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Earn 2X on Southwest and save $280 per trip with free bags for 9 travelers
Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases plus 2X on gas stations and grocery stores (first $5,000 combined per year) with a $99 annual fee. Save up to $280 per round trip with free checked bags for you and 8 companions. Get 3,000 anniversary points ($42 value) and 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually.
$99
Annual Fee
50,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
2X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$99
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Visa Signature
Rewards Currency
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Point Valuation
1.2–1.4 cpp (mid: 1.35)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
50,000
Airline
Spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
Earn 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. At 1.4 cents per point, that's $700 in Southwest flight value—enough for 2-3 domestic round trips. The $1,000 spend threshold is achievable with routine spending. Not available if you've received a Southwest personal card bonus within 24 months.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
The loyalty program that actually rewards loyalty
Southwest Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, offering points that never expire and no blackout dates on award travel. In January 2026, Southwest introduced major changes including assigned seating, new fare classes (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra), and checked bag fees for most fares. Southwest operates without alliance partnerships, focusing on extensive domestic coverage and select international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Rapid Rewards uses a revenue-based earning model where points are earned based on ticket price and fare class. Basic fares earn 2x points while Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) earns 14x. Points can be redeemed for any available seat with no blackout dates, and award pricing uses dynamic pricing tied to cash fares. The program's signature benefit is the Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly free on all flights for up to two years. Southwest partners with Chase for co-branded credit cards that provide the first checked bag free, accelerated earning, and points that count toward Companion Pass qualification. Card welcome bonuses and spending can help members quickly reach the 135,000 qualifying points needed.
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| SW Pers 1/24 | You're not eligible for a new card bonus if you have received a bonus from a personal Southwest card within the last 24 months |
| 5/24 | Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months. |
| Chase 2/30 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days |
| Chase 4/6 | Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months |
| Purchase APR | 19.24%–27.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Media & Resources
Earn 2X on Southwest and save $280 per trip with free bags for 9 travelers
Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases plus 2X on gas stations and grocery stores (first $5,000 combined per year) with a $99 annual fee. Save up to $280 per round trip with free checked bags for you and 8 companions. Get 3,000 anniversary points ($42 value) and 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually.
$99
Annual Fee
50,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
2X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$99
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Visa Signature
Rewards Currency
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Point Valuation
1.2–1.4 cpp (mid: 1.35)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
50,000
Airline
Spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
Earn 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. At 1.4 cents per point, that's $700 in Southwest flight value—enough for 2-3 domestic round trips. The $1,000 spend threshold is achievable with routine spending. Not available if you've received a Southwest personal card bonus within 24 months.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
The loyalty program that actually rewards loyalty
Southwest Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, offering points that never expire and no blackout dates on award travel. In January 2026, Southwest introduced major changes including assigned seating, new fare classes (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra), and checked bag fees for most fares. Southwest operates without alliance partnerships, focusing on extensive domestic coverage and select international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Rapid Rewards uses a revenue-based earning model where points are earned based on ticket price and fare class. Basic fares earn 2x points while Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) earns 14x. Points can be redeemed for any available seat with no blackout dates, and award pricing uses dynamic pricing tied to cash fares. The program's signature benefit is the Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly free on all flights for up to two years. Southwest partners with Chase for co-branded credit cards that provide the first checked bag free, accelerated earning, and points that count toward Companion Pass qualification. Card welcome bonuses and spending can help members quickly reach the 135,000 qualifying points needed.
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| SW Pers 1/24 | You're not eligible for a new card bonus if you have received a bonus from a personal Southwest card within the last 24 months |
| 5/24 | Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months. |
| Chase 2/30 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days |
| Chase 4/6 | Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months |
| Purchase APR | 19.24%–27.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Media & Resources
Earn 2X on Southwest and save $280 per trip with free bags for 9 travelers
Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases plus 2X on gas stations and grocery stores (first $5,000 combined per year) with a $99 annual fee. Save up to $280 per round trip with free checked bags for you and 8 companions. Get 3,000 anniversary points ($42 value) and 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually.
