The Best Southwest Credit Cards in 2025: Compare Rewards, Perks and Benefits
Winner: Best credit card for Southwest Airlines
Winner: Best credit card for Southwest Airlines
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is our top pick, offering unlimited rewards seats with no blackout dates, as well as a host of valuable travel benefits designed for those who frequently use the airline.
Southwest Airlines offers a suite of credit cards for those who use the airline frequently, whether for personal or business-related travel. These credit cards do have some overlapping benefits. But each card offers slightly different perks and corresponding annual fees, giving prospective cardholders the opportunity to select the card that best suits their needs.
- Best credit card for Southwest Airlines: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Best Southwest credit card with a low annual fee: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Runner-up: Best Southwest credit card for international travel: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Best Southwest business credit card: Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- Best Southwest business credit card with low annual fee: Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
- Best general travel credit card for Southwest: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best luxury travel credit card for Southwest: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best business travel credit card for Southwest: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Best Southwest Airlines credit cards
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card*
|
Best credit card for Southwest Airlines
|
$229 | 2X - 4X points
| 100,000 points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening.
| |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card*
|
Low annual fee
|
$99 | 2X points
| 100,000 points
Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening.
| |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card*
|
International travel
|
$149 | 2X - 3X points
| 100,000 points
Earn 100,000 bonus points
after you spend $4,000 in the first 5 months from account opening.
| |
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card*
|
Business
|
$299 | 1X - 4X points
| 80,000 points
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| |
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card*
|
Business with low annual fee
|
$149 | 3X points
| 60,000 points
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
|
Methodology: How we chose the best Southwest cards
We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best Southwest credit cards. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. Every card is selected based on its merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals. We use the following criteria to make our picks:
We calculate the value of rewards and perks for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes the card’s sign-up bonus, annual bonus (including free night certificates) and travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum thresholds to redeem, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.
We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase protections, travel protections and elite status benefits against benefits from other cards.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best Southwest credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value most to choose the best card for you.
Winner: Best credit card for Southwest Airlines
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 points
- 7,500 points every year on your card anniversary
- Up to 4 points per $1 spent
- Complimentary Preferred seat at booking, when available
- Unlimited upgrades to Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours of departure when available
- No change fees
- $229 annual fee
- Light on perks compared to similarly-priced airline cards
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is our favorite card for frequent Southwest flyers, offering a suite of perks that can more than justify its annual fee. For example, cardholders get a 7,500-point bonus each cardmember anniversary and a complimentary Preferred seat at booking when available.
Is it right for you?
For those looking to avoid a high annual fee but still access solid business travel benefits, the can be a good option.
- Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening.
- 7,500 anniversary points each year.
- Earn 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases, including flights, inflight, and Southwest gift cards.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and restaurants
- First checked bag free for Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation.
- Select a Preferred seat at booking, at no additional charge, when available.*
- Cardmembers and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation will board with Group 5 giving them earlier access to overhead bins.*
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Member FDIC
Best Southwest credit card with a low annual fee
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 points
- Lowest annual fee of any Southwest credit card
- Offers 3,000 anniversary points
- First checked bag free for cardmember and up to 8 companions on the same reservation for Southwest flights
- Complimentary Standard seat within 48 hours of departure, when available
- Lower earning rates on Southwest and other purchases
- Doesn’t earn points toward status
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card comes with a $99 annual fee, the lowest offered by any of Southwest’s credit cards. While this does mean it has fewer rewards, this credit card does still come with a solid reward rate that can help offset the annual fee, as well as perks like free checked bags for you and up to eight companions on Southwest flights.
Is it right for you?
For those looking to score the lowest available annual fee yet still earn anniversary points and a good rewards rate, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card may be a good option.
- Limited Time Offer: Our best points offer this year, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months from account opening.
- 3,000 anniversary points each year.
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases
- Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost.
- Select a Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Member FDIC
Runner-up: Best Southwest credit card for international travel
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 points
- Ability to earn tier-qualifying points (TQPs)
- Mid-range annual fee
- 6,000-point bonus each cardmember anniversary
- Complimentary Preferred seat within 48 hours of departure, when available
- $149 annual fee
- Elevated rate on grocery and restaurant purchases capped at $8,000 in purchases per year
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card strikes a balance between its annual fee and rewards. For instance, it offers a high rewards rate on Southwest, grocery and restaurant purchases, which is in line with some of the top travel credit cards on the market. Further, using this credit card can help you make progress toward A-List status and the perks that it offers. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal choice for international travelers who frequent the airline.
