The Rapid Rewards Priority card is an excellent choice for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers. It offers high rewards on Southwest purchases, a sizable sign-up bonus and valuable travel perks.
You can earn 3X points on Southwest purchases and 2X on local transit, commuting, internet, cable and phone services and select streaming. The card also provides a $75 annual travel credit, 7,500 anniversary points each year, four annual Upgraded Boardings and the ability to earn tier-qualifying points for Southwest’s A-List status.
All points earned with the card, including the sign-up bonus and anniversary points, count towards the 135,000-point requirement for the much-coveted Companion Pass. This pass allows a designated companion to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) whenever you purchase or redeem flights with Southwest Airlines.
However, the card has a $149 annual fee. Also, for the best value, your redemption options are limited to Southwest flights. You cannot transfer points to other loyalty programs. If you have routine business or leisure trips that involve flying Southwest, the Rapid Rewards Priority easily trumps the mid-tier Rapid Rewards Premier. But if you only fly Southwest occasionally, you may prefer the Rapid Rewards Plus or a more flexible travel card.