Plus, Premier, or Priority card? And how do you actually rack up enough Rapid Rewards points to score meaningful travel benefits?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how the Southwest credit card benefits work to tips for earning and redeeming points smarter. I’ll even share a few personal strategies I use to squeeze maximum value out of every dollar I spend.

Let’s dive in and see if this card really flies high—or just sits on the tarmac.

What Is the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card?

If you’ve flown Southwest before, you already know it’s not your typical airline. No assigned seats, two free checked bags, and a surprisingly friendly boarding process. But the real magic happens when you pair that with a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card, issued by Chase Bank.

This card isn’t just a payment tool—it’s a travel companion. It earns points on everyday purchases and gives you access to bonus categories, anniversary perks, and opportunities for big welcome bonuses. The best part? Those points go straight into your Rapid Rewards account, ready to be used for flights, hotels, or even rental cars.

Southwest and Chase currently offer three personal Rapid Rewards credit cards:

 Available Versions: Plus, Premier, Priority

Here’s a quick look at what each version offers so you can decide which fits your travel style best:

Comparison of Southwest Rapid Rewards Card versions – fees, perks, bonuses

Feature	Plus Card	Premier Card	Priority Card
Annual Fee	$69	$99	$149
Welcome Bonus	Varies (Typically 40,000–75,000 points) – Check current offer
Earning Rate	2x on Southwest® purchases, 1x on others	2x on Southwest®, 1x on others	3x on Southwest®, 2x on partners, 1x on others
Anniversary Points	3,000 points	6,000 points	7,500 points
Companion Pass Qualifying Points	Yes	Yes	Yes
Foreign Transaction Fees	3%	None	None
EarlyBird Check-In Credit	No	No	Yes – $75 annual credit
Lost Baggage & Travel Coverage	Limited	Enhanced	Enhanced

All three cards contribute to qualifying for the Southwest Companion Pass—one of the most powerful travel rewards out there. You’ll also earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) with the Premier and Priority cards, which help if you’re aiming for A-List status.

How the Rapid Rewards Program Works

Before we get into how to earn and redeem points, it’s important to understand the basics of the Rapid Rewards program itself. I’ve used it for everything from spontaneous weekend trips to planned vacations, and I’ll tell you—it’s one of the most user-friendly travel rewards programs out there.

Basics of Southwest’s Loyalty Points System

Southwest doesn’t use a zone-based chart like many airlines. Instead, the number of points needed for a flight depends on the cash price at the time you book. That means the cheaper the flight, the fewer points you’ll need. I’ve flown from Chicago to Nashville for under 4,000 points—a real steal!

Each dollar spent on Southwest flights typically earns 6 points if you book Wanna Get Away fares (more if you have A-List status). But with a Southwest card, you earn additional points per dollar—which adds up fast, especially if you’re booking for friends or family.

Points Earning Structure With and Without the Card

Without the card, you’ll earn:

• 6 points per $1 on Wanna Get Away fares
• 10 points per $1 on Anytime fares
• 12 points per $1 on Business Select fares

With the card, you can earn:

• Up to 3x points on Southwest purchases (depending on your card)
• Bonus points on hotel and car rental partners
• 1x points on all other purchases

If you use your card for everyday spending, especially on travel and dining, those Rapid Rewards points add up without even stepping on a plane.

No Blackout Dates and Seat Restrictions

This is one of my favorite features. Unlike many airlines, Southwest doesn’t have blackout dates. If a seat is available for cash, it’s available for points. You won’t have to deal with those frustrating “points unavailable” messages when trying to book holiday flights.

There are also no seat restrictions—every seat is up for grabs. And since Southwest uses open seating, you can board early and pick your favorite spot (window, aisle, or near the snacks if you’re like me!).

You can read more about these perks directly on the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards page.

How to Earn Rapid Rewards Points Faster

One thing I learned early on as a travel hacker is this: if you want to travel more, you’ve got to earn smarter. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Card is built for exactly that. And if you use it right, you’ll be watching those point balances climb in no time—without changing your lifestyle.

Everyday Purchases That Add Up

The easiest way to earn points? Just use your card for what you’re already spending money on. I’m talking groceries, gas, streaming services, and even your morning coffee.

Here’s a quick tip I use: set your Southwest card as the default payment on bills and subscriptions like Netflix, Spotify, or your phone plan. You’ll rack up 1x points for every dollar without even thinking about it.

But the real boost comes from bonus categories. With the Priority Card, for example, you can earn:

• 3x points on Southwest purchases
• 2x points on local transit, internet, cable, and select streaming
• 1x points on everything else

It’s also worth checking for limited-time promotions in your Chase account. I’ve gotten bonus offers for restaurants, travel bookings, and even online shopping.

Partner Hotels, Car Rentals, and Shopping Portal

Want to level up your earnings? Use Southwest’s partners. You can book hotels, car rentals, and even vacation packages through their portal and earn extra points—sometimes double or triple what you’d normally get.

I’ve personally booked through Rocketmiles (a Southwest partner) and earned over 3,000 points from a single weekend stay.

Car rentals through Hertz, Avis, and Budget also earn bonus points, especially if you link your Rapid Rewards account during booking.

