The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.


  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

    A great card for Southwest frequent flyers


    • 1–2 Points per $1Rewards Rate
    • 21.24% – 28.24% VariableAPR
    • $149Annual Fee
    • Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit

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WHY TRUST OUR REVIEWS

When evaluating credit cards, we adhere to a well-defined and standardized methodology. Collecting information from the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau's database, standardizing data points for easy comparison, predicting average expenditure profiles, assessing long-term worth and performing frequent re-rankings are all part of our process.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is ideal for people who like to travel. With a generous sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points plus a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, you’ll earn 3X points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases and 2X points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. The Southwest Rapid Rewards priority credit card offers you a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, 25% off in-flight refreshments and Wi-Fi and up to four free upgraded boardings each year. You’ll also get one point for every $1 you spend on other purchases.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card Overview

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has a robust rewards program that gives cardholders the opportunity to maximize their rewards.

Quick Take

  • Annual fee of $149
  • Spend-based welcome bonus
  • 3X points per dollar on Southwest purchases
  • 2X points per dollar on multiple bonus categories
  • 1X points per dollar on all other purchases
  • 7,500 bonus points every year
  • $75 annual Southwest travel credit
  • Four upgraded boardings per year, based on availability
  • 25% savings on in-flight purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Purchase protection and extended warranty
  • Baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement

Important Card Details

Before applying for any credit card, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions to ensure it’s the right card for you.

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    Annual Fees

    This card’s annual fee is on the high side, which costs $149 per year. Regardless of how expensive it is, the card does have some perks that make it worthwhile if you fly Southwest more than once per year.

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    Foreign Transaction Fees

    Purchases made outside the United States, including online purchases, are not subject to a foreign transaction fee.

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    High Regular APR

    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card's ongoing APR stands between 20.99% – 27.99% variable, which is higher than other credit cards that are not rewards-based and have only introductory APRs.

Additional Benefits

There are other features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card that may make it a worthwhile addition to your wallet.

How the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card Compares To Other Cards

Despite its annual fee, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card’s benefits and features outweigh the cost for frequent Southwest users. This is why people who travel often consider the annual fee worthwhile compared to other cards in the same category. However, if you’re not a frequent Southwest customer, other cards could be a better fit for your needs.

How the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card Compares

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

  • Annual Fee: $149
  • Purchase APR: 20.99% – 27.99% Variable
  • Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus points plus a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • International Transaction Fee: $0
  • Mini Verdict: Best for people who travel on Southwest often and want many perks and bonuses.
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United Explorer Card

  • Annual Fee: $0 Intro for First Year, then $95
  • Purchase APR: 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
  • Welcome Bonus: 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • International Transaction Fee: $0
  • Mini Verdict: Ideal for people who are looking to save on credit cards and don't travel frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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