$99
Annual Fee
50,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
2X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$99
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Visa Signature
Rewards Currency
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Point Valuation
1.2–1.4 cpp (mid: 1.35)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
50,000
Airline
Spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
Earn 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. At 1.4 cents per point, that's $700 in Southwest flight value—enough for 2-3 domestic round trips. The $1,000 spend threshold is achievable with routine spending. Not available if you've received a Southwest personal card bonus within 24 months.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
The loyalty program that actually rewards loyalty
Southwest Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, offering points that never expire and no blackout dates on award travel. In January 2026, Southwest introduced major changes including assigned seating, new fare classes (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra), and checked bag fees for most fares. Southwest operates without alliance partnerships, focusing on extensive domestic coverage and select international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Rapid Rewards uses a revenue-based earning model where points are earned based on ticket price and fare class. Basic fares earn 2x points while Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) earns 14x. Points can be redeemed for any available seat with no blackout dates, and award pricing uses dynamic pricing tied to cash fares. The program's signature benefit is the Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly free on all flights for up to two years. Southwest partners with Chase for co-branded credit cards that provide the first checked bag free, accelerated earning, and points that count toward Companion Pass qualification. Card welcome bonuses and spending can help members quickly reach the 135,000 qualifying points needed.
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| SW Pers 1/24 | You're not eligible for a new card bonus if you have received a bonus from a personal Southwest card within the last 24 months |
| 5/24 | Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months. |
| Chase 2/30 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days |
| Chase 4/6 | Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months |
| Purchase APR | 19.24%–27.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Media & Resources
2X
2x points on Southwest purchases including flights, inflight, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages
2X
Cap: $5,000/annual
2X
Cap: $5,000/annual
Earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest flights, inflight purchases, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages. Stack with Southwest's Rapid Rewards earning to accelerate your balance.
Book $3,000 in Southwest flights annually: earn 6,000 points (worth $84 at 1.4 cpp)
Earn 2 points per dollar at gas stations on the first $5,000 in combined gas and grocery purchases per anniversary year. Hit the cap, earn 10,000 points worth $140.
Spend $200 monthly on gas ($2,400/year): earn 4,800 points (worth $67 at 1.4 cpp)
Earn 2 points per dollar at grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined gas and grocery purchases per anniversary year. The combined cap means strategic spending matters.
Spend $2,600 on groceries after hitting gas cap: earn 5,200 points (worth $73 at 1.4 cpp)
Earn 1 point per dollar on purchases outside bonus categories with no caps. Not the strongest base rate, but acceptable for a co-brand card focused on Southwest travel.
Spend $500 monthly on other purchases: earn 6,000 points annually (worth $84 at 1.4 cpp)
Total face value: $144
Estimated annual value: $75
| Credit | Value | Category | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40/yr DoorDash + DashPass | $40 | Delivery | Annual | |
| 8% Booking.com travel credit | $8/Per stay | Travel | Per stay | |
| $10/mo Instacart+ | —/Monthly | Delivery | Monthly |
Combined Protection Value
$502,850
Get reimbursed up to $2,000 per person when a trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons like illness or severe weather.
Secondary coverage for theft and collision damage on eligible rental vehicles when you decline the rental company's insurance
Reimbursement up to $300 for meals and lodging after 12+ hour delay. Signature requires 12 hours vs Infinite's 6 hours.
Get reimbursement up to $250 per item when a merchant won't accept returns within 90 days of purchase (Signature tier).
Extends manufacturer's warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less
Reimbursement for lost or damaged checked baggage and contents when traveling with eligible card
Effective January 27, 2026, Southwest replaced open seating with assigned seating and renamed fare classes to Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Extra Legroom seats are now available on Choice Extra fares.
Starting May 28, 2025, checked bags are no longer free on most Southwest fares. Only Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members, and Southwest credit card holders receive free checked bags.
Southwest expanded internationally with codeshare agreements with Icelandair and China Airlines, allowing members to earn Rapid Rewards points on connecting itineraries.
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US to Hawaii | 8,000–17,000 | — | economy | pacific_islands |
| US Domestic Short-Haul | 3,000–5,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US Domestic Cross-Country | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Caribbean/Mexico | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | caribbean |
| US to Central America | 12,000 | — | economy | central_america |
| Companion Pass Value Play | 0 | — | economy | global |
The Plus is Southwest's entry-level personal card at $99 annually. It delivers free checked bags for 9 travelers (worth up to $280 per trip for a family of 4), 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year, and 2X earning on Southwest plus everyday gas and grocery purchases.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card is the most affordable of the three personal Southwest cards. It’s a great option if you're focused on earning the Companion Pass without committing to a long-term annual fee.