And don’t forget the Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal (visit here). You can earn points at major online retailers like Apple, Macy’s, and Best Buy—just by clicking through their site before you shop.

 Sign-Up Bonuses and Limited-Time Offers

This is where things get really exciting. Southwest cards often come with massive welcome bonuses—usually between 40,000 and 75,000 points when you meet a minimum spend in the first few months. That’s enough for 2–4 round-trip flights.

Here’s the move I made: I applied right before a big purchase (a new laptop). That single expense pushed me over the spend threshold—and unlocked a welcome bonus worth over $900 in flight value.

To see the latest bonus offer, always check the official Chase site before applying. These offers change throughout the year.

Summary of Earning Methods – everyday purchases, bonuses, partners

Earning Method	Points Earned	Tip for Maximizing
Southwest Purchases	2x to 3x points per $1	Use the card for all flight bookings
Everyday Spending (groceries, bills)	1x points per $1	Set as your default payment method
Hotels and Car Rentals	Up to 3x points per $1 (via partners)	Book through partner portals
Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal	Varies (2x–10x)	Activate before big online purchases
Welcome Bonus	40,000–75,000+ points	Time card sign-up with large spends

Best Ways to Redeem Rapid Rewards Points

Let’s be real—earning points is fun, but spending them smartly is where the magic happens. And if you know how to play the game, your points will stretch way further than you’d expect.

Booking Flights – Best Value for Points

Hands down, the best use of Rapid Rewards points is for Southwest flights. Since their system is tied to ticket prices, lower fares mean fewer points needed. I’ve flown from Phoenix to Las Vegas for just 2,200 points—cheaper than lunch in most airports.

You’ll also love the flexibility. No blackout dates, no seat restrictions, and no change fees. If you cancel a flight booked with points, they go right back into your account. I’ve done this multiple times when plans changed last minute, and it’s been a total lifesaver.

To book with points, just visit the Southwest site, log in, and select “Points” when searching flights. It’s that simple.

Using Points for Hotels, Car Rentals, and Gift Cards

If you have extra points lying around, you can use them on:

• Hotels through More Rewards
  
• Rental cars
  
• Gift cards from retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and Target
  

That said, I’ll be honest: the value isn’t as good. You might get around 0.8 cents per point (vs. 1.4–1.6 cents for flights). So I only go this route when I’m sitting on a large balance or need to fill a last-minute gap in travel plans.

Companion Pass Redemption Strategy

If you’ve never heard of the Southwest Companion Pass, prepare to be amazed. Once you earn it, a friend or family member can fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) on every flight—whether you paid in cash or points.

To qualify, you need to earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. That includes points from:

• Flights
  
• Credit card spending
  
• Sign-up bonuses
  

I earned mine by grabbing the Southwest Priority Card during a 75,000-point promo and combining it with regular spending and a few hotel bookings.

This perk has saved me thousands. It’s easily one of the best redemption strategies if you’re planning frequent travel with a partner, spouse, or even a best friend.

You can track your progress toward the pass right here.

Cardholder Perks and Benefits Beyond Points

When I first got my Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, I thought it was just about racking up points. But over time, I discovered that the real magic lies in the extras. These perks aren’t just fluff—they’ve saved me money, reduced stress, and made my travel days smoother.

Free Checked Bags and No Change Fees

One of my absolute favorite things about flying Southwest is that you get two free checked bags on every flight. That’s right—no baggage fees. It’s a rare benefit these days, especially compared to other airlines charging $30+ per bag. Whether I’m packing for a winter trip to Denver or bringing souvenirs home from Mexico City, I never worry about how much I can take with me.

This perk alone can save families hundreds per year, especially during peak travel seasons. It’s included with every ticket, not just with the credit card—but having the card makes it easier to fly Southwest often and maximize this feature.

And here’s another Southwest classic: no change fees. Life happens, and when plans shift (as they often do when you’re traveling), it’s a relief to be able to change or cancel your flight without penalty. I once had to push a trip back a week due to a work conflict, and I didn’t lose a dime in fees.

You can read more about these policies on Southwest’s baggage and change page.

Travel Credits and Anniversary Bonuses

Some Southwest cards—like the Priority Card—come with a $75 annual travel credit. This credit is automatically applied to your statement when you buy Southwest flights. It’s easy, seamless, and offsets the card’s annual fee almost entirely. I use mine every year, and it feels like getting a mini rebate on every trip.

You’ll also earn bonus points each year on your card anniversary. For example:

• Southwest Plus: 3,000 bonus points
  
• Southwest Premier: 6,000 bonus points
  
• Southwest Priority: 7,500 bonus points
  

These points are deposited right into your Rapid Rewards account and are great for topping off balances or booking shorter flights.

I always factor these bonuses into my travel plans. They’re like little gifts that keep giving—just for keeping the card active.

In-Flight Perks Like Wi-Fi Credits

If you’re someone who likes to stay connected while flying, this perk is a hidden gem. The Southwest Priority Card offers up to 4 upgraded boardings per year and credits for in-flight Wi-Fi purchases.

