For most folks who regularly fly Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card provides the best value and perks. It has the highest annual fee among co-branded Southwest cards, but it also lets you enjoy the highest rewards and most perks. If you prefer a more flexible points system where you can transfer to other airline or hotel partners, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is another strong option. We’ve selected the top Southwest cards to help every type of traveler maximize rewards based on their spending habits.
Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards (October 2024)
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card is the standout choice if you’re looking for the best Southwest credit card. We list the top cards for different types of travelers so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Updated: November 4, 2024
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Why You Can Trust Our Picks
To provide accurate and up-to-date recommendations, MoneyGeek’s team reviews 32 key data points for each Southwest Airlines credit card using sources like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, issuer websites and trusted partners.
Our proprietary ranking system evaluates cards based on factors that matter most to travelers, such as expected value, airline coverage, sign-up bonuses, rewards rates, foreign transaction fees and customer satisfaction. We prioritize features that maximize value for Southwest travelers, ensuring our rankings reflect the best options for various needs and preferences.
Top Credit Cards for Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is famous for its affordable fares and customer-friendly perks like free checked bags and no change fees. It offers co-branded credit cards that not only help you earn Rapid Rewards points faster but also come with valuable perks like priority boarding and travel credits. We've carefully selected the top cards based on their benefits, rewards and fees to suit different types of travelers.
Credit Card | Rewards Summary | Intro Offer | Annual Fee |
---|---|---|---|
Earn 1X–5X points | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, worth $750 through Chase Travel℠. Plus, receive up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year. | $95 On Issuer's Site | |
Earn 1X–3X points | Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $149 On Issuer's Site | |
Earn 1X–2X points | Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. | $69 On Issuer's Site | |
Earn 1X–4X points | Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $199 On Issuer's Site |
More About Southwest Cards
The best Southwest Airlines credit card for you will depend on how frequently you fly and which perks align with your travel needs. We’ve outlined the top options, including their standout features and potential drawbacks, to help you find the right fit for your flying habits.
Best Card for Flexible Points
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Although it’s not a Southwest-branded card, the Sapphire Preferred is a strong choice for people who fly at least four times per year. The card provides high rewards for travel, dining and online grocery purchases, and the Ultimate Rewards points earned with this card can be transferred to Southwest and other airline or hotel partners. Keep in mind that transferred points don’t count toward the Companion Pass, and the card lacks Southwest-specific perks like priority boarding and travel credits.
- PROS
- Generous new cardholder bonus
- High rewards on travel and dining
- No foreign transaction fees
- With travel insurance and benefits
- Flexible rewards redemption options
CONS- With annual fee applies
- High credit requirement
- Rewards program can be complex
- Potentially high APR
Introductory Offers
- The offer is ending soon! Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, worth $750 through Chase Travel℠. Plus, receive up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
Rewards
- Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries, 2x points on all other travel purchases, and 1x points on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit.
- Benefit from Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, and Lost Luggage Insurance.
- Access DashPass with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when activated by December 31, 2027.
Best Card for Regular Southwest Fliers
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The Rapid Rewards Priority is the priciest Southwest card, but its perks can easily justify its annual fee if you fly Southwest often enough to qualify for elite status. The card offers solid value with a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, free upgraded boardings and 7,500-anniversary points each year. You also earn 3X points on Southwest purchases and 2X on commuting, internet and streaming services. However, despite the higher annual fee, its sign-up bonus is the same as Southwest’s lower-tier cards. If you’re not able to benefit from the yearly travel credit, consider the Rapid Rewards Plus.
- PROS
- High rewards on Southwest purchases
- Generous sign-up bonus
- Annual travel credit
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- Annual fee
- Limited bonus rewards categories
- Redemptions beyond Southwest flights are limited
- Penalty APR
Introductory Offers
- Earn 50,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Rewards
- Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases.
- Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
- Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, as well as select streaming services.
Perks & Benefits
- Receive 7,500 anniversary points each year.
- Get a $75 Southwest travel credit each year.
- Enjoy no foreign transaction fees.
Best Card for Low Annual Fees
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Tailored for infrequent travelers who primarily fly Southwest when they do travel, the Rapid Rewards Plus is the most affordable Southwest card. You’ll earn 2X points on Southwest purchases, commuting, internet and streaming services, plus a 3,000-point anniversary bonus and two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year. It earns points toward the Companion Pass but not toward A-List qualifying points, and its foreign transaction fees can be a drawback for international travelers.