If your main goal is earning the Southwest Companion Pass and you don’t plan to keep a card long-term, the Plus card is your lowest-cost entry point. It offers the same 50,000-point sign-up bonus as the other two personal cards, but with a lower $99 annual fee. You'll be able to select a standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, for the cardmember and up to 8 passengers, along with one free bag (for up to 8 passengers) and no worse than Group 5 boarding. If you fly Southwest frequently or desire value-added perks like upgraded boardings and travel credits, one of the higher-tier cards might be a better fit.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card gives you a low-cost way to access solid rewards. It’s the most budget-friendly of the three personal Southwest cards, yet it still includes a strong sign-up bonus and a few helpful perks.
- Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
- Receive 3,000-anniversary points each year
- Select a standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure when available (a value of $50 per round trip on average)
- First checked bag free for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation
- Group 5 boarding for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers
- Receive a 10,000-point Companion Pass boost each year
- Receive a 10% promo code each year on your cardmember anniversary (excludes basic fare)
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
You’ll also earn 2x points on Southwest purchases, hotel and car rental partners, and internet, cable, phone, and select streaming services.
This card might not be for you if:
- You fly Southwest often and want more premium perks
- You plan to travel internationally — it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee
- You’ve opened another personal Southwest card in the last 24 months and are ineligible for another bonus
**Southwest airlines carries the most passengers in North America.**
- Their points are among the easiest to earn, plus they have solid value.
- They’re partnered with Chase Ultimate Rewards, our favorite point partner ecosystem.
- Southwest moved to reserved seating and now charges for bags, two features that once made them unique.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards aren’t the most glamorous, but they’re the utility points that just work.
There are three personal Southwest cards and two business cards, giving you multiple paths to earn the Companion Pass. Each personal card shares the same 50,000-point sign-up bonus, 10k boost of Companion Pass qualifying points each year, group 5 boarding, and first checked bag free, but the perks and annual fees scale up with each tier.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$86.40
Annual Fee
-$99
Net Annual Value
-$12.60
You can. It’s actually better to book a flight for someone else with your points than to transfer them. Southwest charges a fee to transfer points, and it can add up quickly. Booking an award ticket for another passenger costs nothing extra and avoids those fees.
You can sometimes find Southwest award flights for as little as 3,000–4,000 points, especially during one of their frequent sales. These are usually short-haul routes in off-peak seasons, like St. Louis to Chicago, but when you find them, they deliver 2-3x the typical cents-per-point value.
Yes. You can easily add your Rapid Rewards number after booking. Just go to “Manage Reservations” in the Southwest app or website and add your number to the traveler details. You can also call customer service and have them add it for you.
Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags. A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get their first checked bag free. All other travelers must pay for checked bags.
Not in the traditional sense. With the elimination of open seating, Southwest reconfigured their planes to offer Extra Legroom Seats, which have more space in the front of the plane. But they are more like premium economy than business or first class.
Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio instantly. However, transferred points do NOT count toward Companion Pass qualification. Only points earned from Southwest credit card welcome bonuses, card spending, and flying count toward the 135,000-point Companion Pass threshold.
No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points never expire, regardless of account activity. As long as your Rapid Rewards account remains open, your points balance is safe indefinitely.
The Points Guy's comprehensive review of the Southwest Plus card, analyzing its $99 annual fee, 2X bonus categories, 3,000 anniversary bonus, and how it compares to other Southwest cards.
CNBC Select breaks down the rewards, benefits, and fees of the Southwest Plus card, including earning rates, anniversary bonus, and travel protections to help determine if it's right for you.
Business Insider's detailed guide evaluating the Southwest Plus card's rewards structure, benefits including free checked bags and EarlyBird check-ins, and how it compares to Premier and Priority versions.
U.S. News review highlighting the card's 2X earning rates on Southwest purchases and qualifying categories, 50,000-point welcome bonus, and 3,000 anniversary bonus that helps offset the $99 annual fee.
