A complete guide to Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards

Southwest presently offers two business credit cards:

Each card offers unique benefits, with perks increasing as the annual fee increases. Standard features include earning points on Southwest purchases, anniversary bonus points and opportunities to accelerate progress toward the coveted Companion Pass. And one thing is sure — Southwest’s credit cards provide travelers a great way to earn Southwest points and enhance flying Southwest Airlines.

Today, we’ll look closely at Southwest’s credit cards so you can decide which one is best for you.

Southwest Rapid Rewards overview

Southwest Airlines offers the Rapid Rewards loyalty program, which lets members earn points through flights, credit card spending, and partner activities. Members are best off redeeming these points for Southwest flights. Additionally, Rapid Rewards points never expire as long as their accounts remain active.

It’s easy to book flights using points without blackout dates. As long as a seat is available on cash, it’s also available on points. Whether traveling domestically or short-haul internationally, the Rapid Rewards program offers numerous opportunities to earn and redeem points.

What to look for in a Southwest credit card

With so many choices, we understand how choosing the best Southwest credit card can be daunting. 

First, take note of the annual fees associated with each card. You’ll have more rewards if you’re willing to spend more on your annual fee. Next, evaluate the earning potential of each card, particularly the bonus points offered on Southwest purchases, as well as points you earn through Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting expenses, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services.

Additionally, look for valuable travel perks such as anniversary points bonuses, upgraded boardings, in-flight purchase discounts, annual travel credits, and qualifying points for the Companion Pass.

Different cards cater to various types of travelers; for instance, occasional flyers may benefit from the Rapid Rewards Plus Card, while frequent Southwest travelers might find more value in the Rapid Rewards Priority Card. 

Best Southwest card with no annual fee

Unfortunately, all of Southwest’s credit cards have annual fees. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card has the lowest annual fee of $69.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Boost Your Southwest Rewards with the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

• 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases within 3 months
• 2X points on Southwest^® flights
• 2X points on local transit, rideshares, internet, cable, phone and select streaming
• 1X point on all other purchases
• 3,000 anniversary points each cardmember anniversary
• 2 EarlyBird Check‑In^® credits per year
• Points never expire and no blackout dates
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• $69 annual fee

Ideal for Southwest loyalists seeking solid ongoing rewards without a high fee, this card combines a generous welcome bonus with elevated earning on flights and everyday services. Track your points, book flights and manage EarlyBird Check‑In^® credits seamlessly in the Southwest app.

Terms apply. Bonus points after qualifying spend. Foreign transaction fee applies. See full terms for details.

Who should get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is best for:

Best mid-tier Southwest card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers the best perks for Southwest flyers looking for a modest annual fee.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Fast-Track Free Flights with the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Premier Credit Card

• 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
• 3X points on Southwest^® flights
• 2X points on Rapid Rewards^® hotel & car rental partners
• 2X points on local transit, commuting, internet, cable, phone & select streaming
• 1X point on all other purchases
• 6,000 anniversary points every account year
• 4 upgraded boardings per year
• No foreign transaction fees

Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, this card accelerates your points balance with top‑tier earnings on flights and everyday expenses. Enjoy a generous sign‑up bonus and annual anniversary points to redeem free flights sooner, plus enhanced travel comfort with upgraded boardings. Earn unlimited tier‑qualifying points on every $5,000 spent to fast‑track A‑List status, and manage your rewards seamlessly in the Southwest^® app.

Terms apply. Sign‑up and anniversary bonuses require qualifying purchases. Upgraded boardings subject to availability. See full terms for details.

Who should get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card is best suited for:

Best Southwest card for premium travel perks

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers the most premium travel benefits.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Enjoy Premium Perks with the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card

• 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases within your first 3 months
• 3X points on Southwest^® flights
• 2X points on Rapid Rewards^® hotel and car rental partner purchases
• 2X points on local transit, rideshare, internet, cable & phone services
• 1X point on all other purchases
• 7,500 anniversary points each year
• 4 upgraded boardings per year when available
• $75 annual travel credit for Southwest^® purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• $149 annual fee

With elevated earning on flights and everyday services, the Priority card delivers both flexibility and value. Use your annual travel credit to offset fees, enjoy priority boarding upgrades, and boost your balance with anniversary points. Redeem for any Southwest^® flight with no blackout dates and track everything effortlessly in the Southwest^® app or online portal.

Terms apply. Bonus points and anniversary credits require qualifying purchases. Upgraded boardings subject to availability. See full terms for details.

Who should get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is best for Southwest flyers who value enhanced travel perks and can maximize the card’s benefits to offset its annual fee. This card is ideal for:

Best Southwest card for earning elite status

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offer 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent on purchases.

As a reminder, you can qualify for A-List status with 35,000 qualifying TQPs or 20 qualifying one-way flights. You can be eligible for A-List Preferred status with 70,000 qualifying TQPs or 40 qualifying one-way flights.

