Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Review: Affordable Perks for Southwest Loyalists
Uncover how the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers loyalists fantastic travel perks, a generous sign-up bonus, and points on daily spending, easily offsetting its modest annual fee for more rewarding flights.
| Annual Fee | $99.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 50,000 bonus points |
| Rewards Rate | 1x-2x Rapid Rewards points |
| Regular APR | 19.24Min. of (6.75+12.49) and 29.99%–27.74Min. of (6.75+20.99) and 29.99% variable APR. |
| Other Fees | No foreign transaction fees. |
Overview
For Southwest Airlines loyalists, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is a fantastic entry point into earning travel rewards. It comes out of the gate strong with a generous sign-up bonus that's typically easy to earn, providing a substantial boost toward your next flight. Beyond the initial offer, the card delivers ongoing value with 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, as well as on gas and groceries. Combined with the absence of foreign transaction fees, it's a solid companion for both daily spending and travel abroad.
What truly makes this card a winner for the occasional-to-frequent Southwest flyer are the perks that easily offset its modest $99 annual fee. Every year, you'll receive 3,000 bonus points on your cardmember anniversary, and perhaps most valuable, your first checked bag is free for you and up to eight companions on your reservation. Add in a yearly 10,000-point boost toward the coveted Companion Pass®, and the card's value becomes clear. However, be aware of the high variable APR; this card is best for those who plan to pay their balance in full each month.
Ultimately, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who are committed to the airline and want their spending to translate directly into flight rewards and valuable perks. If you can take advantage of the free checked bag benefit just once or twice a year and avoid carrying a balance, this card offers a low-cost way to make your travel with Southwest significantly more rewarding.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- Generous sign-up bonus
- Elevated rewards on specific spending categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Comprehensive travel perks (free checked bags, priority boarding, annual flight discount, Companion Pass boost)
- Annual bonus points
- Travel and purchase protections, plus delivery service benefits
Things to consider
- Annual fee applies
- No intro APR period
- Potentially high regular APR
- Limited rewards categories with spending caps
Benefits
Highly Attainable Welcome Offer
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card starts strong with a generous and easy-to-earn sign-up bonus. New cardmembers can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending just $1,000 on purchases in the first three months. This is an exceptionally low spending threshold for such a substantial point bonus, making it highly accessible for most budgets. These points not only provide significant value toward flights but also count toward earning the coveted Southwest Companion Pass®, giving you a massive head start on one of the most valuable perks in domestic travel.
Solid Rewards on Travel and Everyday Spending
Beyond the initial bonus, the card offers a solid earning structure for Southwest loyalists. You’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all Southwest Airlines purchases and 2 points per dollar on qualifying Lyft rides. The card also extends its elevated rewards to everyday categories, offering 2 points per dollar at gas stations and grocery stores (on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per year). All other purchases earn a standard 1 point per dollar. While rewards are best redeemed for Southwest flights—which offer great flexibility with no blackout dates—this structure ensures you're consistently building your points balance through both travel and daily expenses.
Valuable Perks for the Southwest Flyer
Where the card truly justifies its annual fee is in its suite of travel benefits tailored for Southwest flyers. Each year on your cardmember anniversary, you receive 3,000 bonus points, which helps offset the annual fee. You also get a 10,000-point boost toward Companion Pass qualification, making the goal that much easier to reach. When you fly, the benefits stack up: you and up to eight companions on the same reservation get your first checked bag free, saving up to $90 per person on a round-trip flight. You'll also receive Group 5 boarding, a 10% flight discount promo code each year, and 25% back on inflight purchases. With no foreign transaction fees, this card delivers tangible value that can easily exceed its annual cost for even occasional Southwest travelers.
Drawbacks
The most significant drawback of this card is its high ongoing APR, which ranges from 19.24% to 27.74% variable. Compounding this is the complete lack of an introductory 0% APR offer on either purchases or balance transfers. This combination makes the card an unsuitable choice for anyone who anticipates carrying a balance from month to month, as the interest charges would quickly negate the value of any rewards earned.
Beyond the high interest rates, the card's value is almost exclusively tied to flying with Southwest Airlines. The Rapid Rewards points are best used for Southwest flights, and the top perks—like free checked bags and a 10% flight discount—are only useful for those who frequently fly with the airline. If you prefer to have flexibility with different airlines or want cash back rewards, the $99 annual fee is difficult to justify. Additionally, while the card earns 2 points per dollar at gas stations and grocery stores, this bonus rate is capped at the first $5,000 in combined purchases per year, limiting its appeal for high spenders in those categories.
Decision Guidance
This card is an excellent fit for occasional Southwest flyers, especially those who check bags, as the free checked bag benefit for you and your companions can easily erase the annual fee. If you're chasing the valuable Companion Pass, the annual points boost provides a helpful head start. However, travelers who prefer airline flexibility or tend to carry a balance should look elsewhere due to the card's brand-specific rewards and high APR.
Summary
For the budget-conscious Southwest loyalist, the Rapid Rewards® Plus card is a straightforward win, offering perks that easily justify its modest annual fee. The value from the annual bonus points and free checked bag benefit makes it an affordable tool for earning rewards and enhancing your travel on the airline. Just be sure to pay your balance in full, as the card's high APR can quickly negate any rewards you earn.