Southwest Credit Card Comparison

Following Southwest’s recent announcement regarding changes to complimentary baggage policies, one effective strategy to mitigate this limitation is to apply for a Southwest credit card. Southwest Airlines provides a range of credit cards designed to help you accumulate rewards, save money, and access benefits such as priority boarding and complimentary checked baggage. However, with numerous options available, selecting the most suitable card can be challenging. There are three options available, each offering varying levels of benefits.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

	Plus Credit Card	Premier Credit Card	Priority Credit Card
Annual fee	$69	$99	$149
Anniversary points bonus	3,000 Rapid Rewards points	6,000 Rapid Rewards points	7,500 Rapid Rewards points
Earning rates	2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partner purchases 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting (including ride-hailing apps) 2 points per dollar on internet, cable and phone services and select streaming 1 point per dollar on everything else	3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partner purchases 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting (including ride-hailing apps) 2 points per dollar on internet, cable and phone services and select streaming 1 point per dollar on everything else	3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partner purchases 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting (including ride-hailing apps) 2 points per dollar on internet, cable and phone services and select streaming 1 point per dollar on everything else
Other perks	2 EarlyBird check-ins per year 25% back on inflight purchases 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year	2 EarlyBird check-ins per year 25% back on inflight purchases 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year	$75 annual Southwest travel credit 25% back on inflight purchases 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year Four upgraded boardings per year (when available)
Tier qualifying points	N/A	Earn 1,500 TQPs toward A-List status for every $5,000 in spending per calendar year (with no cap)	Earn 1,500 TQPs toward A-List status for every $5,000 in spending per calendar year (with no cap)
Foreign transaction fee	3%	None	None

Which Card Best Suits Your Needs?

• Casual/Infrequent Travelers: The Plus card is likely the most suitable choice for occasional travelers seeking a low annual fee coupled with a straightforward rewards structure.

• Frequent Travelers: For those who travel regularly, the Priority card may be the more advantageous option, offering enhanced rewards and travel benefits.

• Balancing Options: If the cost of the Priority card appears to be prohibitive, yet the benefits of the Plus card seem insufficient, the Premier card presents a compelling alternative. It offers additional travel benefits while remaining more affordable than the Priority card.