Is it right for you?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card can be a good option for those who want a credit card that caters to international travel and can provide a path to A-List status.
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first 5 months from account opening.
- 6,000 anniversary points each year.
- Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
- Earn 2X points on grocery stores and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year.
- First checked bag free for Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation.
- Complimentary or Standard or Preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available
- No foreign transaction fees.
Best Southwest business credit card
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 points
- Offers reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Highest amount of anniversary points of any Southwest credit card
- Complimentary Preferred seat upon booking, when available
- Upgrades to an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours of departure, when available
- Highest annual fee among Southwest’s business credit cards
- Light on perks compared to similarly-priced airline cards
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is easily our favorite Southwest card for small businesses. Despite its somewhat hefty $299 annual fee, the perks are incredible. Cardholders get a 9,000-point anniversary bonus and a reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fees, and complimentary Preferred seating upon booking when available and an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours of booking when available.
Is it right for you?
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a good option for those who travel frequently via Southwest for business and want the best seating possible.
- Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
- Earn 4X pts on Southwest® purchases.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and restaurants
- Earn 2X points on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel
- Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
- First checked bag free for Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation.
- Cardmembers and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation will board with Group 5 giving them earlier access to overhead bins.*
- Member FDIC
Best Southwest business credit card with a low annual fee
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points
- Lower annual fee than the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- First checked bag free for cardmember and up to 8 companions on Southwest flights
- Complimentary Preferred seat within 48 hours of booking, when available
- Low earnings rates on most types of purchases
- Elevated earnings on gas stations and restaurants capped at $8,000 in purchases per year
With a modest $149 annual fee, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card may be a better fit for those who still want business travel rewards but aren’t willing to commit to the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card’s higher annual fee. The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card card does have a lower general earning rate, especially compared to other top business travel credit cards, and it caps its elevated earnings on gas stations and restaurants at $8,000 in purchases per year. Still, it offers decent points for Southwest purchases. Plus, it comes with 6,000 points each year on your card anniversary.
Is it right for you?
For those looking to avoid a high annual fee but still access solid business travel benefits, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card can be a good option.
- Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 6,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
- Earn 3X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year
- First checked bag free for Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation.
- Select a Standard or Preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available.*
- Cardmembers and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation will board with Group 5 giving them earlier access to overhead bins.*
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Member FDIC
Southwest Rapid Rewards
The Southwest Rapid Rewards program allows cardmembers to earn unlimited points that don’t expire, and use those points to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. Like many frequent flier rewards programs, the cost of a given ticket in Rapid Rewards points depends on many factors, such as destination, travel date and demand. You also have the option to pay with a combination of points and cash.
→ Learn more about the Southwest Rapid Rewards program
Southwest Rapid Rewards points value
Point value for fare = Cash price (minus taxes and fees) / Number of points needed for fare
On average, you’ll be able to redeem your Southwest Rapid Rewards points for about 1.3 cents per point. That’s on par with other top airline rewards programs. But, again, the actual rate you get will vary, and may range up to 1.4 cents per point for domestic flights.
Let’s say you’re looking to book a flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Las Vegas (LAS), and the flight is priced at $100.47, after subtracting taxes and fees. If you need 9,000 Rapid Rewards points, plus $5.60 of taxes and fees, that translates to a value of 1.1 cents per point for this redemption.
Southwest Companion Pass®
One of the best perks of flying Southwest is the Southwest Companion Pass. This benefit allows you to designate a travel companion who can fly with you for free (paying only taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight. You can earn the Companion Pass by flying 100 one-way qualifying flights or earning 135,000 qualifying points in a year. Once you earn the Companion Pass, you’ll have it for the rest of that calendar year and the entire calendar year after that.
The points you earn from booking flights through the airline or via Southwest credit cards count as qualifying points for the Companion Pass. Certain Southwest cards also give an annual Companion Pass points boost, making it easier to earn the Companion Pass.
