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The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is an ideal travel companion for loyal Southwest Airlines flyers. Designed by Chase, this co-branded airline card offers solid value for frequent travelers, especially those who want to earn rewards quickly while enjoying Southwest-specific perks.
Let’s dive into what the card brings to the table — from reward structures to travel benefits — and determine whether it makes sense for your travel lifestyle.
🔑 Card at a Glance
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Issuer: Chase
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Annual Fee: $149
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Introductory Bonus: Earn 100,000 Rapid Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first 5 months
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Foreign Transaction Fees: None
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Credit Score Recommended: Good to Excellent
💰 How You Earn Rewards
With the Premier card, you’ll accumulate Rapid Rewards® points on everyday spending, especially travel and dining categories. Here’s the current earning structure:
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3x points on Southwest Airlines purchases
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2x points on restaurants and grocery stores (up to $8,000 in combined purchases per year)
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1x point on all other purchases
Temporary promotions sometimes introduce additional bonus categories (e.g., internet, streaming, transit), giving cardholders more ways to earn.
🎁 Welcome Offer Breakdown
The current welcome bonus is among the most generous in the travel card market: 100,000 points for $4,000 in spending over five months. Depending on how you redeem them, these points could be worth over $1,300 in flights. That’s more than enough for multiple domestic round-trip tickets on Southwest.
✈️ Travel Benefits
Unlike premium travel cards that emphasize luxury, the Rapid Rewards Premier focuses on practical travel benefits that save money and enhance convenience for Southwest flyers.
🧳 Free Checked Bags
Your first checked bag (and that of up to 8 people traveling with you on the same reservation) is free. Over time, this can lead to substantial savings—especially for families.
🎈 Annual Bonus Points
Every card anniversary, you’ll receive 6,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points — no strings attached. These points can be redeemed like regular rewards and help offset the annual fee.
🚀 Tier Qualifying Points Toward A-List Status
Frequent flyers chasing A-List or A-List Preferred elite status with Southwest will appreciate this perk: 1,500 TQPs are added for every $5,000 spent on the card annually.
📶 In-Flight Discount
Get 25% back as a statement credit on Southwest in-flight purchases (WiFi, snacks, drinks).
🪑 Preferred Seating Access (Coming 2026)
Beginning in 2026, cardholders may have access to select Standard or Preferred seats 48 hours before departure, pending availability.
🚫 No Foreign Transaction Fees
Purchases made internationally won't incur additional charges, making this card suitable for travelers who occasionally fly abroad.
📊 Is the $149 Annual Fee Worth It?
Here’s a quick look at how the card can pay for itself for a moderately frequent traveler:
| Benefit | Estimated Annual Value |
|---|---|
| 6,000 Anniversary Points | ~$90 |
| Free Checked Bags (2 Round Trips) | ~$140 |
| In-Flight Discounts | ~$25 |
| Bonus Points on Spending | ~$50–$100 |
| Total Value | $305–$355 |
Even conservative usage can make the card’s annual fee worthwhile.
✅ Advantages of the Card
1. High-Value Intro Bonus
With a massive welcome bonus, you can rack up enough points for several free flights right out of the gate.
2. Ideal for Southwest Flyers
From free checked bags to boarding perks, the card is designed for people who fly Southwest at least a couple of times per year.
3. Helps Earn Status
Spending on the card helps fast-track your way to elite status, unlocking even more travel perks.
4. No Expiration on Points
Rapid Rewards points don’t expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
5. Travel-Friendly Design
No foreign transaction fees make this card a good fit for both domestic and international travel.
❌ Where the Card Falls Short
1. Annual Fee Can Be Steep for Light Users
If you don’t fly Southwest often, the $149 fee may not be justified.
2. Limited Redemption Options
Rapid Rewards points are only redeemable through Southwest. If you want more flexibility in how you use points, you may prefer a general travel card.
3. No Luxury Travel Benefits
This card does not offer airport lounge access, hotel perks, or travel credits like some higher-tier travel cards do.
4. Bonus Caps on Non-Travel Spend
The 2x bonus on dining and groceries is capped at $8,000 annually — after that, you earn just 1x.
5. Subject to Airline Changes
Southwest’s recent changes to seating and fare structures (like Basic Fare limitations) may impact how valuable the card benefits are in the future.
👤 Who Should Get the Rapid Rewards Premier Card?
This card is a great choice for:
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Travelers who fly Southwest multiple times per year
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People aiming for elite status with Southwest
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Families or groups who want to save on baggage fees
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Anyone who can meet the spending threshold to unlock the intro bonus
Not ideal for:
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Those who rarely fly Southwest or travel infrequently
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Travelers seeking premium perks like lounge access
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People who want flexible point transfers to multiple travel partners
🆚 How It Compares to Other Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Plus | $69 | 3,000 anniversary points | Casual Southwest flyers |
| Southwest Premier | $149 | 6,000 anniversary points, TQPs | Frequent flyers without need for extras |
| Southwest Priority | $199 | 7,500 points, $75 travel credit, upgraded boarding | Power users & elite chasers |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | Transferable points, travel portal | Flexible travelers with broader needs |
💬 Final Thoughts
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card hits a sweet spot for Southwest loyalists. It offers a combination of high-value rewards, money-saving travel perks, and elite status progress — all wrapped in a manageable annual fee.
If your travel patterns align with Southwest and you fly at least a few times a year, this card can easily pay for itself and deliver excellent value. However, if you're looking for broader travel flexibility, luxury perks, or don’t fly Southwest frequently, you might want to consider a different travel card.
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