WalletHub's comprehensive review with 373 user reviews, covering the Plus card's value proposition, 50,000-point bonus worth $745 in Southwest airfare, and detailed analysis of earning rates and benefits.
Forbes Advisor analyzes how the Plus card is becoming more valuable as Southwest moves away from free checked bags for non-cardholders, comparing annual fee requirements across Southwest's card lineup.
Upgraded Points breaks down all 15 benefits of the Plus card including earning rewards, flight perks like free checked bags and Group 5 boarding, travel protections, and shopping perks.
Bankrate's detailed review covering the Plus card's solid rewards for occasional Southwest flyers, first-year value analysis, and comparison with mid-tier and premium Southwest options.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
2X
2x points on Southwest purchases including flights, inflight, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages
2X
Cap: $5,000/annual
2X
Cap: $5,000/annual
Earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest flights, inflight purchases, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages. Stack with Southwest's Rapid Rewards earning to accelerate your balance.
Book $3,000 in Southwest flights annually: earn 6,000 points (worth $84 at 1.4 cpp)
Earn 2 points per dollar at gas stations on the first $5,000 in combined gas and grocery purchases per anniversary year. Hit the cap, earn 10,000 points worth $140.
Spend $200 monthly on gas ($2,400/year): earn 4,800 points (worth $67 at 1.4 cpp)
Earn 2 points per dollar at grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined gas and grocery purchases per anniversary year. The combined cap means strategic spending matters.
Spend $2,600 on groceries after hitting gas cap: earn 5,200 points (worth $73 at 1.4 cpp)
Earn 1 point per dollar on purchases outside bonus categories with no caps. Not the strongest base rate, but acceptable for a co-brand card focused on Southwest travel.
Spend $500 monthly on other purchases: earn 6,000 points annually (worth $84 at 1.4 cpp)
Total face value: $144
Estimated annual value: $75
| Credit | Value | Category | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40/yr DoorDash + DashPass | $40 | Delivery | Annual | |
| 8% Booking.com travel credit | $8/Per stay | Travel | Per stay | |
| $10/mo Instacart+ | —/Monthly | Delivery | Monthly |
Combined Protection Value
$502,850
Get reimbursed up to $2,000 per person when a trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons like illness or severe weather.
Secondary coverage for theft and collision damage on eligible rental vehicles when you decline the rental company's insurance
Reimbursement up to $300 for meals and lodging after 12+ hour delay. Signature requires 12 hours vs Infinite's 6 hours.
Get reimbursement up to $250 per item when a merchant won't accept returns within 90 days of purchase (Signature tier).
Extends manufacturer's warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less
Reimbursement for lost or damaged checked baggage and contents when traveling with eligible card
Effective January 27, 2026, Southwest replaced open seating with assigned seating and renamed fare classes to Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Extra Legroom seats are now available on Choice Extra fares.
Starting May 28, 2025, checked bags are no longer free on most Southwest fares. Only Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members, and Southwest credit card holders receive free checked bags.
Southwest expanded internationally with codeshare agreements with Icelandair and China Airlines, allowing members to earn Rapid Rewards points on connecting itineraries.
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US to Hawaii | 8,000–17,000 | — | economy | pacific_islands |
| US Domestic Short-Haul | 3,000–5,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US Domestic Cross-Country | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Caribbean/Mexico | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | caribbean |
| US to Central America | 12,000 | — | economy | central_america |
| Companion Pass Value Play | 0 | — | economy | global |
The Plus is Southwest's entry-level personal card at $99 annually. It delivers free checked bags for 9 travelers (worth up to $280 per trip for a family of 4), 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year, and 2X earning on Southwest plus everyday gas and grocery purchases.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card is the most affordable of the three personal Southwest cards. It’s a great option if you're focused on earning the Companion Pass without committing to a long-term annual fee.
If your main goal is earning the Southwest Companion Pass and you don’t plan to keep a card long-term, the Plus card is your lowest-cost entry point. It offers the same 50,000-point sign-up bonus as the other two personal cards, but with a lower $99 annual fee. You'll be able to select a standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, for the cardmember and up to 8 passengers, along with one free bag (for up to 8 passengers) and no worse than Group 5 boarding. If you fly Southwest frequently or desire value-added perks like upgraded boardings and travel credits, one of the higher-tier cards might be a better fit.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card gives you a low-cost way to access solid rewards. It’s the most budget-friendly of the three personal Southwest cards, yet it still includes a strong sign-up bonus and a few helpful perks.
- Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
- Receive 3,000-anniversary points each year
- Select a standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure when available (a value of $50 per round trip on average)
- First checked bag free for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation
- Group 5 boarding for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers
- Receive a 10,000-point Companion Pass boost each year
- Receive a 10% promo code each year on your cardmember anniversary (excludes basic fare)
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
You’ll also earn 2x points on Southwest purchases, hotel and car rental partners, and internet, cable, phone, and select streaming services.
This card might not be for you if:
- You fly Southwest often and want more premium perks
- You plan to travel internationally — it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee
- You’ve opened another personal Southwest card in the last 24 months and are ineligible for another bonus
**Southwest airlines carries the most passengers in North America.**
- Their points are among the easiest to earn, plus they have solid value.
- They’re partnered with Chase Ultimate Rewards, our favorite point partner ecosystem.
- Southwest moved to reserved seating and now charges for bags, two features that once made them unique.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards aren’t the most glamorous, but they’re the utility points that just work.
There are three personal Southwest cards and two business cards, giving you multiple paths to earn the Companion Pass. Each personal card shares the same 50,000-point sign-up bonus, 10k boost of Companion Pass qualifying points each year, group 5 boarding, and first checked bag free, but the perks and annual fees scale up with each tier.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$86.40
Annual Fee
-$99
Net Annual Value
-$12.60
You can. It’s actually better to book a flight for someone else with your points than to transfer them. Southwest charges a fee to transfer points, and it can add up quickly. Booking an award ticket for another passenger costs nothing extra and avoids those fees.
You can sometimes find Southwest award flights for as little as 3,000–4,000 points, especially during one of their frequent sales. These are usually short-haul routes in off-peak seasons, like St. Louis to Chicago, but when you find them, they deliver 2-3x the typical cents-per-point value.
Yes. You can easily add your Rapid Rewards number after booking. Just go to “Manage Reservations” in the Southwest app or website and add your number to the traveler details. You can also call customer service and have them add it for you.
Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags. A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get their first checked bag free. All other travelers must pay for checked bags.
Not in the traditional sense. With the elimination of open seating, Southwest reconfigured their planes to offer Extra Legroom Seats, which have more space in the front of the plane. But they are more like premium economy than business or first class.
Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio instantly. However, transferred points do NOT count toward Companion Pass qualification. Only points earned from Southwest credit card welcome bonuses, card spending, and flying count toward the 135,000-point Companion Pass threshold.
No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points never expire, regardless of account activity. As long as your Rapid Rewards account remains open, your points balance is safe indefinitely.
The Points Guy's comprehensive review of the Southwest Plus card, analyzing its $99 annual fee, 2X bonus categories, 3,000 anniversary bonus, and how it compares to other Southwest cards.
CNBC Select breaks down the rewards, benefits, and fees of the Southwest Plus card, including earning rates, anniversary bonus, and travel protections to help determine if it's right for you.
Business Insider's detailed guide evaluating the Southwest Plus card's rewards structure, benefits including free checked bags and EarlyBird check-ins, and how it compares to Premier and Priority versions.
U.S. News review highlighting the card's 2X earning rates on Southwest purchases and qualifying categories, 50,000-point welcome bonus, and 3,000 anniversary bonus that helps offset the $99 annual fee.
WalletHub's comprehensive review with 373 user reviews, covering the Plus card's value proposition, 50,000-point bonus worth $745 in Southwest airfare, and detailed analysis of earning rates and benefits.
Forbes Advisor analyzes how the Plus card is becoming more valuable as Southwest moves away from free checked bags for non-cardholders, comparing annual fee requirements across Southwest's card lineup.
Upgraded Points breaks down all 15 benefits of the Plus card including earning rewards, flight perks like free checked bags and Group 5 boarding, travel protections, and shopping perks.
Bankrate's detailed review covering the Plus card's solid rewards for occasional Southwest flyers, first-year value analysis, and comparison with mid-tier and premium Southwest options.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
2X
2x points on Southwest purchases including flights, inflight, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages
2X
Cap: $5,000/annual
2X
Cap: $5,000/annual
Earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest flights, inflight purchases, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages. Stack with Southwest's Rapid Rewards earning to accelerate your balance.
