What Southwest credit cards offer and who issues them
Southwest Airlines credit cards are issued by Chase Bank, not by Southwest itself. Chase offers two main Southwest cards: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card. Both earn points on every purchase that you can redeem for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards.
The cards differ in annual fee, sign-up bonus structure, and ongoing benefits. The Premier Card costs $69 per year and typically offers a higher sign-up bonus in points. The Plus Card costs $99 per year but includes two free checked bags annually for the cardholder and one companion, which can offset the higher fee if you fly Southwest regularly.
Both cards are Visa cards, so you can use them anywhere Visa is accepted, not just for Southwest purchases. The rewards you earn stay in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account and never expire as long as your account remains active.
Key Takeaways
- Chase issues two main Southwest cards: the Premier Card ($69/year) and the Plus Card ($99/year), each with different sign-up bonuses and ongoing benefits.
- Both cards earn points on all purchases that you can use for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards through the Rapid Rewards program.
- The Plus Card includes two free checked bags annually for the cardholder and one companion, which can save money if you fly Southwest multiple times per year.
- Points earned on Southwest cards do not expire as long as your Rapid Rewards account stays open, even if you close the card itself.
- You can use these cards anywhere Visa is accepted, not just for Southwest flights or purchases.
How the sign-up bonus works on Southwest cards
When you open a new Southwest card, Chase offers a sign-up bonus in the form of Rapid Rewards points. The exact bonus amount changes periodically, but it typically ranges from 30,000 to 75,000 points depending on the card and the current promotion. You earn this bonus by spending a certain amount within the first few months—usually $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the offer.
The bonus posts to your Rapid Rewards account once you meet the spending requirement. You do not have to wait for a statement to close; Chase usually credits the points within one to three business days of meeting the threshold. At current Southwest award pricing, 30,000 points is roughly equivalent to one round-trip flight within the continental United States, though exact value depends on the route and how far in advance you book.
If you already have a Southwest card and want to open another one, Chase has rules about how often you can receive a new sign-up bonus. You typically cannot earn a bonus on the same card product more than once every 24 months, and some restrictions explore if you have recently closed a Southwest card.
Earning and redeeming Rapid Rewards points
Every dollar you spend on a Southwest card earns points toward your Rapid Rewards balance. The earning rate is usually 1 point per dollar on most purchases, though some cards offer bonus categories—for example, 3 points per dollar at restaurants or 2 points per dollar on gas. Check your card's specific terms, as bonus categories vary.
You redeem points directly through your Southwest account online or by calling Southwest reservations. You can book a flight using only points, or you can use points to cover part of a ticket and pay the rest with cash. Points also work for seat upgrades, including Early Bird Check-In (which automatically checks you in 24 hours before departure) and upgraded boarding positions.
One important rule: Southwest does not charge blackout dates for award flights. This means you can use your points to book a flight on any date Southwest operates, even during peak travel times. However, award availability depends on seat inventory, so popular flights may have limited award seats even if paid seats are available.
Annual fees and when they are worth paying
The Southwest Premier Card charges $69 per year, and the Plus Card charges $99 per year. Both fees renew on your card anniversary each year. Neither card waives the fee for the first year, so you pay it when ready when the card is opened.
The Plus Card's higher fee is often justified by the two free checked bags annually. If you fly Southwest twice per year and check a bag each time, that benefit alone saves you $60 (two bags × $30 each per round trip). For frequent Southwest travelers, the Plus Card often pays for itself. If you fly Southwest fewer than twice per year or never check bags, the Premier Card's lower fee may be the better choice.
Both cards waive the annual fee if you close the card before the anniversary date, though you will lose access to the card's benefits. Some cardholders open a Southwest card for the sign-up bonus, use it for a few months, and close it before the annual fee posts. This strategy works if you do not plan to use the card's ongoing benefits, but it means you cannot earn the card's bonus again for at least 24 months.
Comparing the Premier Card and Plus Card side by side
| Feature | Premier Card | Plus Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $69 | $99 |
| Typical Sign-Up Bonus | 40,000–75,000 points | 40,000–60,000 points |
| Free Checked Bags | None | 2 per year for cardholder and 1 companion |
| Points Per Dollar (General) | 1 point | 1 point |
| Bonus Categories | Varies by promotion | Varies by promotion |
| Best For | Occasional Southwest flyers | Frequent Southwest flyers who check bags |
What happens if you close your Southwest card
Closing a Southwest credit card does not affect your Rapid Rewards points. The points remain in your Southwest account indefinitely as long as your Rapid Rewards membership stays active. Your membership stays active as long as you have account activity—which includes earning or redeeming points, or even just logging into your Southwest account—at least once every 24 months.
If you close the card, you lose the card's benefits going forward. You will no longer earn bonus points in special categories, and if you had the Plus Card, you will no longer receive the two free checked bags annually. However, you can still use your existing points to book flights or upgrades through your Southwest account.
If you want to keep earning points after closing a card, you can open a different Southwest card or use the Southwest Rapid Rewards card for business (a separate product also issued by Chase). You can also earn points by flying Southwest directly, as every ticket earns points based on the fare paid.
How to open a Southwest credit card
You can open a Southwest card directly through Chase's website or by calling Chase at the phone number on the back of any Chase card. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Chase will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
Chase usually makes a decision within minutes to hours. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you can set up it through the Chase mobile app or website, or by calling the number on the back of the card. set up is when ready and takes less than a minute.
After set up, you can use the card right away for purchases. Your sign-up bonus posts once you meet the spending requirement, usually within one to three business days. You do not need to wait for a statement to close or for your first payment to post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both the Premier and Plus cards at the same time?
Yes. Chase allows you to hold both Southwest cards simultaneously. Some people do this to maximize sign-up bonuses or to combine the benefits of both cards. However, each card carries its own annual fee, so you would pay $168 per year total. Make sure the combined benefits justify the cost before opening both.
What credit score do I need to open a Southwest card?
Chase typically approves Southwest cards for applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher, though approval is not may provide at any score. If you are denied, you can call Chase's reconsideration line to discuss your process, or you can wait and reapply after improving your credit score or credit history.
Do I have to be a Southwest frequent flyer to open one of these cards?
No. You do not need to be a Southwest customer or member to open a Southwest credit card. However, you do need a Rapid Rewards account to use the points, which is free to create. You can create one when you open the card, or you can create one beforehand through Southwest's website.
Can I use my points on airlines other than Southwest?
No. Rapid Rewards points can only be used for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and Southwest-related purchases. You cannot transfer points to other airlines or redeem them for cash. If you want flexibility to use points on multiple airlines, you would need a different credit card that earns transferable points.
What if I spend less than the sign-up bonus requirement?
If you do not meet the spending requirement within the specified timeframe (usually three months), you do not receive the sign-up bonus. The bonus does not post automatically—you must hit the exact spending threshold. If you are close to the requirement, you can make additional purchases to reach it before the important date.