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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Review: Your Complete 2025 Guide
February 6, 2025
Are you looking for an affordable way to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards® points and enjoy special perks with the airline? The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card might be the perfect fit for your wallet. As Southwest's entry-level card option, it balances a lower annual fee with valuable travel benefits and point-earning opportunities.
In this comprehensive review, we'll examine everything you need to know about the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, including its benefits, drawbacks, and how it compares to other travel credit cards on the market.
What Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is Chase's entry-level co-branded card with Southwest Airlines®. With a modest annual fee of $69, this Visa credit card offers cardholders the opportunity to earn Rapid Rewards® points on everyday purchases while enjoying several Southwest-specific benefits.
Upon account opening, new cardmembers can earn a substantial welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements. Additionally, the card provides 3,000 bonus points each account anniversary year, helping offset the annual cost of card membership.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card earns:
- 2x points on Southwest® purchases, including flights, in-flight purchases, and Southwest gift cards
- 2x points on local transit and commuting (including rideshares)
- 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services
- 1x point on all other purchases
While this card is categorized as a Visa Platinum or Visa Signature (depending on your creditworthiness when approved), it includes valuable travel protections like baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement that can provide peace of mind when traveling.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Pros & Cons
Before applying for any credit card, it's important to weigh its advantages and disadvantages. Here's what you should consider about the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card:
Pros:
- Lower annual fee: At $69, the annual fee is lower than many competing airline credit cards
- Anniversary bonus: Receive 3,000 bonus points automatically each account anniversary year
- No foreign transaction fees: Use your card internationally without additional charges
- Southwest companion pass eligibility: Points earned count toward the highly valuable Companion Pass
- EarlyBird Check-In® credits: Receive two EarlyBird Check-In® credits per year (valued at up to $50)
- DoorDash benefits: Complimentary DashPass membership for a limited time, saving on delivery fees for both restaurant and non-restaurant orders
- Solid protections: Includes baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection on manufacturer's U.S. warranty
Cons:
- Limited premium travel benefits: Doesn't include upgraded boarding or in-flight discounts offered by higher-tier Southwest cards
- No airport lounge access: Unlike some travel cards, there's no airport lounge benefit
- Modest point earning rates: The 2x points categories are more limited than some competing cards
- No annual travel credit: Unlike higher-tier travel cards, there are no statement credits for travel purchases
- Limited redemption flexibility: Points are most valuable when redeemed for Southwest flights
Who Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card For?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is ideally suited for:
- Occasional Southwest flyers: If you fly Southwest several times per year but not enough to justify a premium card
- Budget-conscious travelers: Those who want Southwest benefits with a lower annual fee
- Companion Pass seekers: Individuals working toward earning the valuable Southwest Companion Pass
- Credit card beginners: Those new to travel rewards who want to start with a more affordable option
- Southwest loyalists: Customers who primarily fly Southwest and want to maximize their Rapid Rewards earning
This card is particularly valuable for travelers who want to dip their toes into the Southwest ecosystem without committing to a higher annual fee. The anniversary bonus points, EarlyBird Check-In® credits, and qualifying points toward Companion Pass status make it worthwhile for even occasional Southwest flyers.
If you regularly purchase from food delivery services, the included DashPass membership adds extra value by eliminating delivery fees on eligible DoorDash orders, extending the card's benefits beyond just travel.
Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card With Other Credit Cards
When considering the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the mid-tier travel card category:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1X on other purchases
- Standout feature: 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase TravelSM
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X miles on all purchases, 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Miles transferable to travel partners
American Express® Gold Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $325
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 4X points at restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X on booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
- Standout feature: Up to $120 dining credit and up to $120 Uber Cash annually. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card excels in offering valuable travel protections
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers versatile travel rewards
- Capital One Venture provides simple, flat-rate miles earning
- American Express® Gold Card features strong dining and groceries rewards
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Key Features and Benefits
Point Earning Structure
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers a straightforward earning structure:
- 2x points on Southwest® purchases
- 2x points on local transit and commuting
- 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
- 1x point on all other eligible purchases
While not the most generous earning structure, these categories cover common spending areas for many households.
Welcome Bonus
New cardmembers can earn a substantial welcome bonus after meeting a spending requirement within the first three months from account opening. This bonus often fluctuates based on Chase's promotional offerings, but typically ranges from 30,000 to 75,000 Rapid Rewards points. The value of Southwest points varies, but this bonus can be worth several hundred dollars toward Southwest flights.
Anniversary Bonus Points
On each account anniversary year, cardmembers automatically receive 3,000 bonus points. These points help offset the annual fee and provide ongoing value for keeping the card.
Southwest Companion Pass Eligibility
All points earned with the card count toward the 135,000 qualifying points needed for the coveted Southwest Companion Pass. This benefit allows you to designate one person to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees (typically around $5.60 one way) for up to two years.