Book $3,000 in Southwest flights annually: earn 6,000 points (worth $84 at 1.4 cpp)
Earn 2 points per dollar at gas stations on the first $5,000 in combined gas and grocery purchases per anniversary year. Hit the cap, earn 10,000 points worth $140.
Spend $200 monthly on gas ($2,400/year): earn 4,800 points (worth $67 at 1.4 cpp)
Earn 2 points per dollar at grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined gas and grocery purchases per anniversary year. The combined cap means strategic spending matters.
Spend $2,600 on groceries after hitting gas cap: earn 5,200 points (worth $73 at 1.4 cpp)
Earn 1 point per dollar on purchases outside bonus categories with no caps. Not the strongest base rate, but acceptable for a co-brand card focused on Southwest travel.
Spend $500 monthly on other purchases: earn 6,000 points annually (worth $84 at 1.4 cpp)
Total face value: $144
Estimated annual value: $75
| Credit | Value | Category | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40/yr DoorDash + DashPass | $40 | Delivery | Annual | |
| 8% Booking.com travel credit | $8/Per stay | Travel | Per stay | |
| $10/mo Instacart+ | —/Monthly | Delivery | Monthly |
Combined Protection Value
$502,850
Get reimbursed up to $2,000 per person when a trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons like illness or severe weather.
Secondary coverage for theft and collision damage on eligible rental vehicles when you decline the rental company's insurance
Reimbursement up to $300 for meals and lodging after 12+ hour delay. Signature requires 12 hours vs Infinite's 6 hours.
Get reimbursement up to $250 per item when a merchant won't accept returns within 90 days of purchase (Signature tier).
Extends manufacturer's warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less
Reimbursement for lost or damaged checked baggage and contents when traveling with eligible card
Effective January 27, 2026, Southwest replaced open seating with assigned seating and renamed fare classes to Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Extra Legroom seats are now available on Choice Extra fares.
Starting May 28, 2025, checked bags are no longer free on most Southwest fares. Only Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members, and Southwest credit card holders receive free checked bags.
Southwest expanded internationally with codeshare agreements with Icelandair and China Airlines, allowing members to earn Rapid Rewards points on connecting itineraries.
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US to Hawaii | 8,000–17,000 | — | economy | pacific_islands |
| US Domestic Short-Haul | 3,000–5,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US Domestic Cross-Country | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Caribbean/Mexico | 8,000–15,000 | — | economy | caribbean |
| US to Central America | 12,000 | — | economy | central_america |
| Companion Pass Value Play | 0 | — | economy | global |
The Plus is Southwest's entry-level personal card at $99 annually. It delivers free checked bags for 9 travelers (worth up to $280 per trip for a family of 4), 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year, and 2X earning on Southwest plus everyday gas and grocery purchases.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card is the most affordable of the three personal Southwest cards. It’s a great option if you're focused on earning the Companion Pass without committing to a long-term annual fee.
If your main goal is earning the Southwest Companion Pass and you don’t plan to keep a card long-term, the Plus card is your lowest-cost entry point. It offers the same 50,000-point sign-up bonus as the other two personal cards, but with a lower $99 annual fee. You'll be able to select a standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, for the cardmember and up to 8 passengers, along with one free bag (for up to 8 passengers) and no worse than Group 5 boarding. If you fly Southwest frequently or desire value-added perks like upgraded boardings and travel credits, one of the higher-tier cards might be a better fit.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card gives you a low-cost way to access solid rewards. It’s the most budget-friendly of the three personal Southwest cards, yet it still includes a strong sign-up bonus and a few helpful perks.
- Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
- Receive 3,000-anniversary points each year
- Select a standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure when available (a value of $50 per round trip on average)
- First checked bag free for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation
- Group 5 boarding for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers
- Receive a 10,000-point Companion Pass boost each year
- Receive a 10% promo code each year on your cardmember anniversary (excludes basic fare)
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
You’ll also earn 2x points on Southwest purchases, hotel and car rental partners, and internet, cable, phone, and select streaming services.
