What Chase Southwest Credit Cards Do

Chase offers two Southwest Airlines credit cards: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card. Both cards earn points on every purchase that you can redeem for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and other travel expenses. The main difference is the annual fee — the Priority card costs more but comes with higher benefits, while the Plus card has a lower fee and fewer perks.

These cards are issued by Chase Bank and work like standard credit cards: you charge purchases, receive a monthly bill, and pay interest if you carry a balance. The rewards component is separate from the credit function. Points accumulate in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account and stay there until you choose to use them.

Both cards also offer a sign-up bonus: a certain number of points after you spend a set amount within the first few months. The exact bonus changes throughout the year, so the current offer depends on when you look.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase offers two Southwest cards with different annual fees and benefit levels — the Priority card ($99 per year) includes more perks, while the Plus card ($69 per year) is a lower-cost option.
  • Both cards earn points on all purchases that you redeem for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and other travel costs, with bonus points for the first few months after opening.
  • The cards include benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and anniversary bonus points, though the exact perks differ between the two.
  • You need a credit history and a Social Security number to open an account, and approval depends on your credit score and payment history.
  • Points never expire as long as your account stays open and you have account activity at least once per year.

The Two Card Options and Their Costs

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card has a $99 annual fee. In return, you get a $75 Southwest travel credit each year (which offsets some of the fee), free checked bags for you and one companion on all Southwest flights, priority boarding, and anniversary bonus points. You also earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card costs $69 per year. It includes free checked bags for you and one companion, an anniversary bonus of 3,000 points, and 1 point per dollar on all purchases. You earn 2 points per dollar only on Southwest purchases. This card is simpler and cheaper but has fewer ongoing benefits.

Both cards waive the annual fee for the first year, so you will not pay anything in year one. After that, the fee renews automatically each year unless you close the account. Some cardholders keep the Priority card for the $75 travel credit and close it after a year if they do not fly Southwest regularly.

How to Open an Account

You can open a Chase Southwest card online at Chase.com or by phone at the number on the back of an existing Chase card. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and employment information. Chase will check your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

The approval decision usually comes within minutes if you explore online. If Chase needs more information, they will ask for it when ready. Once approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using it as soon as it arrives.

If you are denied, you can call Chase to ask why and whether you can reapply later. Denials usually happen because of a low credit score, recent missed payments, or too many recent credit inquiries. You do not need to be a Southwest customer or frequent flyer to open the card.

Sign-Up Bonuses and How They Work

When you open a new Southwest card, Chase offers a sign-up bonus: typically 40,000 to 75,000 points, depending on the current promotion. To earn the bonus, you must spend a certain amount (usually $1,000 to $2,000) within the first three months. The points post to your account once you meet the spending requirement, usually within one to two billing cycles.

The bonus is separate from the points you earn on regular purchases. If you spend $1,500 in the first three months and the bonus requires $1,000, you earn both the bonus points and the regular points on that $1,500. You do not have to choose between them.

Sign-up bonuses change throughout the year and vary by card. Check the current offer before you open an account, because you cannot earn the bonus twice on the same card — you must wait at least 24 months after closing a card to earn its bonus again.

Earning and Redeeming Points

Every dollar you spend on the card earns points at the rate printed on your card (1 or 2 points per dollar, depending on the card and purchase type). Points accumulate in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, which is separate from your credit card account but linked to it. You can check your points balance anytime online or by phone.

To redeem points for a flight, log into your Southwest account, search for a flight, and select "Pay with points" instead of a credit card. The number of points required depends on the flight's price and demand — a short flight might cost 6,000 points, while a cross-country flight could cost 15,000 or more. You can also use points to upgrade your seat, extend a ticket, or pay for a companion ticket.

Points never expire as long as your account stays open and you have account activity (a purchase, a flight, or even a login) at least once per year. If your account sits inactive for 24 months, Southwest may close it and you lose the points. Keeping the card open and using it occasionally prevents this.

Benefits Beyond Points

Both Southwest cards include free checked bags for you and one companion on all Southwest flights, even if you do not use the card to buy the ticket. This alone saves $30 to $60 per round trip, which can justify the annual fee if you fly twice a year.

The Priority card includes priority boarding, which means you board before most other passengers and get better seat choices. It also comes with a $75 annual travel credit that you can use toward Southwest flights, seat upgrades, or other travel purchases. The Plus card does not include these benefits.

Both cards offer anniversary bonus points — extra points added to your account each year on the anniversary of opening the card. The Priority card gives 10,000 points; the Plus card gives 3,000 points. These points are in addition to what you earn on purchases.

Interest Rates, Fees, and What Happens If You Carry a Balance

Like all credit cards, Southwest cards charge interest if you do not pay your full balance by the due date. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) depends on your credit score and the current market. Chase will tell you the rate before you open the account. Rates typically range from 17% to 27%, but your rate could be different.

If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. For example, if you owe $1,000 at 20% APR, you pay roughly $200 in interest over a year. Paying the full balance each month avoids this cost entirely.

The card also charges late fees (usually $25 to $35) if you miss a payment, and a cash advance fee (typically 3% to 5% of the amount) if you use the card to withdraw cash. There is no foreign transaction fee, so you can use the card internationally without extra charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I earn points on the annual fee?

No. Annual fees do not earn points. However, the Priority card's $75 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary bonus points often exceed the $99 fee if you use them, which is why some people keep it even though it costs money.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points stay in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account and do not disappear when you close the card. You can still use them to book flights. However, if your account becomes inactive for 24 months, Southwest may close it and you lose the points.

Do I have to use Southwest to get value from this card?

You get the most value if you fly Southwest regularly, because the free checked bags and points redemption are Southwest-specific. If you rarely fly Southwest, the annual fee may not be worth it. The points can only be used for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and a few other Southwest products.

How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?

It depends on how much you spend and which flight you want. A sign-up bonus of 50,000 points might cover a domestic flight outright. If you spend $2,000 per month on the card, you earn roughly 24,000 to 48,000 points per year (depending on the card), which covers one to two flights annually. Short flights cost fewer points than long ones.

Can I transfer my points to another airline?

No. Southwest points can only be used for Southwest flights and Southwest-related purchases. You cannot transfer them to another airline or convert them to cash.