It’s challenging to qualify for Southwest status entirely from credit card spending, but these cards can help earn extra TQPs from your everyday spending.

Best Southwest card for earning points

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns points the fastest. You earn 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases. Additionally, you receive 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit, and select streaming services.

Best Southwest card for most travelers

Although it has a slightly higher annual fee, we’re big fans of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card with its $75 annual Southwest travel credit, 7,500-anniversary points each year, 4 upgraded A1-15 boardings per year when available, and an accelerated earning structure.

Best Southwest card for business owners

Southwest has two business cards: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card. We’ll quickly review both.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Optimize every business trip with the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Premier Business Credit Card.

• 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months
• 3X points per $1 on Southwest^® flights
• 2X points per $1 on Rapid Rewards^® hotel and car rental partner purchases
• 2X points per $1 on local transit, rideshare, internet, cable & phone services
• 2X points per $1 on social media & search engine advertising
• 1X point per $1 on all other purchases
• 9,000 anniversary points each year
• 4 upgraded boardings per year when available
• No foreign transaction fees
• $199 annual fee

Designed for entrepreneurs who rely on Southwest for flights and invest in advertising and operations, this card accelerates your rewards on every dollar. Redeem points for free travel with no blackout dates, enjoy annual anniversary points to boost your balance, and breeze through security with upgraded boarding privileges. Manage your account and track your points seamlessly in the Southwest^® mobile app or online portal, and keep foreign transaction costs at zero when you travel abroad.

Terms apply. Bonus points and anniversary credits require qualifying purchases. Upgraded boardings subject to availability. See issuer’s site for complete details.

Who should get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card?

Business owners will appreciate benefits like two EarlyBird Check-Ins for priority boarding and the 6,000 bonus points each anniversary from this card. Still, for more benefits, we recommend the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Elevate Your Business Travel with the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Performance Business Card

• 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• 9,000 anniversary points each year after your cardmember anniversary
• 4X points per $1 on Southwest^® purchases
• 3X points per $1 on Rapid Rewards^® hotel and car rental partner purchases
• 2X points per $1 on local transit & rideshare
• 2X points per $1 on social media & search engine advertising, internet, cable & phone services
• 1X point per $1 on all other purchases
• 4 upgraded boardings per year when available
• No foreign transaction fees
• $199 annual fee

Designed for entrepreneurs who fly Southwest frequently, this card turns routine business expenses into Rapid Rewards points faster. Unlock a generous welcome bonus, enjoy annual anniversary points to boost your balance, and accelerate earnings on flights, hotel stays, advertising and more. With perks like upgraded boarding and no foreign transaction fees, you’ll travel smarter and save on additional charges. Manage your account, book flights and redeem rewards seamlessly through the Southwest app or online portal.

Terms apply. Welcome bonus requires $5,000 spend in the first 3 months. Upgraded boardings subject to availability. See issuer for complete details and enrollment requirements.

Who should get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card is an excellent choice for small business owners who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines and want to maximize their rewards. With a high earning rate of 4 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and valuable benefits like 4 upgraded A1-15 boardings each year, it’s ideal for those who travel often.

We’re also big fans of the ability to earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent. The annual bonus of 9,000 points and up to 365 in-flight Wi-Fi credits provide further value. This card is perfect for businesses looking to enhance their travel experience with Southwest.

Bottom line

Southwest’s lineup of Rapid Rewards credit cards offers a variety of options to suit different types of travelers, from occasional flyers to business owners. With benefits like anniversary bonus points, Companion Pass-qualifying boosts, and perks such as upgraded boardings and travel credits, these cards make it easier to maximize the value of flying Southwest Airlines. Choose the card that aligns best with your travel habits.

FAQs – Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards

What are the different types of Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards?

Southwest offers three personal credit cards and two business credit cards. Each card is designed for different travel habits, from occasional flyers to frequent business travelers, with varying annual fees and perks.

Do any Southwest credit cards have no annual fee?

No. All Southwest credit cards have an annual fee. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card has the lowest annual fee at $69.

Which Southwest card is best for occasional travelers?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a great option for occasional flyers looking to earn points and receive a few travel perks without a high annual fee.

What’s the best Southwest card for frequent travelers?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers the best value for frequent Southwest flyers with perks like a $75 travel credit, 7,500 anniversary points, and 4 upgraded boardings per year.

Which Southwest credit cards help earn A-List elite status?

The Rapid Rewards Premier and Priority credit cards (both personal and business versions) offer 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent, helping you work toward A-List and A-List Preferred status.

Can business owners benefit from Southwest cards?

Yes. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers valuable perks like 9,000 anniversary points, 4 upgraded boardings, in-flight Wi-Fi credits, and strong point-earning potential — ideal for frequent business travelers.