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Earn 6,000 anniversary points plus 50,000 welcome bonus with Premier Rewards
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier delivers 50,000 welcome points, $149 annual fee, and 6,000 anniversary points yearly. Earn 3X points on Southwest flights and 2X on restaurants and groceries (up to $8,000 annually). Cardholder and 8 companions receive free first checked bags, preferred boarding, and 25% inflight discounts.
$149
Annual Fee
50,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
3X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$149
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
Welcome bonus of 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership. The bonus is worth approximately $600-1,000+ in free Southwest flights depending on your redemption strategy. Add the 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points from the welcome bonus and move significantly closer to a Companion Pass.
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.
Reviews & Analysis
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 |
Earn 6,000 anniversary points plus 50,000 welcome bonus with Premier Rewards
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier delivers 50,000 welcome points, $149 annual fee, and 6,000 anniversary points yearly. Earn 3X points on Southwest flights and 2X on restaurants and groceries (up to $8,000 annually). Cardholder and 8 companions receive free first checked bags, preferred boarding, and 25% inflight discounts.
$149
Annual Fee
50,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
3X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$149
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
Welcome bonus of 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership. The bonus is worth approximately $600-1,000+ in free Southwest flights depending on your redemption strategy. Add the 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points from the welcome bonus and move significantly closer to a Companion Pass.
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.
Reviews & Analysis
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 |
Earn 6,000 anniversary points plus 50,000 welcome bonus with Premier Rewards
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier delivers 50,000 welcome points, $149 annual fee, and 6,000 anniversary points yearly. Earn 3X points on Southwest flights and 2X on restaurants and groceries (up to $8,000 annually). Cardholder and 8 companions receive free first checked bags, preferred boarding, and 25% inflight discounts.
$149
Annual Fee
50,000
Airline · Welcome Bonus
3X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$149
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
Welcome bonus of 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership. The bonus is worth approximately $600-1,000+ in free Southwest flights depending on your redemption strategy. Add the 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points from the welcome bonus and move significantly closer to a Companion Pass.
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.
Reviews & Analysis
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 |
Total face value: $48
Estimated annual value: $28
| Credit | Value | Category | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8% Booking.com travel credit | $8/Per stay | Travel | Per stay | |
| $10/mo Instacart+ | —/Monthly | Delivery | Monthly | |
| DoorDash DashPass | —/Monthly | Delivery | Monthly |
Combined Protection Value
$506,350
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
Get coverage for collision damage, theft, and loss-of-use when renting a car. Coverage type (primary vs secondary) varies by issuer.
Access 24/7 multilingual travel assistance including medical referrals, legal help, emergency cash, and lost luggage support.
Get an additional year of warranty protection on eligible electronics and appliances with original warranties of 3 years or less.
Get reimbursed up to $3,000 per person per trip for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage when traveling with your 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 |
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier delivers the strongest value for frequent Southwest flyers with free checked bags and priority boarding extending to 8 companions. 50,000 welcome bonus and 6,000 anniversary points compound earning power, while 3X Southwest and 2X dining/groceries rewards maximize daily spend value.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card offers strong middle-ground value for frequent or aspiring Southwest travelers. With a generous sign-up bonus, Companion Pass boost, and useful annual perks, it’s a smart pick for travelers who want rewards without a top-tier fee.
This card offers a 50,000-point sign-up bonus after spending just $1,000 in the first three months — one of the lowest spending thresholds among airline cards. While all three personal Southwest cards offer the same bonus, the Premier card adds solid long-term perks: 6,000-anniversary points, complimentary preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure, and a 10,000-point Companion Pass boost every calendar year. With the right timing, you could earn the Companion Pass as early as February and keep it for nearly two full years. For travelers who fly Southwest a few times a year and want meaningful perks without a premium price tag, the Premier card delivers excellent value.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card is the middle-tier option among Southwest’s personal cards. It shares the same 50,000-point sign-up bonus as its siblings, but stands out by offering more anniversary points and valuable ongoing benefits for its $149 annual fee.
- Earn 6,000-anniversary points each year: Worth roughly $78 based on our 1.3¢ per point valuation.
- Select a preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure: A $70 value on average, and it applies to everyone on your reservation.
- 15% promo code each year on your cardmember anniversary
- Group 5 boarding
- First checked bag free
- 10,000-point Companion Pass boost: Posted by January 31 each year to help you get closer to earning the Companion Pass.