Most of the personal Southwest credit cards have a restriction where you can’t earn the sign-up bonus if you’re a current cardholder of any of the personal Southwest credit cards or if you’ve received such a bonus in the past 24 months. However, you can sign up for both a personal and a business Southwest credit card in the same year and earn both cards’ sign-up bonuses.
Best general travel credit cards for Southwest flights
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
 Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
General travel
|
$95 | 1X - 5X points
| 75,000 points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Chase Sapphire Reserve®*
|
Best luxury travel credit card for Southwest
|
$795 | 1X - 8X points
| 125,000 points
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| |
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card*
|
Best business travel credit card for Southwest
|
$95 | 1X - 3X points
| 90,000 points
Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
Best travel credit card for Southwest
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 points
- Chase points transfer to airline and hotel partners, including Southwest
- Points are worth up to 75% more when redeemed through Chase TravelSM for select flights
- Solid travel protections and coverage
- No Southwest-specific benefits
- $95 annual fee
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great option if you’re looking for a general travel credit card that can be used on both Southwest and other travel purchases. This card has extremely flexible points that are worth up to 75% more when redeemed through the Chase TravelSM portal for select flights. You’ll also get travel benefits like an annual hotel credit, travel insurance and purchase protections.
First-year versus ongoing value
- First year value: $2,332*
- Second year value: $832*
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
- Rates & Fees
Best luxury travel credit card for Southwest
Chase Sapphire Reserve®*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 125,000 points
- High earning rate on travel and dining
- $300 flexible travel credit
- Priority Pass lounge access
- High annual fee
- $195 authorized user fee
- Excellent credit required
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a hefty annual fee — but it also packs a ton of useful luxury perks, like a $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass lounge access. In addition, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® travel benefits are some of the best available from a credit card.
First-year versus ongoing value
- First year value: $5,222*
- Second year value: $2,722*
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
Best business travel credit card for Southwest
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Earn 90,000 points
- Valuable sign-up bonus
- Flexible Ultimate Rewards® points
- Transfer points 1:1 to Southwest Airlines
- $95 annual fee
- Excellent credit recommended
- Only business owners are eligible
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a great option for small business owners that frequently fly Southwest. Cardholders can receive travel and purchase protections, while earning rewards on common business purchases. Earning and redeeming flexible Ultimate Rewards® points can help you offset the card’s $95 annual fee.
First-year versus ongoing value
- First-year value: $2,193*
- Second-year value: $393*
- Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
Southwest cards vs. general travel cards
To give you a better idea of Southwest’s offerings, let’s see how our top pick, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, compares to two other top travel credit cards: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
At a high level, Southwest credit cards may offer perks and benefits specific to Southwest Airlines, while Chase’s travel credit cards may be the best option for travelers who may not be loyal to that particular airline.
| Feature | Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earning rate | Receive 7,500 anniversary points each year. Enjoy benefits including 4X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases, 2X points at gas stations and restaurants, First checked bag free, 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points boost each year, and more. | Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases | Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases |
| Annual bonus | 7,500 | 2,840 (10% of total purchases made the year before)* | N/A |
| Points earned on $400 Southwest flights | 1,600 | 800 | 1,600 |
| Points on $2,000 other travel purchases | 2,000 | 4,000 | 2,000 |
| Points earned on $3,000 dining | 6,000 | 9,000 | 9,000 to 30,000 (if purchased through Chase Dining) |
| Points earned on $14,600 other purchases | 14,600 | 14,600 | 14,600 |
| Total points earned | 31,700 | 31,240 | 27,200 to 48,200 |
| Redemption option | Southwest airfare (~1.3 cents per point on average) | Transfer to airline partners (~2 cents per point on average) | Transfer to airline partners (~2 cents per point on average) |
| Value of rewards | $412.10 | $624.80 | $544 to $964 |
| Annual fee | $229 | $95 | $795 |
| Value of rewards minus annual fee | $183.10 | $529.80 | -$251 to $169 |
| Other benefits | Foreign transaction fee: $0, Auto rental collision damage waiver (secondary), lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance | $50 annual hotel credit, foreign transaction fee: $0, Auto rental collision damage waiver (primary), trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement | $300 annual travel credit, foreign transaction fee: $0, Auto rental collision damage waiver (primary), trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement |
What is Chase 5/24?
