The Southwest Rapid Rewards Card rewards flying and everyday spending on Southwest Airlines

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It earns points on every purchase you make, with higher earning rates on Southwest tickets and related travel purchases. The card also includes perks tied to Southwest's frequent flyer program, such as a companion pass opportunity and free checked bags.

The card comes in two versions: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card. The Premier version carries a higher annual fee but offers more premium benefits. Both cards charge an annual fee, which you pay once per year regardless of how much you use the card.

Whether this card makes sense depends on how often you fly Southwest, how much you spend on other categories, and whether the annual fee cost is offset by the rewards and perks you actually use.

Key Takeaways

  • Both versions earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 1 point per dollar on everything else, but the Premier Card costs more annually and includes higher-tier benefits.
  • You receive a Companion Pass opportunity after you spend a set amount in the first year, allowing a second person to fly free on most Southwest flights for a year.
  • The card includes two free checked bags per flight, which saves money if you normally pay baggage fees or fly frequently.
  • Annual fees range depending on the card version, and you pay this fee every year the account remains open, even if you do not use the card.
  • Points do not expire as long as your account stays open and you earn or redeem at least once every 24 months.

How Points Earning Works

Both the Premier and Plus versions of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Card earn points at the same rate: 2 points per dollar when you buy Southwest airline tickets or pay for Southwest-related purchases like seat upgrades or early boarding. On all other purchases—groceries, gas, restaurants, utilities—you earn 1 point per dollar.

Points accumulate in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, which is separate from your credit card account. You can redeem points for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, or other Southwest services. The value of each point varies depending on the flight you book, but Southwest typically values points between 1 and 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for flights.

You also earn a one-time point bonus when you open the card. The bonus amount changes periodically, so check the current offer before you explore. This bonus is usually substantial enough to cover the annual fee in the first year if you redeem the points for a flight.

The Companion Pass and How It Works

After you spend a certain amount on the card within the first year—typically $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the current offer—you become Companion Pass may be able to access. This means Southwest will issue you a Companion Pass, which allows you to designate one person who can fly free on most Southwest flights for the remainder of that calendar year plus the following calendar year.

The Companion Pass is one of the most valuable benefits of this card because it effectively doubles your travel value if you fly with the same person regularly. The companion still pays taxes and fees (usually $5 to $15 per flight), but the base fare is free. You must purchase your own ticket first; the companion's free ticket is then added to your reservation.

You can change your designated companion once per year if your travel plans shift. The pass does not transfer to anyone else, and it expires at the end of the second calendar year it covers.

Free Checked Bags and Other Travel Perks

Cardholders receive two free checked bags per flight on Southwest Airlines. This benefit applies to you and anyone traveling on the same reservation with you. If you normally pay $30 to $35 per checked bag on other airlines, or if you fly Southwest multiple times per year, this alone can offset a significant portion of the annual fee.

The card also includes priority boarding on Southwest flights. Southwest does not assign seats; instead, you board in groups based on your boarding position. Priority boarding moves you earlier in the queue, giving you a better chance of getting a window or aisle seat and overhead bin space. The Premier Card includes higher priority boarding than the Plus Card.

Additional perks vary by card version but may include discounts on Southwest vacation packages, discounts on in-flight purchases, and access to Southwest's customer service phone line for cardholders. Check the current card terms to see which specific perks are included with each version.

Annual Fees and When They Make Sense

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card charges an annual fee, and the Premier Card charges a higher annual fee. Both fees renew every year on your card anniversary, regardless of whether you use the card. You cannot avoid the fee by not using the card; you must close the account to stop paying it.

The annual fee makes sense if you fly Southwest at least once or twice per year, or if you value the two free checked bags enough to offset the cost. For example, if the annual fee is $69 and you fly Southwest twice per year with a checked bag, you save $60 to $70 in baggage fees alone, which roughly covers the fee. The Companion Pass bonus in your first year typically adds significant additional value.

If you do not fly Southwest, do not plan to fly in the next year, or prefer other airlines, this card's annual fee is not worth paying. In that case, a general rewards card with no annual fee may serve you better.

Comparing the Premier and Plus Versions

The two Southwest cards differ mainly in their annual fees and the tier of benefits included. The Premier Card costs more per year but includes higher priority boarding, a higher sign-up bonus, and additional perks like a statement credit toward Southwest purchases or discounts on vacation packages. The Plus Card costs less per year and includes standard priority boarding and the same earning rates.

The choice between them depends on how much you value the extra perks and whether the higher annual fee is worth it for your travel patterns. If you fly Southwest frequently (more than four times per year) or travel with a companion regularly, the Premier Card's extra benefits may justify the higher cost. If you fly Southwest occasionally or travel alone most of the time, the Plus Card's lower fee may be the better choice.

Both cards earn points at the same rate and include the same free checked bags and Companion Pass opportunity. The main differences are in priority boarding level and the size of the sign-up bonus.

How Points Expire and Account Maintenance

Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains active. An account stays active if you earn or redeem points at least once every 24 months. This means you do not have to use your card every month; you just need some account activity within a two-year window.

If your account becomes inactive for more than 24 months, Southwest may close it and forfeit your points. To keep your account active without using the card, you can make a small purchase on the card, transfer points from a family member's account, or book a flight using points. These actions reset the 24-month clock.

If you close the card, your points remain in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account and do not expire, even if you no longer hold the card. You can still redeem them for flights or other Southwest services as long as your Rapid Rewards account stays open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Companion Pass on any Southwest flight?

The Companion Pass works on most Southwest flights, but there are blackout dates and restrictions. Southwest typically excludes flights during peak travel periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break. Check Southwest's website for the current list of blackout dates before you plan your trip.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points stay in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account and remain yours to redeem. Closing the card does not delete your points. However, your account must stay active (with earning or redemption at least once every 24 months) or the points may eventually expire.

Do I earn points on the annual fee itself?

No. The annual fee does not earn points. Only purchases you make with the card earn points at the stated rates.

Is the sign-up bonus worth the annual fee in the first year?

Usually yes. The sign-up bonus is typically large enough that when redeemed for a flight, it covers the annual fee and leaves you with additional points. However, you must meet the spending requirement to receive the bonus, so factor in whether you can spend that amount in the first year.

Can I transfer points to another person?

Southwest allows you to transfer points to a family member or friend, but there may be fees involved depending on the transfer amount. Points transferred to another account count as activity for both accounts, helping keep both accounts active.