Southwest Airlines carries more domestic passengers than any other U.S. carrier, and it’s simple, low-fee and no-fee policies have attracted many fans. For example, all Southwest customers can check two bags for free, and it never imposes any change fees. Travelers have to pay the fare difference if they change to a flight that costs more, but they don’t have to pay the outrageous $200 change fees often imposed by other airlines.
Southwest also offers three credit cards through its banking partner Chase that allows cardholders to earn points in its Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program. These points are worth about 1.5 cents each towards Southwest flights, with no blackout dates or capacity controls. Also, all the points you receive from one of these credit cards count towards the 125,000 points you need to earn to receive a Companion Pass.
Let’s take a look at these three cards and find out which one is right for you.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
With an annual fee of just $69, this is the most affordable of the three cards. It offers 40,000 bonus points when new applicants spend $1,000 on new purchases within three months of account opening. You also earn 2x points on all Southwest purchases and one point per dollar spent elsewhere. You also receive 3,000 bonus points each year on your cardmember anniversary.
Related: How to Get a 'Free' Companion Flight, Fast
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
This card has an annual fee of $99, and it also offers 40,000 bonus points when new applicants spend $1,000 on new purchases within three months of account opening. It also features 2x points on all Southwest purchases and one point per dollar spent elsewhere, and 6,000 bonus points each year on your cardmember anniversary. Other benefits include no foreign transaction fees and the ability to redeem your points for flights, hotel stays, gift cards, access to events, and more.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
This card has a $149 fee, but it also has lots of extra perks. As with the other cards, you can earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on new purchases within three months of account opening. It also features 2x points on all Southwest purchases and one point per dollar spent elsewhere, but you get 7,500 bonus points each year on your cardmember anniversary. Additional benefits include a $75 Southwest® travel credit each year, four upgraded boardings per year (when available) and 20% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi.
Related: Which is Best: The Chase Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve Card?
Which is right for you?
Frequent Southwest travelers will be able to receive enough value from the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card to justify the $149 annual fee. Otherwise, the Plus and Premier cards are both pretty similar, and very close in price. By closely examining the costs and benefits of these three cards, you’ll find the one that best meets your needs.
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