The core benefits of Southwest credit cards

Southwest Airlines credit cards come in several versions, each with a different earning structure and welcome offer. The most common versions are the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Card. All of them earn points on purchases, but the earning rates and annual fees differ.

The main benefit is that points earned on the card can be redeemed for Southwest flights with no blackout dates — you can book any flight that has available seats, even during peak travel times. Points also transfer to your Rapid Rewards account, where they accumulate across all your activity with Southwest, including flights you purchase and hotel stays you book through their partners.

Each card version offers a welcome bonus of points after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. The exact bonus varies by card and changes periodically, so check the current offer before explore. These bonuses are often large enough to cover a domestic flight or two, depending on the route.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest credit cards earn points on every purchase that you can redeem for flights with no blackout dates, meaning you can book peak-season travel if seats are available.
  • Each card version has a different annual fee and earning rate, so comparing the cards matters if you plan to use the card regularly.
  • The welcome bonus typically requires you to spend a set amount within the first few months, and the bonus size varies by card and over time.
  • Cardholders receive two free checked bags on all Southwest flights, which alone saves money on most trips since Southwest charges for checked luggage.
  • Points earned on the card never expire as long as your account remains active, so you can hold them until you find a flight you want.

How the earning structure works

Southwest credit cards earn points at different rates depending on which card you hold and where you spend. The Premier Card typically earns 1 point per dollar on all purchases. The Plus Card earns 2 points per dollar at gas stations, restaurants, and on Southwest purchases, but 1 point per dollar on everything else. The Business Card has its own earning structure focused on common business expenses.

Points accumulate in your Rapid Rewards account, which is separate from the credit card itself. You can earn points from multiple sources — the credit card, flights you book directly with Southwest, hotel stays booked through their partners, and shopping through their online mall. All these points pool together in one account, so a large redemption might come from a combination of sources.

There is no limit to how many points you can earn or hold. Points do not expire as long as your Rapid Rewards account remains active, which means you can let them build up over time if you are saving toward a specific flight or destination.

Annual fees and when they make sense

Southwest credit cards charge an annual fee that varies by card version. The Premier Card has a lower annual fee than the Plus Card. The Business Card has its own fee structure. These fees are charged once per year, usually on your card anniversary, and they do not go away even if you do not use the card.

Whether the annual fee makes sense depends on how much you fly and how much you spend on the card. If you take at least one or two Southwest flights per year, the value of the two free checked bags alone often covers the annual fee, since Southwest charges per checked bag. If you also use the card for everyday spending and earn points that reduce the cost of future flights, the fee becomes easier to justify.

Some cardholders keep the card open specifically for the checked bag benefit on occasional trips, even if they do not use it for regular spending. Others close the card after the first year if they do not fly Southwest frequently enough to offset the cost.

The two free checked bags benefit

All Southwest credit cards include two free checked bags on every Southwest flight for the cardholder and anyone traveling on the same reservation. This is one of the most concrete benefits because Southwest charges for checked bags — most airlines include at least one free checked bag, but Southwest does not. The savings add up quickly if you travel more than once or twice per year.

The benefit applies to the cardholder and when ready family members on the same booking, which means a family of four flying together gets eight free checked bags total (two per person). This can save $100 or more on a single round trip, depending on how many people are traveling and how many bags they need.

The benefit is active as long as the card remains open and in good standing. You do not need to use the card to pay for the flight itself — the benefit is tied to your Rapid Rewards account, not to the payment method. You just need to have the card open and be logged into your Rapid Rewards account when you book.

Welcome bonuses and how to use them

Southwest credit cards offer a welcome bonus of points after you meet a spending requirement in the first few months. The bonus size and spending requirement vary by card and change over time, so the current offer may be different from what you see advertised elsewhere. The bonus is typically large enough to cover one domestic flight or a portion of a longer trip.

To earn the bonus, you must spend the required amount on the card within the stated timeframe — usually three months. This spending counts toward the bonus only if it is made on the card itself; balance transfers and cash advances typically do not count. Once you meet the spending requirement, the points post to your account automatically, usually within one or two billing cycles.

The welcome bonus is often the biggest value you get from the card in the first year, so it is worth timing your process if you have planned spending coming up. If you know you need to buy supplies, pay bills, or make other purchases in the next few months, explore before that spending happens lets you count it toward the bonus.

Comparing the different Southwest card versions

Southwest offers three main credit card versions, each with different annual fees and earning rates. The Premier Card has the lowest annual fee and earns 1 point per dollar on all purchases. The Plus Card has a higher annual fee but earns 2 points per dollar at gas stations, restaurants, and on Southwest purchases. The Business Card is designed for business owners and has earning rates tied to common business expenses.

The choice between them depends on your spending patterns and how often you fly. If you spend heavily at restaurants and gas stations, the Plus Card's higher earning rate in those categories might offset its higher annual fee. If you spend more evenly across categories, the Premier Card's lower fee and simpler earning structure might be better. If you own a business, the Business Card's earning rates may align better with your expenses.

You can also hold multiple Southwest cards at once, though each one charges its own annual fee. Some people keep both a personal and business card, or keep a card open for the checked bag benefit while using a different card for everyday spending. The decision depends on your travel frequency and how much value each card provides.

Redemption options beyond flights

While Southwest points are most commonly redeemed for flights, you can also use them for other travel-related purchases. Points can be redeemed for hotel stays booked through Southwest's hotel partners, car rentals, and vacation packages. You can also transfer points to hotel and car rental loyalty programs, though the exchange rate varies and is not always favorable.

Some cardholders use points for flights they would not otherwise take, treating the card as a way to fund occasional trips. Others use points strategically for expensive routes where the point cost is lower than the cash price, or for peak-season travel where cash fares are highest. The value of a point varies depending on what you redeem it for, so it is worth comparing the point cost to the cash price before you book.

Points cannot be redeemed for cash or used to pay your credit card bill directly. If you do not fly Southwest or use their hotel and car rental partners, the points are harder to use, which is something to consider before explore for the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the Southwest card to pay for my flight to get the free checked bags?

No. The free checked bag benefit is tied to your Rapid Rewards account, not to the payment method. You can book and pay for your flight with cash, another credit card, or any other method — as long as the card is open and you are logged into your Rapid Rewards account, you get the two free checked bags.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points stay in your Rapid Rewards account and do not disappear when you close the card. The points are tied to your account, not to the card itself. However, you will lose the free checked bag benefit once the card is closed, so you will pay for checked bags on future flights.

Can I earn the welcome bonus again if I explore for another Southwest card?

Most credit card issuers have rules about how often you can earn a welcome bonus on the same card or similar cards. These rules change, so check the current terms before explore. Generally, you may be able to earn a bonus on a different Southwest card version after a waiting period, but you cannot earn the same bonus twice on the same card.

How many points do I need for a flight?

The point cost for a flight varies based on the route, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. A short domestic flight might cost 6,000 to 8,000 points, while a longer route could cost 15,000 to 25,000 points or more. Southwest publishes point charts on their website so you can see the cost for specific routes before you book.

Do points expire?

Points do not expire as long as your Rapid Rewards account remains active. Activity includes earning points, redeeming points, or any other account action. If your account sits completely inactive for a long period, the airline may close it, but this is rare and the airline typically sends notice before doing so.