- PROS
- Big sign-up bonus that counts towards Companion Pass
- Higher points earned on Southwest fares
- Anniversary points award
CONS- Rewards redemptions limited
- Foreign transaction fees
Introductory Offers
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Rewards
- Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases.
- Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
- Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, as well as select streaming services.
- Earn 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
Perks & Benefits
- Receive 3,000 anniversary points each year.
- Enjoy 2 EarlyBird Check-In each year.
Best Card for Business Travelers
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Rapid Rewards Performance Business is the airline’s closest offering to a premium card, designed for business owners who regularly fly Southwest. You’ll earn top-tier rewards, including 4X points on Southwest purchases, 3X points with Southwest hotel and car rental partners and 2X points on business-related expenses like social media advertising and internet services. Perks include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement, four upgraded boardings per year and up to 365 in-flight WiFi credits. However, the $199 annual fee is on the higher side, and unlike other premium cards, it doesn't offer an annual travel credit.
- PROS
- Bonus points on Southwest purchases and specific business expenses
- Rapid Rewards points are valuable and flexible.
- With generous sign-up bonus
- Get anniversary bonus points yearly
CONS- Annual fee
- Low rewards for non-bonus categories
Introductory Offers
- Earn 80,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $5,000 within the first three months.
Rewards
- Earn 4X Rapid Rewards points for every dollar spent on Southwest purchases.
- Earn 3X points when booking with Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners.
- Earn 2X points on rideshare, social media, search engine advertising, internet, and phone bills.
- Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Annual fee of $199.
- APR ranges from 20.99% - 27.99% variable.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Perks & Benefits
- Four upgraded boardings per year, based on availability.
- 9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees every four years.
- Free additional employee cards.
- Secondary insurance coverage for rental vehicles.
- Reimbursement up to $3,000 per passenger for lost luggage.
Who Should Get a Southwest Airlines Credit Card
A Southwest Airlines credit card can be a smart choice for frequent Southwest travelers. These co-branded cards earn high points on Southwest flights and offer perks like priority boarding and, on some cards, travel credits. The generous sign-up bonuses and points-earning potential make them valuable, especially if you're aiming for A-List or Companion Pass status.
If Southwest is your preferred airline for business or leisure, here’s how a Southwest card can benefit you:
- Frequent Southwest Flyers: Regular travelers can quickly rack up Tier Qualifying Points (TQP) for award flights, reducing travel costs. These points also count toward A-List or Companion Pass eligibility, with A-List unlocking perks like priority boarding and bonus points and the Companion Pass allowing a companion to fly with you for free (exclusive of fees and taxes).
- Casual Southwest Travelers: A Southwest card can still provide value even if you only fly a few times a year. Earning points on everyday purchases and receiving anniversary bonuses can help you reach award flights faster. Priority boarding is valuable for families, especially when you want to secure overhead space.
However, if you rarely fly Southwest or prefer more flexible rewards, a general travel card may offer more versatility, with points transferable across multiple airlines and hotels.
How to Choose the Best Southwest Airlines Credit Card for You
Choosing the right Southwest Airlines credit card can help you maximize your rewards and enjoy valuable perks. Follow these steps to find the card that best fits your travel habits and financial needs.
Assess Your Travel Frequency
Start by considering how often you fly with Southwest. If you travel frequently for business or leisure, the Rapid Rewards Priority or Rapid Rewards Performance Business cards may be worth it. Despite their higher annual fees, they offer more points and better perks. If you only fly Southwest once or twice a year, the Rapid Rewards Plus or a general travel card might be a better fit.
Evaluate Annual Fees and Perks
The Rapid Rewards Plus has the lowest annual fee among Southwest cards but offers fewer perks. On the other hand, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority comes with a $149 annual fee but offers more points on Southwest flights and a $75 Southwest travel credit each year.
Consider Long-Term Value
Think about the card’s long-term value by looking at how the rewards rate aligns with your spending. Southwest consumer cards earn high points on Southwest flights, transit, rideshares, internet, cable, phone services and select streaming. The Rapid Rewards Performance Business offers the same bonus categories but adds social media and search engine advertising. It also has a bigger sign-up bonus, though this card is only available to business owners.
We compare the key features of the best Southwest credit cards below to help you make an informed decision:
Rapid Rewards Plus | Rapid Rewards Priority | Rapid Rewards Performance Business | |
---|---|---|---|
Annual fee | $69 | $149 | $199 |
Sign-up bonus | Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months. | Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months. | Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first three months. |
Points on Southwest purchases | 2X points | 3X points | 4X points |
Points on other spending | 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. 2X points on local transit, rideshares, internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services. 1X points on all other purchases. | 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. 2X points on local transit, rideshares, internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services. 1X points on all other purchases. | 3X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. 2X points on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, phone services, local transit and commuting. 1X points on all other purchases. |
Anniversary bonus | 3,000 points | 7,500 points | 9,000 points |
Southwest travel credit | None | $75 per year | None |
Does it earn A-List tier qualifying points? | No | Yes, 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent, no limit | Yes, 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent, no limit |
Foreign transaction fees | 3% | None | None |
Boarding perks | Two EarlyBird check-ins per year | Four upgraded boardings per year | Four upgraded boardings per year |
Southwest Airlines Credit Card Alternatives
Southwest Airlines credit cards offer valuable perks for loyal travelers, but they may not suit everyone. Rapid Rewards points can only be redeemed for Southwest flights, which primarily focus on domestic routes and use an open seating system. This means you can’t use your points for first-class flights to international destinations like Tokyo, limiting your redemption options.
General travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred offer more flexibility, broader bonus categories and the ability to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel programs. This gives you more options for redeeming points. Notably, Chase Ultimate Rewards points have a 1-to-1 transferability to Southwest Rapid Rewards. However, you’ll miss out on airline-specific perks like priority boarding. That said, since Southwest already includes free checked bags, one of the main reasons people choose airline cards isn’t as relevant here.
One thing to keep in mind is that while general travel cards are great for flexibility, Southwest’s Companion Pass is one of the best deals in travel, making their cards highly valuable for frequent Southwest flyers.
FAQ About Southwest Airline Credit Cards
You earn points by making purchases with your Southwest credit card. Southwest purchases typically earn more points per dollar than other categories. Some cards also offer bonus points for spending in specific categories like travel, transit and more.
The best card depends on your travel habits and what benefits you value most. Frequent travelers might prefer cards with higher rewards rates and perks like priority boarding, while occasional travelers might opt for cards with lower fees.
Points earned from purchases with your Southwest credit card count towards Companion Pass eligibility. Meeting spending thresholds can significantly boost your points, helping you qualify faster.
No, points earned from Southwest credit cards are not transferable to other loyalty programs. They can only be used within the Southwest Rapid Rewards program.
Southwest credit cards do not offer lounge access. However, some cards provide perks like priority boarding, in-flight discounts and travel credits.
The value of your Rapid Rewards points varies based on how you redeem them. Typically, you can get the best value by redeeming for award flights, which will give you 1.4 cents per point.
How We Chose the Best Southwest Cards
We analyzed and ranked airline cards based on the following key features, listed in order of score impact:
- Expected Value for Travelers (40%): Measures the expected monetary value of rewards and perks minus the annual fees for a typical traveler.
- Airline Scope (20%): Rates the number of destinations the airline flies to. A 5 rating indicates the widest scope.
- Offer ROI (15%): Evaluates the return on investment from the introductory bonus offers.
- Airline Rewards Rate for Travelers (10%): Measures the rewards earned on airline expenditures for frequent travelers.
- Issuer Satisfaction (5%): Based on J.D. Power's issuer satisfaction study, rating the overall satisfaction with the card issuer.
- Foreign Transaction Fees (5%): Rates the cost of foreign transaction fees, where a higher rating indicates no or low fees.
- Recommended Credit (5%): Rates the accessibility of the card based on credit score requirements.
The information for the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card has been collected independently by Moneygeek.com. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- Chase. "Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card.." Accessed November 4, 2024.
- Chase. "Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card." Accessed November 4, 2024.
- Chase. "Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card." Accessed November 4, 2024.
- Chase. "Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business." Accessed November 4, 2024.
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