The 5/24 rule is an unwritten rule from Chase that says that if you have applied for five or more credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months, you’re unlikely to be approved for a Chase credit card. So if you’re looking to apply for a Southwest credit card — which is backed by Chase — you’ll want to pay attention to how many credit cards you’ve opened recently.
Which Southwest credit card is best for me?
If you’re looking to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points, you might be wondering which Southwest credit card you should choose. Since the sign-up bonus values on the three consumer cards are often similar or even the same, picking the best consumer card mainly comes down to point earnings and a few key benefits. In many cases, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers the best value, assuming you’re OK with the $229 annual fee.
However, depending on how you value Preferred seating and elite status and how you plan to earn Southwest points, you may find that a different Southwest card is right for you. For example, if you prefer a card with a lower annual fee, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card could be the right option.
One of the best reasons to sign up for a personal or business Southwest credit card is the large sign-up bonuses they frequently offer. However, it’s important to note that credit card bonuses frequently fluctuate. Since you also generally can’t earn the bonus on a card more often than once every 24 months, you’ll want to monitor and time your application for when the bonuses are elevated.
One of the things you’ll want to look at is which airline card perks, including the annual bonus, you’re likely to use. If you assign a dollar amount to each benefit, you can easily compare the total value of the benefits you’ll receive against the annual fee. For example, considering our estimated value of Southwest points (1.3 cents per point*), you might value a 3,000-point bonus at $39.
Another factor to consider is how many Rapid Rewards points you’ll earn from your everyday spending. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card have the highest earning rates on Southwest purchases, which makes them a better choice for buying flights. Look at the earning categories on the different cards and compare that to your own spending patterns to see which card will earn you the most points.
A-List is Southwest’s elite status program. If you fly Southwest enough to potentially earn A-List status, you should consider getting a Southwest credit card to help you toward qualifying. The two levels of A-List status are:
A-List: 20 one-way flights or 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQP)
A-List Preferred: 40 one-way flights or 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQP)
Four of the available Southwest credit cards offer cardholders a way to earn Tier Qualifying Points through spending. Cardholders earn 1,500 TQP for every $5,000 in purchases made on the following cards, with no cap on the amount of TQPs earned:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card Card
You’ll earn TQPs based on the amount you spend on qualifying purchases.
You’ll want to consider what travel insurance benefits you may need. Southwest’s credit cards offer solid travel protections through Visa. These include:
- Auto rental collision damage waiver (personal cards): Secondary in the U.S.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver (business cards): Primary for business-related purposes
- Roadside assistance
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Baggage delay insurance
- Travel accident insurance
You may find better travel protections on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. In addition to auto rental coverage, these two cards provide trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement.
How to use a Southwest credit card
There are a number of different ways you can use your Southwest credit card:
- Save your Southwest credit card to your Southwest account.
Southwest lets fliers save credit card information in their Rapid Rewards account for ease in purchasing flights. - Add your Southwest credit card to a mobile wallet.
Chase credit cards can be added to mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. This is a great way to still use your Southwest credit card even if you happen to forget your purse or wallet. - Utilize your credit card benefits.
This may seem obvious, but it’s important to keep in mind that credit card perks are only valuable when they’re used. For example, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card offers 365 $8 in-flight Wi-Fi credits per year.
Frequently asked questions
The best time to apply for a Southwest credit card can vary. The bonus offers can change over time, so if you’re looking to capitalize on those, you may need to check the bonuses periodically to help identify the ideal time to apply.
We recommend you have at least a good credit score, which is a credit score of at least 661, before applying for a Southwest credit card.
The easiest way to cancel a Southwest credit card is by calling the customer service number on the back of your credit card.
Each of Southwest’s credit cards offers robust travel protections through Visa, including auto rental collision coverage, roadside assistance, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance.
While Rapid Rewards points themselves don’t expire, closing your account would mean losing your points.
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is the only Southwest credit card that pays for Global Entry. If you have the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, you’ll get a statement credit of up to $120 every four years as a reimbursement for the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS. This reimbursement isn’t offered on the other Southwest credit cards.
It may be difficult for Southwest credit cardholders to use their card before it arrives. However, Chase does have a program called Spend Instantly, where you can add a Chase credit card to a digital payment network (like Apple Pay or Google Pay). You can set that up in the Chase mobile app.
The information related to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
