In the world of credit cards, there’s a plethora of options available, each catering to different financial needs and personal preferences.
For travelers and frequent flyers, one set of cards that should definitely be on your radar is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Cards.
These credit cards are designed to make travel more affordable and enjoyable for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Southwest Rapid Rewards Cards and explore the benefits they offer.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card: Elevate Your Travel Adventure
Let’s start with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card, the ideal choice for travelers who want to embark on unforgettable journeys while enjoying fantastic benefits:
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Points: As a new cardmember, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a whopping 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. This is your ticket to a memorable adventure right from the start.
- Annual Bonus Points: Year after year, on your cardmember anniversary, you’ll receive 3,000 bonus points. That’s an excellent way to keep your Rapid Rewards points balance growing steadily.
- Earn Points on Purchases: With the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card, you’ll earn 2 points for every $1 you spend on Southwest Airlines purchases. Whether you’re booking flights, in-flight purchases, or vacation packages, your points will add up quickly.
- Hotel and Car Rental Partners: Extend your earning potential by earning 2 points for every $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. This flexibility allows you to earn points even when you’re not flying.
- Local Transit and Rideshare: If you use local transit and rideshare services frequently, you’re in luck. You’ll earn 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services.
- Internet, Cable, and Phone Services: Stay connected while earning points. The card also offers 2 points per $1 spent on internet, cable, and phone services, including select streaming services.
- Everyday Purchases: Even your everyday purchases contribute to your Rapid Rewards points. You’ll earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other everyday purchases.
- Companion Pass: The Southwest Companion Pass is a coveted benefit that allows a friend to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) for an entire year. All points earned with your Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card count toward Companion Pass qualification.
- Exclusive Cardmember Benefits: As a cardmember, you’ll enjoy several exclusive benefits, including a 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year, two EarlyBird Check-In vouchers annually, and a 25% rebate on in-flight purchases.
- No Change Fees: Southwest Airlines is known for its flexibility, and with this card, you won’t have to worry about change fees if your travel plans alter.
- Bags Fly Free: Enjoy the convenience of free checked bags when you fly with Southwest Airlines. This perk can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you’re traveling with luggage.
- Unlimited Reward Seats: Unlike some airline rewards programs, Rapid Rewards doesn’t have blackout dates or seat restrictions. Your points can be redeemed for any available seat, giving you unparalleled flexibility.
- Points Don’t Expire: Your Rapid Rewards points don’t expire, as long as your card account is open. This means you can save up your points for that dream vacation without worrying about losing them.
- Annual Fee: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card has an annual fee of $69, which is applied to your first billing statement.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Keep in mind that this card does have those, at a 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars for purchases made in foreign currencies. This fee is applied when you use your card for international transactions, such as making purchases in a foreign currency or while traveling abroad
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card: Elevate Your Travel Experience
If you’re looking for a card that takes your travel experiences to the next level, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card might be the perfect fit:
- Generous Bonus Points: As a new cardmember, you’ll earn a generous 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- Anniversary Points: Every year on your cardmember anniversary, you’ll receive 6,000 bonus points. These annual points boost your Rapid Rewards balance and keep your travel adventures exciting.
- Earn Points on Southwest Purchases: Similar to the Plus Card, with the Premier Card, you’ll earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases.
- Hotel and Car Rental Partners: Maximize your earnings with 2 points for every $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners.
- Local Transit and Rideshare: Commuters and rideshare enthusiasts will appreciate the 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services.
- Internet, Cable, and Phone Services: Stay connected and rack up points with 2 points per $1 spent on internet, cable, and phone services, including select streaming services.
- Everyday Purchases: Your everyday expenses also contribute to your points balance, as you’ll earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Companion Pass: Just like with the Plus Card, all points earned with your Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card count toward Companion Pass qualification. Enjoy the freedom of taking a friend along for the ride.
- Exclusive Cardmember Benefits: Cardmembers can take advantage of the 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year, two EarlyBird Check-In vouchers annually, and a 25% rebate on in-flight purchases.
