If you’re someone who travels frequently, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is likely one of the best credit card options for you. Offered by Chase, this card is part of the Rapid Rewards loyalty program, which rewards cardholders for every dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases and a variety of other categories. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, this card offers several benefits that can make your travel experience more convenient and rewarding.
With a variety of perks including bonus points, travel benefits, and no foreign transaction fees, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card can help you earn free flights and upgrade your travel experience. But before you apply, let’s take a closer look at what this card offers, how it compares to other popular travel credit cards, and who it’s best suited for.
Key features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
This card stands out for its great travel-related perks and rewards program, so let’s break down the most important features:
1. Bonus points and welcome offer
As a new cardholder, you’ll earn 40,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. This can go a long way toward earning a free flight or upgrading to a higher-tier service on Southwest. This generous welcome offer is one of the reasons this card is so popular among travelers.
2. Earn 3x Points on Southwest Purchases
For frequent flyers of Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card gives you 3x points on every Southwest Airlines purchase, including flights, baggage fees, and other Southwest services. This is a significant perk for those who book with Southwest regularly.
3. 2x Points on transit and dining
If you spend a lot on dining or use public transit, you’ll earn 2x points on those purchases. This makes the card a good fit for everyday expenses as well as travel-related spending. Whether it’s your morning coffee or a delicious dinner out, you’ll earn extra points for every swipe.
4. Anniversary bonus points
One of the standout features of this card is the anniversary bonus. Every year, you’ll earn 7,500 bonus points on your cardholder anniversary. This benefit helps you rack up more points without additional spending, making it a great way to boost your rewards.
5. $75 Southwest credit
Each year, you will receive a $75 Southwest travel credit which can be used for flight purchases or upgrades, helping to offset the annual fee.
6. Travel benefits
This card also comes with a host of travel-related perks. You’ll get four upgraded boardings per year (when available), which is a huge perk for those who want to board early and get settled before everyone else. Additionally, you’ll enjoy no foreign transaction fees, meaning you can use the card abroad without worrying about additional charges.
7. Annual fee
While the card comes with a $149 annual fee, the combination of travel perks, bonus points, and anniversary rewards makes it a solid investment for frequent Southwest flyers.
Who is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card best for?
This card is best suited for people who:
- Fly frequently with Southwest Airlines: If you’re a regular Southwest traveler, the 3x points on Southwest purchases, along with the anniversary bonus, makes this card an excellent choice for earning rewards on your flights and other travel purchases.
- Want to earn free flights fast: The welcome offer of 40,000 points can quickly get you on your way to earning a free flight, making it perfect for those who want to save money on travel.
- Want added travel perks: The $75 travel credit, upgraded boarding, and no foreign transaction fees make this card ideal for travelers who want to make their flying experience smoother and more affordable.
- Want to maximize everyday spending: The card also gives you 2x points on dining and transit, so it works well for everyday purchases, not just flights.
How does It compare to other travel credit cards?
When it comes to travel credit cards, especially for airline loyalty programs, there are several cards that compete with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card. Let’s compare it to other popular travel cards to see if it’s the right choice for you.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the most popular travel credit cards on the market. It offers 2x points on travel and dining and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. While the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an excellent option for travelers who want flexibility in redeeming rewards (since it allows points to be transferred to various airline and hotel partners), it does not offer the same rewards structure for Southwest Airlines purchases. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, on the other hand, gives you 3x points on Southwest purchases, making it a better choice if Southwest is your airline of choice.
2. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
If you’re loyal to Delta Airlines, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers 2x miles on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. It also offers a welcome bonus of 70,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months. While the Delta SkyMiles Gold offers competitive rewards for Delta travelers, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a better choice for those who prefer Southwest for their flights, with the 3x points on Southwest purchases and a more robust rewards structure.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, with no rotating categories or travel restrictions. This makes it a solid option for travelers who want simplicity and don’t want to be limited to a specific airline. However, it doesn’t offer the same Southwest-specific perks like the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, which is ideal for frequent Southwest flyers looking to maximize their loyalty rewards.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $149 | $95 | $99 | $95 |
| Bonus Points (Welcome Offer) | 40,000 points after $1,000 in first 3 months | 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months | 70,000 miles after $2,000 in first 3 months | 75,000 miles after $4,000 in first 3 months |
| Points/Miles on Airline Purchases | 3x points on Southwest purchases | 2x points on travel purchases | 2x miles on Delta purchases | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| Other Purchases | 1x points | 2x points on travel and dining | 1 mile per dollar on all purchases | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| Additional Travel Benefits | $75 Southwest travel credit, upgraded boarding, no foreign transaction fees | Transfer points to travel partners | Priority boarding, free first checked bag | Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, no foreign transaction fees |
| Ideal For | Frequent Southwest travelers | Flexible travelers with diverse airlines | Delta loyalists | General travel enthusiasts |
Conclusion
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is perfect for loyal Southwest Airlines customers who want to maximize their rewards for flights and other travel-related purchases. With benefits like 3x points on Southwest purchases, a $75 travel credit, and an annual bonus, it offers excellent value for frequent flyers. However, if you fly with other airlines or want more flexibility with your rewards, you may want to consider other travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Ultimately, if you’re committed to flying Southwest, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a solid choice for earning rewards and enjoying travel perks, making it ideal for frequent flyers looking to get the most out of their Southwest experience.