Whenever I fly for work or need to catch up on emails, I use the Wi-Fi credit. It works like a charm and saves me from paying out of pocket. You’ll need to pay with your card, and then you’ll see the credit show up on your statement later.

To see current perks for each card version, you can check the official Chase comparison page.

Things to Know Before You Apply

If you’re thinking about applying for a Southwest Rapid Rewards Card, there are a few key things to consider. I’ve been through this process a couple of times, and trust me—it pays to be informed before hitting “submit.”

 Credit Score Requirements and Annual Fees

Southwest cards are issued by Chase, so you’ll typically need a good to excellent credit score—usually 670 or higher. I recommend checking your score on Credit Karma or Experian before applying, just to be sure you meet the baseline.

Also, don’t forget to factor in annual fees. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Card Name	Annual Fee	Best For
Southwest Plus	$69	Beginners and occasional flyers
Southwest Premier	$99	Frequent domestic travelers
Southwest Priority	$149	Heavy travelers + extra perks

These fees might seem high at first, but if you travel even just 2–3 times a year, the perks and rewards easily outweigh the cost.

Eligibility Rules and Chase’s 5/24 Rule

Here’s something many people miss: Chase’s 5/24 rule. If you’ve opened five or more credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months, you’ll likely get denied—even with excellent credit. I learned this the hard way after getting into the points and miles game a little too aggressively.

So before applying, take a look at your recent credit activity. If you’re over 5/24, you might want to wait a few months.

Also, you can only hold one personal Southwest card at a time. So if you already have one and want to switch, you’ll need to cancel or upgrade through Chase. For business owners, you can also apply for a Southwest Business Credit Card if you qualify.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Card

I’ve been using the Southwest Rapid Rewards Card for years, and I’ve made my share of rookie mistakes. Trust me—learning the hard way isn’t fun, especially when it costs you points or money. Here are the top pitfalls I’ve seen (and made) so you can skip the stress and make the most of your card.

Missing Out on Signup Bonuses

One of the biggest perks of these cards is the welcome bonus. But here’s the catch—you only get it if you spend a certain amount within the first 3 months. If you don’t track your spending, you might fall short and miss out on 50,000+ points.

To avoid that, I always set a reminder the day I get approved and plan big purchases—like flights, bills, or even insurance premiums—to meet the threshold. It’s also worth checking Chase’s official bonus offers before applying, as they change throughout the year.

 Not Using Points Strategically

It’s easy to book the first flight you see, but Rapid Rewards points are dollar-based—meaning their value is tied to ticket prices. If you’re not careful, you could burn through your points faster than necessary.

Here’s what I do instead:

• I fly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when fares are lower.
  
• I avoid holidays and peak travel dates.
  
• I check back often—Southwest lets you cancel and rebook with no fees, so I rebook if the price drops.
  

This simple strategy has saved me thousands of points over time.

Forgetting About Expiring Points or Perks

Points don’t expire as long as your account is active, but perks like upgraded boardings or travel credits do. I made the mistake once of forgetting my Priority card’s travel credit and lost it at the end of the year.

Now, I keep a note on my calendar to use any perks at least 30 days before the anniversary. And I always double-check the “Your Benefits” section in my Chase account to make sure nothing is going to waste.

FAQ Section: Rapid Rewards Credit Card Questions Answered

What credit score is needed for a Southwest Rapid Rewards card?

You’ll usually need a credit score of 670 or higher to qualify. That’s considered “good” credit. You can check your score for free at Experian or Credit Karma.

Can I have more than one Southwest credit card?

You can only have one personal Southwest card at a time, but you can get a business card as well if you’re eligible. That’s how many people earn the Companion Pass faster.

How do I earn the signup bonus?

To earn the bonus, you must spend a specific amount within the first 3 months. This varies by offer but is typically around $1,000–$3,000. Be sure to read the terms on Chase’s application page before applying.

Are points earned through credit card spend enough to get the Companion Pass?

Yes! Every dollar you spend earns points that count toward Companion Pass qualification. Many travelers, myself included, use this card to rack up qualifying points faster.

What’s the difference between the Plus, Premier, and Priority cards?

The difference is in the annual fee and perks. Priority offers more travel credits and upgraded boardings, while Plus is better for beginners. You can compare them side-by-side on Chase’s comparison page.

Do Rapid Rewards points expire?

Not if your account is active! As long as you earn or redeem points at least once every 24 months, they won’t expire. I use my card regularly just to keep my account fresh.

Is the Southwest card worth it if I only fly a few times a year?

Yes—especially the Plus or Premier card. Even with 2–3 trips a year, the savings on baggage fees, bonus points, and travel perks often outweigh the annual fee.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who flies Southwest even a few times a year, the Rapid Rewards Credit Card can be a game-changer. I’ve saved thousands of dollars, flown dozens of times on points, and even earned a Companion Pass—all thanks to this card.

But like any travel tool, it works best when you use it wisely. Plan your spending, book flights strategically, and take advantage of every perk that comes with the card. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a business traveler, or planning that long-overdue vacation, this card helps turn everyday spending into real, meaningful travel.

Ready to apply? You can check out the current offers and card options directly on Chase’s official site.