Other perks include 25% back on in-flight purchases and the ability to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent—useful if you're chasing A-List status.
- This card might not be for you if you want the lowest annual fee possible — look to the Plus card with its $99 fee.
- If you’ve opened another personal Southwest card within the past 24 months, you would be ineligible for this bonus due to Chase’s rules.
**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.
The Premier card sits squarely between the Plus and Priority cards in terms of cost and benefits. If you're deciding which one to keep long-term after earning the sign-up bonus, consider how often you fly and which perks you’ll actually use. Here’s how they stack up:
- Annual fees: $99 for Plus, $149 for Premier, $229 for Priority.
- Anniversary points: 3,000 (Plus), 6,000 (Premier), 7,500 (Priority).
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$28.80
Annual Fee
-$149
Net Annual Value
-$120.20
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.
Official Chase landing page for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card featuring complete benefits overview, earning rates, annual bonuses, welcome offer terms, travel protections, and activation links. Authoritative source for current terms and official card features.
Comprehensive review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card covering the 50,000 welcome bonus, 6,000 annual anniversary points, 3X earning on Southwest flights, free checked bags for 9 passengers, and preferred boarding benefits. Analysis of whether the $149 annual fee delivers value compared to the Rapid Rewards Select and Performance cards.
Value analysis comparing all Southwest credit card options and determining which tier (Plus, Select, or Premier) is best based on frequent flyer status. Includes breakeven calculations showing when the Premier's $149 fee is justified by free checked bags and priority boarding benefits.
2026 review evaluating the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier as the premium card in Chase's Southwest partnership. Covers tier qualifying points toward A-List status, 10,000 annual Companion Pass qualifying points, DashPass membership benefit, and whether the Premier is worth the extra fee compared to other Southwest cards.
Comprehensive Upgraded Points review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier analyzing the 50,000 welcome bonus, 6,000 anniversary bonus, and tier qualifying points strategy toward A-List elite status. Includes detailed breakdown of free checked bag savings and preferred boarding strategy.
Detailed CNBC review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier analyzing the card's core appeal for frequent Southwest flyers. Covers 6,000 anniversary bonus points, how free checked bags save hundreds annually with family travel, preferred boarding guarantees overhead bin space, and the impact of tier qualifying points on A-List status.
Credit Karma's review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier covering card features, earning rates, and annual benefits. Includes user ratings and community feedback on real-world value of free checked bags, preferred boarding, and whether the $149 annual fee pays for itself.
Yahoo Finance's overview of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card emphasizing the 50,000 welcome points and $149 fee positioning. Analyzes earning structure across Southwest flights, restaurants, and groceries, plus how free checked bags compound savings for family travel.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Total face value: $48
Estimated annual value: $28
| Credit | Value | Category | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8% Booking.com travel credit | $8/Per stay | Travel | Per stay | |
| $10/mo Instacart+ | —/Monthly | Delivery | Monthly | |
| DoorDash DashPass | —/Monthly | Delivery | Monthly |
Combined Protection Value
$506,350
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
Get coverage for collision damage, theft, and loss-of-use when renting a car. Coverage type (primary vs secondary) varies by issuer.
Access 24/7 multilingual travel assistance including medical referrals, legal help, emergency cash, and lost luggage support.
Get an additional year of warranty protection on eligible electronics and appliances with original warranties of 3 years or less.
Get reimbursed up to $3,000 per person per trip for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage when traveling with your 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 |
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier delivers the strongest value for frequent Southwest flyers with free checked bags and priority boarding extending to 8 companions. 50,000 welcome bonus and 6,000 anniversary points compound earning power, while 3X Southwest and 2X dining/groceries rewards maximize daily spend value.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card offers strong middle-ground value for frequent or aspiring Southwest travelers. With a generous sign-up bonus, Companion Pass boost, and useful annual perks, it’s a smart pick for travelers who want rewards without a top-tier fee.
This card offers a 50,000-point sign-up bonus after spending just $1,000 in the first three months — one of the lowest spending thresholds among airline cards. While all three personal Southwest cards offer the same bonus, the Premier card adds solid long-term perks: 6,000-anniversary points, complimentary preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure, and a 10,000-point Companion Pass boost every calendar year. With the right timing, you could earn the Companion Pass as early as February and keep it for nearly two full years. For travelers who fly Southwest a few times a year and want meaningful perks without a premium price tag, the Premier card delivers excellent value.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card is the middle-tier option among Southwest’s personal cards. It shares the same 50,000-point sign-up bonus as its siblings, but stands out by offering more anniversary points and valuable ongoing benefits for its $149 annual fee.