This card might not be for you if:
- You fly Southwest often and want more premium perks
- You plan to travel internationally — it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee
- You’ve opened another personal Southwest card in the last 24 months and are ineligible for another bonus
**Southwest airlines carries the most passengers in North America.**
- Their points are among the easiest to earn, plus they have solid value.
- They’re partnered with Chase Ultimate Rewards, our favorite point partner ecosystem.
- Southwest moved to reserved seating and now charges for bags, two features that once made them unique.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards aren’t the most glamorous, but they’re the utility points that just work.
There are three personal Southwest cards and two business cards, giving you multiple paths to earn the Companion Pass. Each personal card shares the same 50,000-point sign-up bonus, 10k boost of Companion Pass qualifying points each year, group 5 boarding, and first checked bag free, but the perks and annual fees scale up with each tier.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$86.40
Annual Fee
-$99
Net Annual Value
-$12.60
You can. It’s actually better to book a flight for someone else with your points than to transfer them. Southwest charges a fee to transfer points, and it can add up quickly. Booking an award ticket for another passenger costs nothing extra and avoids those fees.
You can sometimes find Southwest award flights for as little as 3,000–4,000 points, especially during one of their frequent sales. These are usually short-haul routes in off-peak seasons, like St. Louis to Chicago, but when you find them, they deliver 2-3x the typical cents-per-point value.
Yes. You can easily add your Rapid Rewards number after booking. Just go to “Manage Reservations” in the Southwest app or website and add your number to the traveler details. You can also call customer service and have them add it for you.
Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags. A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get their first checked bag free. All other travelers must pay for checked bags.
Not in the traditional sense. With the elimination of open seating, Southwest reconfigured their planes to offer Extra Legroom Seats, which have more space in the front of the plane. But they are more like premium economy than business or first class.
Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio instantly. However, transferred points do NOT count toward Companion Pass qualification. Only points earned from Southwest credit card welcome bonuses, card spending, and flying count toward the 135,000-point Companion Pass threshold.
No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points never expire, regardless of account activity. As long as your Rapid Rewards account remains open, your points balance is safe indefinitely.
The Points Guy's comprehensive review of the Southwest Plus card, analyzing its $99 annual fee, 2X bonus categories, 3,000 anniversary bonus, and how it compares to other Southwest cards.
CNBC Select breaks down the rewards, benefits, and fees of the Southwest Plus card, including earning rates, anniversary bonus, and travel protections to help determine if it's right for you.
Business Insider's detailed guide evaluating the Southwest Plus card's rewards structure, benefits including free checked bags and EarlyBird check-ins, and how it compares to Premier and Priority versions.
U.S. News review highlighting the card's 2X earning rates on Southwest purchases and qualifying categories, 50,000-point welcome bonus, and 3,000 anniversary bonus that helps offset the $99 annual fee.
WalletHub's comprehensive review with 373 user reviews, covering the Plus card's value proposition, 50,000-point bonus worth $745 in Southwest airfare, and detailed analysis of earning rates and benefits.
Forbes Advisor analyzes how the Plus card is becoming more valuable as Southwest moves away from free checked bags for non-cardholders, comparing annual fee requirements across Southwest's card lineup.
Upgraded Points breaks down all 15 benefits of the Plus card including earning rewards, flight perks like free checked bags and Group 5 boarding, travel protections, and shopping perks.
Bankrate's detailed review covering the Plus card's solid rewards for occasional Southwest flyers, first-year value analysis, and comparison with mid-tier and premium Southwest options.
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Protection against theft or damage for eligible purchases for 120 days from purchase date
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $500,000 when traveling on common carriers paid with your card
Up to $100 per day for 3 days for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing when checked baggage is delayed over 6 hours. $300 maximum.
- **Rapid Rewards Plus Card** has a $99 annual fee and offers 3,000-anniversary points and a 10% promo code each year. Cardmembers can select standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure (when available)
- **Rapid Rewards Premier Card** costs $149 per year and increases the anniversary points to 6,000 and a 15% promo code each year. Cardmembers can select a standard or preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure (when available)
- **Rapid Rewards Priority Card**, at $229 per year, gives you 7,500-anniversary points and a preferred seat when booking (when available). You can also receive unlimited Extra Legroom Seat upgrades when available
The Premier card also allows you to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent toward A-List status while the Priority card allows 2,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent. Beyond these differences, all three cards offer the same sign-up bonus and general structure.
