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Best Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Cards for March 2024

Earn rewards every time you fly Southwest with one of these Chase co-branded credit cards.

  • CNET'S PICK
    CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    7.25/10
    Annual Fee $149
    Rewards Rate
    1x - 3x 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; select streaming.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
    Intro offer available Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    6.5/10
    Annual Fee $69
    Rewards Rate
    1x - 2x 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; select streaming.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
    Intro offer available Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    7.25/10
    Annual Fee $99
    Rewards Rate
    1x - 3x 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; select streaming.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
    Intro offer available Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    6.75/10
    Annual Fee $99
    Rewards Rate
    1x - 3x Earn 3X pts on Southwest® purchases.; Earn 2X pts on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 2X pts on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.; Earn 1X pts on all other purchases.
    Intro offer available Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

All credit cards on this best list are researched and hand-picked by the CNET editorial staff. We regularly consult and work with personal finance experts to make sure our advice is accurate and informed, but those experts are not involved in our best list selection process.

If you travel frequently and are a fan of Southwest Airlines, you can earn rewards each time you travel with Chase’s suite of Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.

Co-branded airline credit cards generally offer travel rewards and benefits that center around a particular airline. In this case, Chase has partnered with Southwest to offer a selection of cards with specific perks that reward Southwest Airlines loyalists. This card lineup includes several personal and business credit card options, ideal for travel enthusiasts and business owners alike.

Best Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards

CNET’S PICK
7.25/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Earn 50,000 points Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$149
Rewards Rate
1x – 3x 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; select streaming.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850 Good – Excellent
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers frequent Southwest flyers useful perks and rewards for several aspects of travel. For a $149 annual fee, cardholders get up to $75 in Southwest travel credits each year, 25% back on inflight purchases, 7,500 bonus points on each card anniversary and four upgraded boardings per year when available. It also comes equipped with a number of travel protections to guard against unfortunate circumstances like lost luggage or car trouble.

Cardholders also get expedited access to Southwest’s A-List program by earning 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $10,000 spent with the card. A-List status offers even more perks including priority boarding and earning 25% extra bonus points on qualifying flight bookings.

In addition to its Southwest-centric perks, the card offers rewards for purchases including rideshares, tolls and taxis, plus with Southwest’s hotel and rental car partners. Partners include Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, Hertz and Alamo. That makes it a bit more versatile than other airline credit cards. If the annual fee puts you off, remember you get up to $75 in statement credits for Southwest purchases each year, which effectively drops the annual fee to $74. Which, depending on how often you fly, is a good price for all the card has to offer.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers frequent Southwest flyers useful perks and rewards for several aspects of travel. For a $149 annual fee, cardholders get up to $75 in Southwest travel credits each year, 25% back on inflight purchases, 7,500 bonus points on each card anniversary and four upgraded boardings per year when available. It also comes equipped with a number of travel protections to guard against unfortunate circumstances like lost luggage or car trouble.

Cardholders also get expedited access to Southwest’s A-List program by earning 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $10,000 spent with the card. A-List status offers even more perks including priority boarding and earning 25% extra bonus points on qualifying flight bookings.

In addition to its Southwest-centric perks, the card offers rewards for purchases including rideshares, tolls and taxis, plus with Southwest’s hotel and rental car partners. Partners include Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, Hertz and Alamo. That makes it a bit more versatile than other airline credit cards. If the annual fee puts you off, remember you get up to $75 in statement credits for Southwest purchases each year, which effectively drops the annual fee to $74. Which, depending on how often you fly, is a good price for all the card has to offer.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
6.5/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Earn 50,000 points Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$69
Rewards Rate
1x – 2x 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; select streaming.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850 Good – Excellent
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the least expensive offering in the Rapid Rewards family. As such, it offers the lowest rewards and fewest perks. All in all, it doesn’t offer much in return for its $69 annual fee. You’d be better off going with the Rapid Rewards Premier Card if you frequently fly Southwest.

In exchange for its annual fee, cardholders get a 25% back on inflight purchases, two EarlyBird check-in passes each year and 3,000 points annually on your card anniversary. Other than that, there really isn’t too much going on. The rewards are relatively weak considering its annual fee, but it does offer a nice selection of travel protections to help avoid any unfortunate circumstances.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the least expensive offering in the Rapid Rewards family. As such, it offers the lowest rewards and fewest perks. All in all, it doesn’t offer much in return for its $69 annual fee. You’d be better off going with the Rapid Rewards Premier Card if you frequently fly Southwest.

