What the Chase Southwest Card Offers
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Chase and Southwest Airlines. It earns points on every purchase that you can redeem for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and other travel expenses. The card comes with an annual fee, a welcome bonus after you meet a spending threshold in the first months, and perks tied to Southwest's frequent flyer program.
The card is designed for people who fly Southwest regularly or plan to. Unlike some airline cards that lock you into one carrier, Southwest flies to over 70 destinations across the US, Caribbean, and Mexico, so the points have broad use. The earning rate and benefits change based on which version of the card you hold — Chase offers several tiers.
This guide explains how the card works, what it costs, what you earn, and how to use the rewards. It does not determine whether the card is right for your situation; that depends on your travel patterns and spending habits.
Key Takeaways
- The Chase Southwest card earns points on all purchases that convert to Southwest flights and seat upgrades, with bonus points on Southwest purchases and dining.
- The card charges an annual fee that varies by version; the welcome bonus typically requires you to spend a set amount within the first months to earn it.
- You must have a Southwest Rapid Rewards account to use the card, and points expire after 24 months of no account activity.
- The card includes benefits like a free checked bag on Southwest flights and priority boarding, which add value beyond the points themselves.
- You can redeem points for flights, seat upgrades, gift cards, and hotel stays, though flight redemptions usually offer the best value.
Annual Fees and Welcome Bonuses
The Chase Southwest card charges an annual fee. The exact amount depends on which version you hold — Chase offers the Southwest Rapid Rewards, Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, and Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier, each with different fees and benefits. You pay this fee once per year, typically on your card anniversary.
To offset the annual fee, the card offers a welcome bonus when you open the account. The bonus is usually a set number of points, awarded after you spend a certain amount within the first months. For example, you might earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. The exact bonus changes periodically, so check the current offer before you open the card.
The welcome bonus alone can cover the annual fee if you redeem the points for a flight. However, you must meet the spending requirement to earn it — the points do not post automatically.
How Points Earning Works
The card earns points at different rates depending on what you buy. You earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases (flights, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases) and dining at restaurants. You earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Some versions of the card offer bonus points in specific categories or higher earning rates on dining.
Points post to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account within one to three business days of the transaction. You can check your balance anytime by logging into your Southwest account online or through the Southwest app. Points do not expire as long as your account stays active — but if you have no account activity (no flights, no card purchases, no points redemptions) for 24 months, your points will expire.
The card also earns points on balance transfers and cash advances, though these typically carry higher interest rates and fees, so they are not recommended for building points.
Card Benefits Beyond Points
The Chase Southwest card includes perks that add value beyond the points you earn. All versions include a free checked bag on Southwest flights when you use the card to buy your ticket. This alone saves $35 per round trip, which can quickly offset the annual fee if you fly twice a year.
The card also grants priority boarding on Southwest flights, which means you board earlier and have better seat selection. Higher-tier versions (Plus and Premier) include additional benefits like a free companion ticket after you spend a certain amount in a year, priority customer service, and statement credits for Southwest purchases.
You also earn points faster on Southwest purchases themselves, so using the card to book flights creates a compounding benefit — you pay with the card, earn points, and get the free checked bag on top of it.
How to Redeem Points for Flights and Other Rewards
Points redeem through your Southwest Rapid Rewards account. Log in online or use the Southwest app, go to the Redeem section, and search for flights on your desired dates. The number of points required varies by route, time of year, and demand — a short flight might cost 6,000 points, while a cross-country flight could cost 25,000 or more.
You can also redeem points for seat upgrades (usually 1,500 to 3,000 points), gift cards to retailers and restaurants, hotel stays through partner programs, and car rentals. Flight redemptions typically offer the best value — you get more cents per point than you would from gift cards or other rewards.
You can redeem points for someone else's ticket if you book it in their name. You cannot transfer points to another person's account, but you can use your points to buy a ticket for a friend or family member.
Setting Up Your Account and Using the Card
Before you can use the card, you need a Southwest Rapid Rewards account. If you do not have one, you can create it for free on Southwest's website. Once your account is set up, link your new Chase card to it. The card issuer and Southwest will connect automatically in most cases, but you can also link it manually through your Southwest account settings.
After your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Chase mobile app. You can then use it to book Southwest flights directly, or use it for any other purchase to earn points. Points earned on non-Southwest purchases still go into your Rapid Rewards account and can be redeemed for Southwest flights.
Keep your account active by using the card or taking a Southwest flight at least once every 24 months. If your account goes inactive, your points will expire, even if you still hold the card.
Comparing the Three Versions
| Feature | Rapid Rewards | Rapid Rewards Plus | Rapid Rewards Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $69 | $99 | $149 |
| Free Checked Bag | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Boarding | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Companion Pass Benefit | No | After $25,000 annual spend | After $35,000 annual spend |
| Annual Statement Credit | None | $50 (after $25,000 spend) | $75 (after $35,000 spend) |
| Earning Rate | 2x on Southwest and dining, 1x other | 2x on Southwest and dining, 1x other | 3x on Southwest, 2x on dining, 1x other |
The basic Rapid Rewards card is the lowest-cost option and works well if you fly Southwest a few times a year. The Plus version adds a statement credit and companion pass benefit if you spend enough annually. The Premier version offers the highest earning rate and the most generous benefits, but requires the highest annual fee and spending threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points stay in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account even after you close the card. You can still redeem them for flights and other rewards. However, if your account becomes inactive (no flights or card purchases for 24 months), your points will expire, whether or not you still hold the card.
Can I earn points on the annual fee itself?
No. Annual fees do not earn points. However, the welcome bonus and the value of benefits like the free checked bag are designed to offset the fee cost.
Do I have to use the card to book Southwest flights, or can I book any way I want?
You do not have to use the card to book flights — you earn points on any Southwest purchase made with the card. However, you only get the free checked bag benefit when you use the card to buy your ticket. If you book with cash or points and pay with a different card, you do not get the free bag.
What is the difference between points and Rapid Rewards status?
Points are the currency you redeem for flights and rewards. Rapid Rewards status is a tier (A-List, A-List Preferred) based on how many flights or points you earn in a year. Status gives you perks like priority boarding and free upgrades, separate from the card benefits. The card gives you priority boarding automatically, but status is earned through flying or spending.
Can I use points to pay for a ticket partially, or do I have to use all points or all cash?
You can use points to cover the full cost of a ticket, but you cannot mix points and cash on a single booking. You must choose to pay entirely with points or entirely with cash. However, you can redeem points for a gift card and then use the gift card plus cash for a booking.