- Earn 6,000-anniversary points each year: Worth roughly $78 based on our 1.3¢ per point valuation.
- Select a preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure: A $70 value on average, and it applies to everyone on your reservation.
- 15% promo code each year on your cardmember anniversary
- Group 5 boarding
- First checked bag free
- 10,000-point Companion Pass boost: Posted by January 31 each year to help you get closer to earning the Companion Pass.
Other perks include 25% back on in-flight purchases and the ability to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent—useful if you're chasing A-List status.
- This card might not be for you if you want the lowest annual fee possible — look to the Plus card with its $99 fee.
- If you’ve opened another personal Southwest card within the past 24 months, you would be ineligible for this bonus due to Chase’s rules.
**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.
The Premier card sits squarely between the Plus and Priority cards in terms of cost and benefits. If you're deciding which one to keep long-term after earning the sign-up bonus, consider how often you fly and which perks you’ll actually use. Here’s how they stack up:
- Annual fees: $99 for Plus, $149 for Premier, $229 for Priority.
- Anniversary points: 3,000 (Plus), 6,000 (Premier), 7,500 (Priority).
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$28.80
Annual Fee
-$149
Net Annual Value
-$120.20
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.
Official Chase landing page for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card featuring complete benefits overview, earning rates, annual bonuses, welcome offer terms, travel protections, and activation links. Authoritative source for current terms and official card features.
Comprehensive review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card covering the 50,000 welcome bonus, 6,000 annual anniversary points, 3X earning on Southwest flights, free checked bags for 9 passengers, and preferred boarding benefits. Analysis of whether the $149 annual fee delivers value compared to the Rapid Rewards Select and Performance cards.
Value analysis comparing all Southwest credit card options and determining which tier (Plus, Select, or Premier) is best based on frequent flyer status. Includes breakeven calculations showing when the Premier's $149 fee is justified by free checked bags and priority boarding benefits.
2026 review evaluating the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier as the premium card in Chase's Southwest partnership. Covers tier qualifying points toward A-List status, 10,000 annual Companion Pass qualifying points, DashPass membership benefit, and whether the Premier is worth the extra fee compared to other Southwest cards.
Comprehensive Upgraded Points review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier analyzing the 50,000 welcome bonus, 6,000 anniversary bonus, and tier qualifying points strategy toward A-List elite status. Includes detailed breakdown of free checked bag savings and preferred boarding strategy.
Detailed CNBC review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier analyzing the card's core appeal for frequent Southwest flyers. Covers 6,000 anniversary bonus points, how free checked bags save hundreds annually with family travel, preferred boarding guarantees overhead bin space, and the impact of tier qualifying points on A-List status.
Credit Karma's review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier covering card features, earning rates, and annual benefits. Includes user ratings and community feedback on real-world value of free checked bags, preferred boarding, and whether the $149 annual fee pays for itself.
Yahoo Finance's overview of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card emphasizing the 50,000 welcome points and $149 fee positioning. Analyzes earning structure across Southwest flights, restaurants, and groceries, plus how free checked bags compound savings for family travel.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Total face value: $48
Estimated annual value: $28
| Credit | Value | Category | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8% Booking.com travel credit | $8/Per stay | Travel | Per stay | |
| $10/mo Instacart+ | —/Monthly | Delivery | Monthly | |
| DoorDash DashPass | —/Monthly | Delivery | Monthly |
Combined Protection Value
$506,350
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
Get coverage for collision damage, theft, and loss-of-use when renting a car. Coverage type (primary vs secondary) varies by issuer.
Access 24/7 multilingual travel assistance including medical referrals, legal help, emergency cash, and lost luggage support.
Get an additional year of warranty protection on eligible electronics and appliances with original warranties of 3 years or less.
Get reimbursed up to $3,000 per person per trip for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage when traveling with your 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 |
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier delivers the strongest value for frequent Southwest flyers with free checked bags and priority boarding extending to 8 companions. 50,000 welcome bonus and 6,000 anniversary points compound earning power, while 3X Southwest and 2X dining/groceries rewards maximize daily spend value.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card offers strong middle-ground value for frequent or aspiring Southwest travelers. With a generous sign-up bonus, Companion Pass boost, and useful annual perks, it’s a smart pick for travelers who want rewards without a top-tier fee.