Travel and Purchase Protections
The card offers several valuable protections, including:
- Baggage delay insurance: Reimbursement for essential purchases when your baggage is delayed
- Lost luggage reimbursement: Coverage if your bags are lost or damaged
- Purchase protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the manufacturer's U.S. warranty by an additional year
Additional Benefits
- No foreign transaction fees: Save approximately 3% on purchases made outside the United States
- DoorDash benefits: Complimentary DashPass membership for a limited time
- EarlyBird Check-In® credits: Two credits annually for automatic check-in
- Flexible payment options: Access to Chase Pay Over Time for eligible purchases
Consider Using Kudos
While the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers valuable benefits for Southwest flyers, maximizing your credit card rewards across all your spending requires a strategic approach. This is where Kudos comes in handy.
Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that ensures you're always using the optimal credit card for each online purchase. When shopping online, Kudos automatically recommends which of your credit cards will earn the most rewards for that specific purchase.
For example, while your Southwest Plus card earns 2x points on Southwest purchases, you might have another card that offers better rewards for groceries or dining. Kudos takes the guesswork out of this decision-making process by analyzing merchant codes and your card portfolio to recommend the best card to use.
With integration at over 15,000 stores and exclusive "Flash Boost" events that can multiply your rewards up to 5X, Kudos perfectly complements your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card strategy by helping you maximize rewards across all spending categories.
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card represents a solid entry point into the Southwest credit card ecosystem. With its modest annual fee, anniversary bonus points, and core travel protections, it provides good value for occasional Southwest travelers and those just beginning to explore travel rewards.
The card's strength lies in its simplicity and accessibility. While it doesn't offer the premium benefits of higher-tier travel cards, the essential protections like baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement provide valuable peace of mind when traveling.
For Southwest loyalists, the card's contribution toward earning the coveted Companion Pass represents significant potential value, potentially saving thousands of dollars on travel when fully utilized.
However, to truly maximize your credit card rewards strategy, consider pairing the Southwest Plus card with other complementary cards for non-Southwest spending, or use a tool like Kudos to ensure you're always using the optimal card for each purchase.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card earns our recommendation for budget-conscious Southwest flyers who want to earn Rapid Rewards points without a hefty annual fee commitment.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card FAQ
How do I redeem points earned with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card?
Points earned with your card are automatically deposited into your Rapid Rewards account. You can redeem them for flights through Southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app. The number of points required for a flight is based on the fare price, with approximately 78-80 points per dollar of fare value. Points can also be used for gift cards, merchandise, hotel stays, rental cars, and experiences through the Southwest More Rewards portal, though these typically offer less value than flight redemptions.
Does the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card have foreign transaction fees?
No, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travel.
How do the anniversary bonus points work?
You'll automatically receive 3,000 bonus points after each account anniversary year (approximately 4-6 weeks after your account open date anniversary). These points are deposited directly into your Rapid Rewards account and don't require any action on your part.
Can I upgrade my Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card later?
Yes, Chase does allow for credit card product changes between Southwest cards. After your account has been open for at least one year, you may be eligible to upgrade to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier or Priority card. Eligibility depends on your account standing and creditworthiness. Contact Chase directly to inquire about upgrade options.
How does the baggage delay insurance work?
If your baggage is delayed for more than six hours by the carrier, you can be reimbursed for essential purchases like clothing and toiletries (up to $100 per day for a maximum of three days). To be eligible, you must charge at least a portion of the passenger fare to your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card.
What credit score do I need for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card?
While Chase doesn't publish specific credit score requirements, applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO score of approximately 670 or higher) to be approved. Factors like your income, existing relationship with Chase, and overall credit history also affect approval decisions.
How does this card help me earn the Southwest Companion Pass?
All points earned with the card—including welcome bonuses, regular spending, and anniversary bonus points—count toward the 135,000 qualifying points needed in a calendar year to earn the Companion Pass. Once earned, the pass allows a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees (typically $5.60 one way) for the remainder of the year in which you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year.
Can I combine points with other Southwest Rapid Rewards members?
Southwest doesn't allow direct point transfers between members. However, you can book flights for anyone with your points, regardless of whether they're traveling with you.
How do the EarlyBird Check-In® credits work?
Cardmembers receive two EarlyBird Check-In® credits annually. These credits automatically check you in for your flight up to 36 hours before departure, giving you a better boarding position. To use this benefit, select EarlyBird Check-In® when booking your flight or add it to an existing reservation, and the cost will be automatically offset by your available credits.
What are the DoorDash benefits offered with this card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers a complimentary DashPass membership for a limited time after activation. DashPass provides free delivery and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders, including both restaurant and non-restaurant orders. This benefit must be activated by the date specified in your card's guide to benefits.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
