If you’re into free flights, hotel stays, and awesome travel perks, then airline co-branded credit cards are some of the best tools in a savvy traveler’s arsenal.
Now, let’s focus on Southwest Airlines – they’re famous for their top-notch service, flexible policies, and wide-reaching domestic network. But they’re also known for their range of credit cards that can elevate your travel experiences and amplify your rewards.
So, whether you’re a Southwest frequent flyer or just looking to squeeze more out of your travel budget, these Southwest credit cards could be your way to amped-up travel rewards.
Below are all of your options for Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards:
1. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Best Southwest Card for Frequent Flyers
The Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card (review) offers valuable perks for frequent Southwest flyers, including a $75 annual travel credit and 7,500 anniversary bonus points. This premium card provides the most benefits of Southwest’s personal credit cards, making it ideal for loyal customers who want to maximize their rewards and travel experience with Southwest.
Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earn Rewards: 3x points on Southwest Airlines purchases; 2x points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming; 1x points on all other eligible purchases.
Card Benefits: 7,500 points every year on your Cardmember anniversary, $75 Southwest annual travel credit, 4 Upgraded Boardings per year, 25% back on inflight purchases, 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection.
2. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Best for Occasional Flyers
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card (review) delivers solid rewards for Southwest flights and useful perks like two EarlyBird check-ins per year. This mid-tier Southwest card provides good value through its anniversary bonus points and travel benefits, making it particularly appealing if you fly Southwest several times per year.
Welcome Bonus: Earn Companion Pass® plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn Rewards: 3x points on Southwest Airlines purchases; 2x points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming; 1x points on all other purchases.
Card Benefits: 6,000 points every year on your Cardmember anniversary, 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year, 25% back on inflight purchases, 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year, no foreign transaction fees, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, extended warranty protection, and purchase protection.
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Best for Beginner Travelers
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (review) offers a solid entry point into Southwest Airlines rewards with basic perks like 3,000 anniversary points and two EarlyBird check-ins annually. While it provides nice rewards for Southwest purchases and everyday spending categories, you’ll get better value from Southwest’s premium card options if you fly the airline regularly.
Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earn Rewards: 2x points on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), internet, cable, phone services, select streaming; 1x points on all other purchases.
Card Benefits: 3,000 points every year on your Cardmember anniversary, 2 EarlyBird Check-In each year, 25% back on inflight purchases, 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection.
4. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Best for Business Travel & Office Expenses
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (review) stands out by offering free Wi-Fi on every Southwest flight and four Upgraded Boardings each year. Business travelers will appreciate additional perks including anniversary bonus points, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck reimbursement, and the ability to transfer points between accounts without fees.
Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earn Rewards: 4x points on Southwest Airlines purchases; 3x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; 2x points on local transit, commuting (including rideshare), social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services; and 1x points on all other purchases.
Card Benefits: 9,000 bonus points each year after your Cardmember anniversary, Four upgraded boardings per year, up to 365 In-flight Wi-Fi credits per year, up to a $500 fee credit for points transfers to another Rapid Rewards Member each year, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fee credit of up to $120 every four years, no foreign transaction fees, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection.
5. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
Best for Business Travel Expenses
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (review) rewards Southwest loyalty with triple points on airline purchases and valuable anniversary bonuses. While the card’s benefits are modest compared to premium travel cards, it serves well as an entry-level airline business card.
Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earn Rewards: 3x points on Southwest Airlines purchases; 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, local transit and commuting (including rideshare services); 1x points on all other purchases.
Card Benefits: 6,000 bonus points each year after your Cardmember anniversary, 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year, 25% back on inflight purchases, up to a $500 Fee credit for points transfers to another Rapid Rewards Member each year, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection.
