Compare Southwest Credit Cards for Personal Use

Southwest airlines is a popular choice for travel rewards. With several personal credit card offerings, it can be challenging to determine which Southwest credit card is the best fit for your needs.

Southwest Credit Card Options

Southwest Airlines partners with Chase to offer three personal credit cards: the Southwest Rapid Rewards(r) Plus Credit Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards(r) Premier Credit Card, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards(r) Priority Credit Card. Each card comes with its unique set of benefits, fees, and earning potential, catering to different types of travelers.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards(r) Plus Credit Card is the entry-level option, offering a solid rewards program with a lower annual fee. The Southwest Rapid Rewards(r) Premier Credit Card provides enhanced earning rates and additional perks, such as an annual travel credit and higher anniversary bonus points. Finally, the Southwest Rapid Rewards(r) Priority Credit Card is the premium offering, featuring valuable benefits like an annual travel credit, complimentary upgrades, and a generous anniversary bonus.

Comparing Southwest Credit Card Rewards

At the heart of each Southwest credit card is the Rapid Rewards program, Southwest’s loyalty program that allows you to earn points for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and everyday purchases. The earning rates and bonus categories vary across the three personal credit cards, so it’s essential to understand how they differ.

Beyond the rewards program, each Southwest credit card offers a range of perks and benefits designed to enhance your travel experience with Southwest Airlines. These perks can include complimentary services, priority boarding, annual travel credits, and anniversary bonus points.

For instance, the Southwest Rapid Rewards(r) Priority Credit Card provides a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, four complimentary upgrades when available, and 7,500 anniversary bonus points each year. The Southwest Rapid Rewards(r) Premier Credit Card offers a lesser annual travel credit of $50 and 6,000 anniversary bonus points.

It’s important to evaluate these perks and determine which ones align best with your travel needs and preferences. If you frequently travel with Southwest Airlines and value priority boarding or complimentary upgrades, the higher-tier cards may be worth considering despite their higher annual fees.

Eligibility and Application Process

To apply for a Southwest credit card, you’ll need to meet the credit score requirements set by Chase. While the exact credit score thresholds are not publicly disclosed, it’s generally recommended to have a good to excellent credit score (typically above 670) to increase your chances of approval.

The application process for Southwest credit cards is straightforward. You can apply online through Chase’s website or call their customer service line. During the application, you’ll need to provide personal and financial information, including your name, address, income, and employment details.

If you’re unsure about your approval odds, you can check if you have any pre-qualified offers from Chase before applying. Pre-qualified offers can sometimes indicate a higher likelihood of approval, although they are not a guarantee.

Comparing Annual Fees and Foreign Transaction Fees

One crucial factor to consider when choosing a Southwest credit card is the annual fee. The annual fees for the three personal cards are as follows:

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards(r) Plus Credit Card: $69 annual fee
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards(r) Premier Credit Card: $99 annual fee
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards(r) Priority Credit Card: $149 annual fee

Evaluating whether the annual fee is worth it depends on your travel habits and how much value you can extract from the card’s benefits and rewards program.

Additionally, it’s important to note that none of the Southwest personal credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, making them a suitable choice for international travelers who don’t want to incur extra costs when making purchases abroad.

To maximize the value of your Southwest credit card, it’s crucial to understand how to leverage the Rapid Rewards program effectively. One of the most valuable perks of the program is the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows you to designate a companion to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) on every Southwest flight you book with cash or points.

To qualify for the Companion Pass, you need to earn 125,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points within a calendar year. Strategically utilizing your Southwest credit card’s sign-up bonus and earning rates can help you achieve this coveted status more quickly.

Additionally, you can redeem your Rapid Rewards points not only for Southwest flights but also for hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, and more. By carefully monitoring promotions and leveraging your points strategically, you can significantly enhance the value you derive from your Southwest credit card.