This card offers a 50,000-point sign-up bonus after spending just $1,000 in the first three months — one of the lowest spending thresholds among airline cards. While all three personal Southwest cards offer the same bonus, the Premier card adds solid long-term perks: 6,000-anniversary points, complimentary preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure, and a 10,000-point Companion Pass boost every calendar year. With the right timing, you could earn the Companion Pass as early as February and keep it for nearly two full years. For travelers who fly Southwest a few times a year and want meaningful perks without a premium price tag, the Premier card delivers excellent value.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card is the middle-tier option among Southwest’s personal cards. It shares the same 50,000-point sign-up bonus as its siblings, but stands out by offering more anniversary points and valuable ongoing benefits for its $149 annual fee.
- Earn 6,000-anniversary points each year: Worth roughly $78 based on our 1.3¢ per point valuation.
- Select a preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure: A $70 value on average, and it applies to everyone on your reservation.
- 15% promo code each year on your cardmember anniversary
- Group 5 boarding
- First checked bag free
- 10,000-point Companion Pass boost: Posted by January 31 each year to help you get closer to earning the Companion Pass.
Other perks include 25% back on in-flight purchases and the ability to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent—useful if you're chasing A-List status.
- This card might not be for you if you want the lowest annual fee possible — look to the Plus card with its $99 fee.
- If you’ve opened another personal Southwest card within the past 24 months, you would be ineligible for this bonus due to Chase’s rules.
**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.
The Premier card sits squarely between the Plus and Priority cards in terms of cost and benefits. If you're deciding which one to keep long-term after earning the sign-up bonus, consider how often you fly and which perks you’ll actually use. Here’s how they stack up:
- Annual fees: $99 for Plus, $149 for Premier, $229 for Priority.
- Anniversary points: 3,000 (Plus), 6,000 (Premier), 7,500 (Priority).
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$28.80
Annual Fee
-$149
Net Annual Value
-$120.20
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.
Official Chase landing page for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card featuring complete benefits overview, earning rates, annual bonuses, welcome offer terms, travel protections, and activation links. Authoritative source for current terms and official card features.
Comprehensive review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card covering the 50,000 welcome bonus, 6,000 annual anniversary points, 3X earning on Southwest flights, free checked bags for 9 passengers, and preferred boarding benefits. Analysis of whether the $149 annual fee delivers value compared to the Rapid Rewards Select and Performance cards.
Value analysis comparing all Southwest credit card options and determining which tier (Plus, Select, or Premier) is best based on frequent flyer status. Includes breakeven calculations showing when the Premier's $149 fee is justified by free checked bags and priority boarding benefits.
2026 review evaluating the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier as the premium card in Chase's Southwest partnership. Covers tier qualifying points toward A-List status, 10,000 annual Companion Pass qualifying points, DashPass membership benefit, and whether the Premier is worth the extra fee compared to other Southwest cards.
Comprehensive Upgraded Points review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier analyzing the 50,000 welcome bonus, 6,000 anniversary bonus, and tier qualifying points strategy toward A-List elite status. Includes detailed breakdown of free checked bag savings and preferred boarding strategy.
Detailed CNBC review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier analyzing the card's core appeal for frequent Southwest flyers. Covers 6,000 anniversary bonus points, how free checked bags save hundreds annually with family travel, preferred boarding guarantees overhead bin space, and the impact of tier qualifying points on A-List status.
Credit Karma's review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier covering card features, earning rates, and annual benefits. Includes user ratings and community feedback on real-world value of free checked bags, preferred boarding, and whether the $149 annual fee pays for itself.
Yahoo Finance's overview of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card emphasizing the 50,000 welcome points and $149 fee positioning. Analyzes earning structure across Southwest flights, restaurants, and groceries, plus how free checked bags compound savings for family travel.
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Get reimbursement up to $500 per claim for items stolen or damaged by accident within 90 days of purchase.
Reimbursement up to $300 for meals and lodging after 12+ hour delay. Signature requires 12 hours vs Infinite's 6 hours.
Get reimbursed up to $300 for essential purchases like clothing and toiletries when checked baggage is delayed 4+ hours.
Get reimbursement up to $250 per item when a merchant won't accept returns within 90 days of purchase (Signature tier).