In exchange for its annual fee, cardholders get a 25% back on inflight purchases, two EarlyBird check-in passes each year and 3,000 points annually on your card anniversary. Other than that, there really isn’t too much going on. The rewards are relatively weak considering its annual fee, but it does offer a nice selection of travel protections to help avoid any unfortunate circumstances.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
7.25/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Earn 50,000 points Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$99
Rewards Rate
1x – 3x 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; select streaming.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850 Good – Excellent
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card has a relatively high annual fee for what it offers. It shares a lot with its upgraded version, the Rapid Rewards Priority Card, but nothing that really makes it worth choosing over the Priority card, despite having a lower annual fee.

For $99 annually, cardholders get 25% back on inflight purchases, 6,000 anniversary points every year and an expedited path toward A-list status by earning 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $10,000 spent. A-list status provides Southwest aficionados with priority boarding, 25% bonus to points and a dedicated phone line.

The card’s rewards are its strongest feature, offering a solid return on not only Southwest spending, but also a wide variety of travel spending including taxis, tolls, buses and more. However, there is no travel credit to help lessen the blow of the annual fee like the upgraded version offers. So while the upgraded version has a higher annual fee, it’ll actually provide the greater value for your money considering its stronger perks

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card has a relatively high annual fee for what it offers. It shares a lot with its upgraded version, the Rapid Rewards Priority Card, but nothing that really makes it worth choosing over the Priority card, despite having a lower annual fee.

For $99 annually, cardholders get 25% back on inflight purchases, 6,000 anniversary points every year and an expedited path toward A-list status by earning 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $10,000 spent. A-list status provides Southwest aficionados with priority boarding, 25% bonus to points and a dedicated phone line.

The card’s rewards are its strongest feature, offering a solid return on not only Southwest spending, but also a wide variety of travel spending including taxis, tolls, buses and more. However, there is no travel credit to help lessen the blow of the annual fee like the upgraded version offers. So while the upgraded version has a higher annual fee, it’ll actually provide the greater value for your money considering its stronger perks

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
6.75/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Up to 60,000 points Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Annual Fee
$99
Rewards Rate
1x – 3x Earn 3X pts on Southwest® purchases.; Earn 2X pts on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 2X pts on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.; Earn 1X pts on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
800 – 850 Excellent
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable

The business version of the Rapid Rewards Premier Card, it offers the same rewards but slightly different perks. Business owners can issue employee cards at no additional cost.

The card doesn’t offer rewards for any specific business expenses, but it does provide a return for a number of travel-related purchases like local transit.

There aren’t many business-centric perks aside from the employee card offer, so if you were looking for anything other than a card that rewards you for flying Southwest, perhaps consider a general business credit card instead.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
Earn 3X pts on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X pts on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
2x
Earn 2X pts on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
1x
Earn 1X pts on all other purchases.

The business version of the Rapid Rewards Premier Card, it offers the same rewards but slightly different perks. Business owners can issue employee cards at no additional cost.

The card doesn’t offer rewards for any specific business expenses, but it does provide a return for a number of travel-related purchases like local transit.

There aren’t many business-centric perks aside from the employee card offer, so if you were looking for anything other than a card that rewards you for flying Southwest, perhaps consider a general business credit card instead.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
Earn 3X pts on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X pts on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
2x
Earn 2X pts on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
1x
Earn 1X pts on all other purchases.

How do Southwest’s co-branded credit cards compare with other airlines?

Despite Southwest offering a wide variety of cards for business owners and travelers to choose from, very few present an attractive suite of perks to people outside of the Southwest brand. But that does make sense considering most of the Southwest cards feature relatively low annual fees. Other airlines present a more attractive offer, including Delta, American Airlines or United.

For example, one of the best United airlines credit cards, the United℠ Explorer Card has an annual fee of $95 ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year) but in return offers a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, two annual one-time passes to United’s airport lounge, priority boarding, plus additional amenities like dining credits and late check out at over 1,000 properties in the Luxury Hotel & Resorts Collection.

