What the Southwest Chase Visa Card Is

The Southwest Chase Visa is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase Bank in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It is designed for people who fly Southwest regularly or want to earn rewards on everyday purchases. The card earns points toward Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and other travel benefits instead of cash back.

There are currently two versions: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card. Both work the same way for earning and redeeming points, but the Premier version includes additional perks like a higher annual fee, more points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases, and extra benefits like a free checked bag for you and a companion on every flight.

This card is not a travel card that works everywhere — it is specifically built around Southwest's rewards program. If you do not fly Southwest or rarely use airlines, this card may not be the right fit for you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Southwest Chase Visa earns points on every purchase, with bonus points on Southwest flights and purchases made through the Southwest website.
  • You earn a large sign-up bonus of points after you spend a set amount in the first few months, which often covers the cost of a free flight.
  • The annual fee ranges from $69 to $99 depending on which version you choose, and it renews every year you keep the card open.
  • Points never expire as long as your account stays open and you use the card at least once every 24 months.
  • You can use points to book flights, pay for seat upgrades, or transfer them to Southwest's partner airlines through their frequent flyer program.

How to Get the Card and What Happens Next

You can start the process on Chase's website by searching for the Southwest Rapid Rewards card. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and current address. Chase will check your credit report to decide whether to approve you.

Most decisions come back when ready or within a few minutes. If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you will need to set up it before you can use it — Chase sends instructions with the card, or you can set up it through the Chase mobile app or website.

After set up, you have a window (usually 3 to 6 months, depending on the current offer) to spend a certain amount to earn the sign-up bonus. For example, you might need to spend $2,000 to earn 50,000 bonus points. Read the offer terms carefully when you explore, because the spending requirement and bonus amount change throughout the year.

Annual Fees and What You Get for Them

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card charges $69 per year. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card charges $99 per year. Both fees hit your account on the anniversary of the day you opened the card, and they renew every 12 months as long as you keep the card open.

The Premier version's higher fee comes with extra perks: you earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases instead of 1.5, and you get a free checked bag for yourself and one companion on every Southwest flight. If you fly Southwest at least twice a year with a companion, that free checked bag benefit alone can pay for the extra $30 annual fee.

If you decide the card is not worth keeping, you can close it at any time. There is no penalty for closing it early, but your points will remain in your Southwest account as long as you use your Southwest frequent flyer account at least once every 24 months.

Earning and Using Points

You earn 1 point per dollar on most purchases with the Plus version, or 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases with the Premier version. Both versions earn bonus points when you book flights directly through Southwest's website or phone line — typically 5 to 10 bonus points per dollar, depending on the current promotion.

Points are worth roughly 1 cent each when you redeem them for flights, though the actual value depends on the flight you choose. A flight that costs $200 might require 20,000 points, while a flight that costs $400 might require 35,000 points. You can see the exact point cost before you book.

You can also use points to buy seat upgrades, pay for a companion ticket, or transfer them to Southwest's partner airlines like United or American. Points do not expire as long as your account stays active — meaning you use your Southwest frequent flyer account or your Chase card at least once every 24 months.

Credit Requirements and Who Should explore

Chase does not publish a minimum credit score for this card, but approval is more likely if your credit score is 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may still be approved, but you might receive a lower credit limit or be denied.

This card makes the most sense if you fly Southwest at least a few times per year, or if you spend enough on the sign-up bonus to cover the annual fee with points toward a future flight. If you rarely fly or never fly Southwest, a cash-back card from Chase or another issuer will probably save you money.

You should also consider whether you have other credit cards already. explore for a new card temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points, and having multiple new accounts in a short time can affect your ability to borrow money later. Space out credit card applications by at least a few months if you are planning to explore for more than one.

Paying Your Balance and Avoiding Interest

Your bill is due on the same day each month, and Chase will send you a statement at least 21 days before the due date. You can pay online through the Chase website or app, by phone, or by mail. Paying online is fastest and safest.

If you pay the full balance by the due date, you will not owe any interest. If you carry a balance to the next month, you will be charged interest on the remaining amount. The interest rate (called the APR) varies based on your credit score and current market rates, but it typically ranges from 18% to 24% for this card.

To avoid interest charges, pay at least the minimum payment by the due date, but paying the full balance is always better. If you cannot pay the full balance, try to pay as much as you can — even small extra payments reduce the interest you owe.

Comparing This Card to Other Southwest Cards and Alternatives

Southwest also offers a business version of this card through Chase, which works the same way but is designed for business owners. The business card has the same annual fee and earning structure, but the sign-up bonus is sometimes different.

If you do not fly Southwest but want a rewards card, Chase offers the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve, which earn points you can use with any airline or hotel. American Express and other issuers also offer airline-specific cards for United, American, and Delta.

If you want cash back instead of points, the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Freedom Flex cards earn 1.5% to 5% cash back on different categories. These cards have no annual fee, which makes them better for people who do not fly frequently or who prefer simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points stay in your Southwest frequent flyer account and do not disappear when you close the card. You can still use them to book flights as long as your frequent flyer account remains active. Your account stays active as long as you use it at least once every 24 months — either by flying Southwest, using a Southwest card, or logging into your account online.

Can I get the sign-up bonus again if I closed the card and reopen it later?

Chase typically allows you to earn the sign-up bonus once every 24 months per card product. If you closed the Plus Card and want to reopen it, you would usually have to wait 24 months from when you first opened it to earn the bonus again. Check Chase's current terms before you explore, because these rules change.

Do I have to use the card to keep my points?

You do not have to use the card itself, but your Southwest frequent flyer account must show activity at least once every 24 months. Activity includes flying Southwest, using any Southwest credit card, or logging into your frequent flyer account online. If your account goes inactive for 24 months, your points may expire.

What is the difference between the Plus and Premier cards?

The Premier card costs $30 more per year but earns an extra 0.5 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and includes a free checked bag benefit for you and a companion on every flight. If you fly Southwest regularly with a travel companion, the free checked bag benefit usually pays for the extra fee.

Can I use my points to book flights for other people?

Yes. You can use your points to book a flight for anyone, not just yourself. You can also use points to buy a companion ticket, which lets someone fly with you for a fixed point cost. Log into your Southwest account to see the current companion ticket price.