Coverage for essential purchases if your checked baggage is delayed more than 6 hours by the carrier
Protection against theft or damage for eligible purchases for 120 days from purchase date
24/7 roadside assistance including jump-start, lockout, towing, and fuel delivery. Services charged as flat fee per call.
Reimbursement for lost or damaged checked baggage and contents when traveling with eligible card
Extends manufacturer's warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $500,000 when traveling on common carriers paid with your card
- Other perks: The Plus card offers a standard seat 48 hours prior to departure, while the Premier offers a standard seat at booking and preferred seats 48 hours prior to departure. The Priority offers preferred seats at the time of booking and also offers the possibility of an Extra Legroom seat upgrade at 48 hours prior to departure
All three personal cards include the 10,000-point Companion Pass boost and similar spending multipliers. The Premier card offers a good balance of cost and value for moderate Southwest flyers.
If you’re aiming for the Companion Pass, you’ll also need to explore Southwest’s business cards. Chase won’t allow you to earn two personal Southwest card bonuses within 24 months, so pairing a personal card with a business card is the fastest path. The Performance Business card offers an 80,000-point bonus (with a $299 annual fee), while the Premier Business card offers 60,000 points (with a $149 annual fee).
Get reimbursement up to $500 per claim for items stolen or damaged by accident within 90 days of purchase.
Reimbursement up to $300 for meals and lodging after 12+ hour delay. Signature requires 12 hours vs Infinite's 6 hours.
Get reimbursed up to $300 for essential purchases like clothing and toiletries when checked baggage is delayed 4+ hours.
Get reimbursement up to $250 per item when a merchant won't accept returns within 90 days of purchase (Signature tier).
Coverage for essential purchases if your checked baggage is delayed more than 6 hours by the carrier
Protection against theft or damage for eligible purchases for 120 days from purchase date
24/7 roadside assistance including jump-start, lockout, towing, and fuel delivery. Services charged as flat fee per call.
Reimbursement for lost or damaged checked baggage and contents when traveling with eligible card
Extends manufacturer's warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $500,000 when traveling on common carriers paid with your card
- Other perks: The Plus card offers a standard seat 48 hours prior to departure, while the Premier offers a standard seat at booking and preferred seats 48 hours prior to departure. The Priority offers preferred seats at the time of booking and also offers the possibility of an Extra Legroom seat upgrade at 48 hours prior to departure
All three personal cards include the 10,000-point Companion Pass boost and similar spending multipliers. The Premier card offers a good balance of cost and value for moderate Southwest flyers.
If you’re aiming for the Companion Pass, you’ll also need to explore Southwest’s business cards. Chase won’t allow you to earn two personal Southwest card bonuses within 24 months, so pairing a personal card with a business card is the fastest path. The Performance Business card offers an 80,000-point bonus (with a $299 annual fee), while the Premier Business card offers 60,000 points (with a $149 annual fee).
Get reimbursement up to $500 per claim for items stolen or damaged by accident within 90 days of purchase.
Reimbursement up to $300 for meals and lodging after 12+ hour delay. Signature requires 12 hours vs Infinite's 6 hours.
Get reimbursed up to $300 for essential purchases like clothing and toiletries when checked baggage is delayed 4+ hours.
Get reimbursement up to $250 per item when a merchant won't accept returns within 90 days of purchase (Signature tier).
Coverage for essential purchases if your checked baggage is delayed more than 6 hours by the carrier
Protection against theft or damage for eligible purchases for 120 days from purchase date
24/7 roadside assistance including jump-start, lockout, towing, and fuel delivery. Services charged as flat fee per call.
Reimbursement for lost or damaged checked baggage and contents when traveling with eligible card
Extends manufacturer's warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $500,000 when traveling on common carriers paid with your card
- Other perks: The Plus card offers a standard seat 48 hours prior to departure, while the Premier offers a standard seat at booking and preferred seats 48 hours prior to departure. The Priority offers preferred seats at the time of booking and also offers the possibility of an Extra Legroom seat upgrade at 48 hours prior to departure
All three personal cards include the 10,000-point Companion Pass boost and similar spending multipliers. The Premier card offers a good balance of cost and value for moderate Southwest flyers.
If you’re aiming for the Companion Pass, you’ll also need to explore Southwest’s business cards. Chase won’t allow you to earn two personal Southwest card bonuses within 24 months, so pairing a personal card with a business card is the fastest path. The Performance Business card offers an 80,000-point bonus (with a $299 annual fee), while the Premier Business card offers 60,000 points (with a $149 annual fee).
