Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Overview
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is in the middle of the pack for Southwest personal credit cards. While airline credit cards typically don’t have many perks, the absence of foreign transaction fees and 6,000-annual bonus points help offset this card’s reasonable $99 annual fee. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
*Card ratings are based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and are not influenced by the card issuer.
Savvy TPG readers know that we generally don’t recommend building your points strategy around a single cobranded airline credit card, as they offer fewer benefits and less flexibility than comparably-priced transferable points cards.
When it comes to the Southwest Rapid Rewards card portfolio, you’ll typically find better earning rates and more flexible redemption options with cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points — such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — that you can then transfer to Southwest Rapid. are you Rewards at 1:1 rate. That said, Southwest credit cards are very popular with Southwest fans.
With a recommended credit score of 670 or higher, three personal Southwest cards – the mid-tier version of the Southwest Premier Card has a good balance of benefits and a $99 annual fee that could qualify it for a spot on your card. Collection
Here’s what you need to know to help you decide if the Southwest Premier Card should be in your wallet.
Information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Pros and Cons
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Related: How to Choose Your Best Credit Card Strategy
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Welcome Offer
New applicants for the Southwest Premier Card can earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
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As of TPG’s September 2024 Appraisals, welcome offers up to $1,190 – excellent value for the spending need. It’s not quite the best offer we’ve seen on this card, but it meets our criteria for when to apply.
If you put a higher price on Southwest’s Companion Pass, the welcome offer may seem more appealing. The bonus points will also get you that much closer to getting the Companion Pass, which costs 135,000 points.
To make the most of Companion Passes for 2025 and 2026, apply for a card in early October. Then, after your December statement date, meet the minimum spending criteria to collect your bonus points for January. This will enable you to get companion passes for 2025 and 2026 (instead of remaining passes for 2024 and 2025 if your bonus points fall in December).
Remember that if you currently have a personal Southwest card or have received a sign-up bonus on a personal Southwest card in the past 24 months, you cannot earn a sign-up bonus on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card. Also, Southwest’s cobranded cards are subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. If you’ve opened five or more new accounts in the last 24 months (at all issuers, not just Chase), you’ll be denied this card.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Credit Card Application Restrictions
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Benefits
While we wouldn’t normally expect an airline credit card with a $99 annual fee to be loaded with perks, the Southwest Premier Card has many benefits.
You’ll receive 6,000 bonus points on each account anniversary, worth $84 as of September 2024 from TPG Assessments are a significant part of this card’s annual fee.
Plus, you’ll enjoy added benefits with the Southwest Premier Card like two EarlyBird check-ins per year — helping you get on the plane earlier to get a better seat — and 25% back on inflight purchases. Two complimentary EarlyBird check-ins are a nice perk since Southwest recently raised the price of this product.
Cardholders can also earn Southwest A-List elite status faster. You’ll earn 1,500 bonus tier qualifying points for every $5,000 you spend in a calendar year. There is no limit on the number of TQPs you can earn.
Related: Southwest Rapid Rewards Now Offers Cash + Points Redemption
Earn points on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Most airline credit cards offer bonus points or miles for making purchases directly with the carrier, and that’s certainly true here: You’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent with Southwest on the Premier Card.
However, it also has other exciting bonus categories: You’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent on purchases at Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, Local transportation and travel shopping, with internet, cable and phone services and select streaming providers. You’ll earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
According to our September 2024 valuation, this equates to a 4.2% return on spend with Southwest and a 2.8% return on spend in other bonus categories.
RELATED: 6 Simple Strategies I Use to Earn Over 500,000 Points and Miles a Year
Redeeming Points on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
One of the best things about it is when it’s time to use your rewards Redeeming Southwest Rapid Rewards points is an easy process. Whether you choose the cheapest Wanna Get Away fare or the most expensive Business Select ticket, the price of your award ticket is tied to the cash price of the flight.
This means you don’t have to worry about getting the highest cents-per-point redemption value possible. If you have Rapid Rewards points, you can redeem them for gift cards or merchandise. Still, the best value comes from using your points for Southwest flights — including options to airports and international destinations.
Matt Moffitt, TPG managing editor for credit cards, lives in Austin, Texas, where the airline operates about 40% of flights. Because of this, he likes to stock up on Rapid Rewards points for trips to places like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Cancun.
Southwest also regularly runs flash sales, which you can take advantage of and get great bookings with points. Additionally, Southwest’s no change or cancellation fee policy means you can reprice your award ticket if the price drops. This provides valuable flexibility to obtain the best possible redemption.
Related: How to Change or Cancel a Southwest Airlines Flight
Which cards compete with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card?
The Southwest Premier Card has two obvious competitors: Chase’s other Southwest credit cards. However, it’s worth considering a general travel credit card with the same annual fee to see if that option is better for your wallet. Let’s see how they stack up:
For more options, check out our full list The best travel credit cards.
Related: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier and Plus credit cards compared
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card worth it?
The 6,000-yearly bonus points largely offset the Southwest Premier Card’s $99 annual fee. If you value its other benefits at more than $22, you’ll fully justify the annual fee. Still, most Southwest loyalists will find more value Southwest Priority Credit Card instead, as it offers more benefits.
Related: Best United Airlines Credit Cards
The bottom line
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card can be a good option for semi-frequent Southwest flyers. If you fly Southwest occasionally, this card’s price point and benefits may make it worth your wallet without the high price tag on other travel credit cards. However, most Southwest fans will prefer the higher-level advantages Southwest Priority Card instead.
Related: Are Airline Credit Cards Worth It Now?