If you want to earn the Companion Pass primarily through sign-up bonuses, you’ll need to pair a personal card with a business card. Chase doesn’t allow you to receive two personal Southwest card bonuses within 24 months. The **Performance Business Card** is your best option with its 80,000-point bonus, while the **Premier Business Card** offers 60,000 points.
I picked the Plus card because I wanted to earn the Companion Pass without committing to a high annual fee. I don’t fly Southwest every month, but the value of the points, the flexibility to cancel or change flights, and the no-hassle reward bookings make it easy to get real savings.
I’ve used points to book flights for friends visiting from out of town, and the EarlyBird Check-Ins helped avoid some of the stress during peak travel weekends. While I don’t see this card as a long-term hold, it served its purpose.
Protection against theft or damage for eligible purchases for 120 days from purchase date
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $500,000 when traveling on common carriers paid with your card
Up to $100 per day for 3 days for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing when checked baggage is delayed over 6 hours. $300 maximum.
- **Rapid Rewards Plus Card** has a $99 annual fee and offers 3,000-anniversary points and a 10% promo code each year. Cardmembers can select standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure (when available)
- **Rapid Rewards Premier Card** costs $149 per year and increases the anniversary points to 6,000 and a 15% promo code each year. Cardmembers can select a standard or preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure (when available)
- **Rapid Rewards Priority Card**, at $229 per year, gives you 7,500-anniversary points and a preferred seat when booking (when available). You can also receive unlimited Extra Legroom Seat upgrades when available
The Premier card also allows you to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent toward A-List status while the Priority card allows 2,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent. Beyond these differences, all three cards offer the same sign-up bonus and general structure.
If you want to earn the Companion Pass primarily through sign-up bonuses, you’ll need to pair a personal card with a business card. Chase doesn’t allow you to receive two personal Southwest card bonuses within 24 months. The **Performance Business Card** is your best option with its 80,000-point bonus, while the **Premier Business Card** offers 60,000 points.
I picked the Plus card because I wanted to earn the Companion Pass without committing to a high annual fee. I don’t fly Southwest every month, but the value of the points, the flexibility to cancel or change flights, and the no-hassle reward bookings make it easy to get real savings.
I’ve used points to book flights for friends visiting from out of town, and the EarlyBird Check-Ins helped avoid some of the stress during peak travel weekends. While I don’t see this card as a long-term hold, it served its purpose.
Protection against theft or damage for eligible purchases for 120 days from purchase date
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $500,000 when traveling on common carriers paid with your card
Up to $100 per day for 3 days for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing when checked baggage is delayed over 6 hours. $300 maximum.
- **Rapid Rewards Plus Card** has a $99 annual fee and offers 3,000-anniversary points and a 10% promo code each year. Cardmembers can select standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure (when available)
- **Rapid Rewards Premier Card** costs $149 per year and increases the anniversary points to 6,000 and a 15% promo code each year. Cardmembers can select a standard or preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure (when available)
- **Rapid Rewards Priority Card**, at $229 per year, gives you 7,500-anniversary points and a preferred seat when booking (when available). You can also receive unlimited Extra Legroom Seat upgrades when available
The Premier card also allows you to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent toward A-List status while the Priority card allows 2,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent. Beyond these differences, all three cards offer the same sign-up bonus and general structure.
If you want to earn the Companion Pass primarily through sign-up bonuses, you’ll need to pair a personal card with a business card. Chase doesn’t allow you to receive two personal Southwest card bonuses within 24 months. The **Performance Business Card** is your best option with its 80,000-point bonus, while the **Premier Business Card** offers 60,000 points.
I picked the Plus card because I wanted to earn the Companion Pass without committing to a high annual fee. I don’t fly Southwest every month, but the value of the points, the flexibility to cancel or change flights, and the no-hassle reward bookings make it easy to get real savings.
I’ve used points to book flights for friends visiting from out of town, and the EarlyBird Check-Ins helped avoid some of the stress during peak travel weekends. While I don’t see this card as a long-term hold, it served its purpose.