Meanwhile, for a $150 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year) the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card* offers a $200 Delta credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year, priority boarding, first checked bag free of charge and a welcome offer of 70,000 miles for spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months with the card.

Cardholders get much more in return for the annual fees when compared to most of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Cards. However, if you prefer flying with Southwest, perhaps for its lack of checked baggage fees, the Rapid Rewards Priority Card is still a good choice. And don’t forget to check out the best American Airlines credit cards for more examples.

How to choose the best Southwest Rapid Rewards card

Choose the card that fits your travel and spending the closest. Consider the card’s recommended credit, benefits and costs. 

Rewards

You’ll want the rewards to be high enough so that you can earn enough points to cover airfare. Some of the cards in the Southwest suite feature a number of bonus categories outside of what you’ll earn with Southwest. 

For example, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers rewards on transit and select streaming. If you’re able to match your spending habits to how the card earns, it’ll be all the easier to fund your Southwest travels.

Annual fee

If the card has an annual fee, check to see what kind of value you can get from its benefits. If they’re worth paying extra, and the card fits your spending habits, it could be a better choice than one without an annual fee.

A higher annual fee usually translates to better card perks and -- in some cases -- a higher welcome bonus, but you’ll want to make sure you travel enough throughout the year to take advantage of everything the card offers. Unfortunately, Southwest doesn’t currently offer any credit cards without an annual fee.

Welcome bonus

welcome bonus can go a long way toward covering a card’s annual fee or giving you a head start to earning enough rewards to use for airfare. You’ll just want to make sure you can reach the bonus without spending outside of your budget.

A Southwest welcome bonus could also push you closer to earning a Southwest Companion Pass. A companion pass is essentially an extra ticket for you to give a traveling companion. You can earn it by flying 100 paid qualifying one-way Southwest flights Southwest or by earning 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points through any combination of flights, partner hotel stays, partner car rentals or with Rapid Rewards credit cards.

Eligibility

If you can’t qualify for the Southwest card you’re considering, think about building your credit before applying. Typically, this entails making on-time payments on your open accounts and using your credit limit responsibly.

Other considerations

Most airline credit cards offer additional perks for your flights. Depending on which Southwest card you choose, it may include annual travel credits, expedited access to Southwest’s A-List program and travel protections. Most Southwest cards include 25% back for in-flight purchases. 

However, Southwest’s additional perks aren’t overly impressive compared to other co-branded airline cards, which may offer more amenities such as airport lounge access and waived fees. What they do offer are things like upgraded boardings, free Wi-Fi and anniversary bonus miles, among others.

How to maximize your Southwest Rapid Rewards card

To get the most out of your Southwest card, be sure you’re redeeming your Southwest points for airfare and taking full advantage of any card perks like annual travel credits.

If you’re able to earn A-List status, you’ll gain even more amenities like priority boarding and a 25% bonus to point earnings. Southwest also doesn’t charge any checked bag fees for your first two checked bags, so don’t be afraid to take advantage of that.

To earn A-List status, you’ll have to fly 20 one-way qualifying flights in a year or earn 35,000 tier-qualifying points with a Rapid Rewards card. For A-List Preferred status, it’s 40 flights or 70,000 points.

FAQs

The best Southwest credit card is the Rapid Rewards Priority Card. It offers the best value for the cost. It has a $149 annual fee, but it comes with a yearly Southwest statement credit, 7,500 anniversary points each year, four upgraded boardings annually and a wide selection of travel protections. It also provides a high rewards rate for Southwest purchases.

Airline credit cards have special perks and rewards designed around the specific airline it’s connected to. For example, Southwest credit cards earn better rewards rates for Southwest flight purchases and provide an inflight discount for drinks and food. United credit cards include amenities and rewards for United flights.

General travel credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, provide rewards for travel and perks that benefit travelers who fly with a variety of airlines or stay with numerous hotel brands.

A higher annual fee on a travel credit card typically translates to higher rewards and better travel perks. The better travel perks might include annual travel credits, airport lounge access or an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can help you breeze through airport security lines.

You can, but you won’t have access to any of the airline-specific perks the credit card offers, and you’ll miss out on rewards. Instead of earning a higher rate for purchases with the card’s own airline, you’ll instead earn 1 point or mile per dollar for the purchase in most cases.

*All information about the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.