- No Change Fees: Travel plans sometimes change, and this card ensures that you won’t face any change fees when adjusting your Southwest flights.
- Bags Fly Free: Experience the convenience of free checked bags when flying Southwest Airlines, saving you money on baggage fees.
- Unlimited Reward Seats: The Rapid Rewards Premier Card offers the same unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates or seat restrictions, providing you with flexibility in your travel plans.
- Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs): As a Premier Cardmember, you can earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent in purchases annually. There is no limit to the number of TQPs you can earn.
- Points Don’t Expire: Your Rapid Rewards points will not expire as long as your card account remains open, giving you the freedom to save up for your dream vacation.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal choice for international travelers.
- Annual Fee: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has an annual fee of $99, which is applied to your first billing statement.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card: Your Ticket to Premium Travel
For those who demand the best from their travel experiences, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card delivers premium benefits and elevated rewards:
- Impressive Bonus Points: As a new cardmember, you’ll enjoy a generous 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- Anniversary Points: Elevate your travel even further with an annual bonus of 7,500 points on your cardmember anniversary.
- Earn Points on Southwest Purchases: The Priority Card rewards you with 3 points for every $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, making it perfect for frequent flyers.
- Hotel and Car Rental Partners: Extend your earning potential with 2 points for every $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners.
- Local Transit and Rideshare: Enjoy 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, to earn rewards on your daily travel.
- Internet, Cable, and Phone Services: Stay connected while accumulating points with 2 points per $1 spent on internet, cable, and phone services, including select streaming services.
- Everyday Purchases: Even your everyday spending contributes to your Rapid Rewards points, as you’ll earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Companion Pass: With the Priority Card, all points earned count toward Companion Pass qualification, giving you the ability to bring a friend along on your adventures.
- Exclusive Cardmember Benefits: Take advantage of the 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year, along with two EarlyBird Check-In vouchers, and a 25% rebate on in-flight purchases.
- Upgraded Boardings: Unlike the other two cards, the Priority Card offers four upgraded boardings per year when available, enhancing your in-flight experience.
- Southwest Annual Travel Credit: Receive a $75 Southwest annual travel credit, further offsetting the cost of your flights and enhancing your travel savings.
- Tier Qualifying Points: As a Premier Cardmember, you can earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent in purchases annually. There is no limit to the number of tier qualifying points you can earn.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: The Priority Card ensures you won’t incur foreign transaction fees when using your card internationally.
- Annual Fee: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card has an annual fee of $149, applied to your first billing statement.
Choosing the Right Fit
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of each card, how do you choose the right one for you? Let’s break it down:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card: Ideal for travelers looking for a straightforward, no-frills experience with consistent cash back and a lower annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card: Perfect for frequent flyers who want to maximize their travel rewards, enjoy elevated anniversary points, and can make the most of the slightly higher annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card: Tailored for travelers seeking a premium experience with upgraded boardings, annual travel credits, and enhanced anniversary points. This card is for those who demand the best from their travel adventures.
Unlock Elite Travel Status with A-List and Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
Are you ready to take your travel experience to the next level? Southwest Airlines understands that true travel aficionados deserve exceptional treatment, and that’s precisely what the A-List status and Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) are all about.
A-List Status: Elevate Your Journey
Imagine strolling through the airport with a sense of priority, smoothly bypassing the crowds, and being among the first to board your flight. That’s the privilege of A-List status with Southwest Airlines. But it’s not just about priority boarding; it’s a gateway to a world of perks that make every trip extraordinary.
A-List Benefits:
- Priority Boarding: Be one of the first to board, choose your preferred seat, and settle in comfortably.
- Priority Check-In: Skip the lines at the check-in counter and breeze through the airport with ease.
- Dedicated Phone Line: Enjoy expedited customer service with a special A-List hotline.
- Bonus Points: Earn 25% more Rapid Rewards points on each flight, boosting your rewards even further.
- Fly-By Lane Access: Speed through security with access to Fly-By lanes (where available).
Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs): Your Path to A-List Status
The road to A-List status is paved with Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs). These are the points that determine your elite status within the Rapid Rewards program. Earning TQPs is your key to unlocking A-List privileges, and there’s more than one way to achieve it:
- Flying: Travelers earn TQPs by flying on Southwest Airlines. The type of fare purchased and the distance traveled determine the number of TQPs awarded per flight.
- Credit Card Spending: Here’s where it gets exciting. Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer the unique ability to earn TQPs with every $10,000 spent on card purchases. There’s no cap on how many TQPs you can accumulate through credit card spending. This means you can inch closer to A-List status even if your travel plans are limited.
Achieving A-List Status: To attain A-List status, you typically need to collect 35,000 TQPs or complete 25 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. With credit card spending, you can fast-track your journey to elite travel status.
Maintaining Your Status: Once you’ve achieved A-List status, you’re set to enjoy its privileges for the rest of the calendar year and the entire following year. To extend your elite status beyond that, simply continue earning the required TQPs or taking qualifying flights each calendar year.
Unlocking A-List status and accumulating TQPs isn’t just about enjoying priority travel perks; it’s about ensuring your journeys are marked by convenience, rewards, and extraordinary experiences. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone who values the finer things in travel, A-List and TQPs are your passport to an elevated travel adventure with Southwest Airlines.
Ready to Elevate Your Travel Game? How to Apply for Your Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card
Applying for Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards is a straightforward process, and here’s an “how to do it”:
- Visit the Southwest Airlines Credit Card Page: Start by going to the official Southwest Airlines credit card page on the Chase website. We provide a direct link to the website in the end of the article, for your convenience.
- Choose Your Card: On the credit card page, you’ll see information about the three Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: Plus, Premier, and Priority. Review the features, benefits, and annual fees of each card to determine which one aligns with your travel needs and preferences.
- Click “Apply Now”: Once you’ve decided which card you want to apply for, click the “Apply Now” button next to that card’s description. This will take you to the secure application page.
- Provide Personal Information: You’ll be asked to enter personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
- Review Terms and Conditions: Before submitting your application, carefully review the terms and conditions of the credit card. Pay attention to the annual fee, interest rates (APR), and any other important details.
- Complete the Application: Fill out all required fields on the application form, including your financial information, income, and housing status. You may also be asked about your existing banking relationship with Chase.
- Consent to a Credit Check: When applying for a credit card, the issuer will perform a credit check to assess your creditworthiness. By submitting the application, you give consent for this check to be conducted.
- Submit Your Application: Once you’ve completed all sections of the application and reviewed the information for accuracy, click the “Submit” or “Apply” button to send your application to Chase for processing.
- Wait for a Response: After submitting your application, you’ll receive a response from Chase, which may take a few moments or a few weeks, depending on their processing time. You may be approved instantly, or Chase may require additional verification.
- Receive Your Card: If your application is approved, Chase will send you the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card in the mail. You’ll also receive your credit card’s terms and conditions.
- Activate Your Card: Once you receive your card, follow the activation instructions provided by Chase. You’ll typically need to call a designated phone number or activate the card online.
- Start Earning Rewards: With your activated card, you’re ready to start making purchases and earning Rapid Rewards points. Be sure to review the card’s benefits and use it for Southwest Airlines purchases to maximize your rewards.
Conclusion:
In your quest for the perfect travel companion, you’ve just uncovered a trio of remarkable options – the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards. From the Plus card’s simplicity to the Premier card’s elevated rewards and the Priority card’s premium experience, each card offers unique benefits tailored to your travel style.
Imagine earning substantial bonus points, enjoying exclusive perks like Companion Pass, and savoring the freedom to explore the world with Southwest. Now that you’re well-informed about these exceptional cards, it’s time to take action and choose the one that resonates with you.
Your next adventure is just a click away. If you’re ready to embark on a journey filled with incredible destinations, unforgettable experiences, and a world of rewards, click the button below to visit the official Southwest Airlines Credit Card page. There, you can delve deeper into each card’s features, compare them side by side, and seamlessly apply for the one that aligns with your travel aspirations.
ACCESS THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE