Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Earn 2X on Southwest and fly with free first checked bags for 9 travelers
Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases plus 2X on gas stations and grocery stores (first $5,000 combined per year) with a $99 annual fee. Save up to $90 per person round trip ($45 per bag each way) with free first checked bags for you and 8 companions. Get 3,000 anniversary points ($42 value) and 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually.
- Annual Fee
- $99
- points · Welcome Bonus
- 50,000
- Top Rate
- 2X
Terms checked against the issuer on October 10, 2026
At a Glance
- Annual Fee
- $99
- Authorized User Fee
- $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- $0
- Network
- Visa Signature
- Rewards Currency
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
- Point Valuation
- 1.2–1.4 cpp (mid: 1.25)
- Credit Required
- Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
50,000
points
Spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
Earn 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. At 1.4 cents per point, that's $700 in Southwest flight value—enough for 2-3 domestic round trips. The $1,000 spend threshold is achievable with routine spending. Not available if you've received a Southwest personal card bonus within 24 months.
Earning Rates
- 2X
Gas Stations
2x points at gas stations on first $5,000 in combined gas/grocery purchases per anniversary year
Cap: $5,000/annual
- 2X
Grocery Stores
2x points at grocery stores on first $5,000 in combined gas/grocery purchases per anniversary year
Cap: $5,000/annual
- 2X
Southwest
2x points on Southwest purchases including flights, inflight, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages
- 2X
LyftLimited time
2X total points on qualifying Lyft products and services purchased through the Lyft mobile application through 12/31/2027
- 1X
All Other
1X points on all purchases
Earning Scenarios
2X Points on All Southwest Purchases
Earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest flights, inflight purchases, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages. Stack with Southwest's Rapid Rewards earning to accelerate your balance.
Book $3,000 in Southwest flights annually: earn 6,000 points (worth $84 at 1.4 cpp)
2X Points at Gas Stations (First $5,000 Combined)
Earn 2 points per dollar at gas stations on the first $5,000 in combined gas and grocery purchases per anniversary year. Hit the cap, earn 10,000 points worth $140.
Spend $200 monthly on gas ($2,400/year): earn 4,800 points (worth $67 at 1.4 cpp)
2X Points at Grocery Stores (First $5,000 Combined)
Earn 2 points per dollar at grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined gas and grocery purchases per anniversary year. The combined cap means strategic spending matters.
Spend $2,600 on groceries after hitting gas cap: earn 5,200 points (worth $73 at 1.4 cpp)
1X Points on All Other Purchases
Earn 1 point per dollar on purchases outside bonus categories with no caps. Not the strongest base rate, but acceptable for a co-brand card focused on Southwest travel.
Spend $500 monthly on other purchases: earn 6,000 points annually (worth $84 at 1.4 cpp)
Benefits & Perks
Travel Benefits
9 perksFlights & Airlines
Car Rental
General Travel
Annual Credits & Statement Credits
2 creditsUp to
$240
in recurring credits (annual) · Plus $96 first-year / eligibility-dependent
$120/yr DoorDash + DashPass
12 months of DashPass ($0 delivery fees) plus $10 off monthly (quarterly if activated before 9/1/26) on non-restaurant DoorDash orders through 2027.
$120
Annual
$10/mo Instacart+
3-month complimentary Instacart+ membership plus $10 monthly Instacart statement credit (up to $120/year) through December 2027
—
Monthly
Insurance & Protections
6 protectionsAuto rental collision damage waiver
secondary
Secondary coverage for theft and collision damage on eligible rental vehicles when you decline the rental company's insurance
Extended warranty protection for purchases
primary
Extends manufacturer's warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less
120-day purchase protection coverage
secondary
Protection against theft or damage for eligible purchases for 120 days from purchase date
Lost luggage reimbursement coverage
secondary
Reimbursement for lost or damaged checked baggage and contents when traveling with eligible card
$500,000 travel accident insurance
$500,000
primary
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $500,000 when traveling on common carriers paid with your card
Show all 6 protectionsShow fewer protections
$100/day baggage delay coverage for up to 3 days
$300
secondary
Up to $100 per day for 3 days for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing when checked baggage is delayed over 6 hours. $300 maximum.
Program & Transfers
Rapid Rewards
The loyalty program that actually rewards loyalty
Southwest Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program of Southwest Airlines, offering points that never expire and no blackout dates on award travel. In January 2026, Southwest introduced major changes including assigned seating, new fare classes (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra), and checked bag fees for most fares. Southwest operates without alliance partnerships, focusing on extensive domestic coverage and select international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Rapid Rewards uses a revenue-based earning model where points are earned based on ticket price and fare class. Basic fares earn 2x points while Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) earns 14x. Points can be redeemed for any available seat with no blackout dates, and award pricing uses dynamic pricing tied to cash fares. The program's signature benefit is the Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly free on all flights for up to two years. Southwest partners with Chase for co-branded credit cards that provide the first checked bag free, accelerated earning, and points that count toward Companion Pass qualification. Card welcome bonuses and spending can help members quickly reach the 135,000 qualifying points needed.
Program Ratings
Recent Changes & News
Effective January 27, 2026, Southwest replaced open seating with assigned seating and renamed fare classes to Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Extra Legroom seats are now available on Choice Extra fares.
Starting May 28, 2025, checked bags are no longer free on most Southwest fares. Only Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members, and Southwest credit card holders receive free checked bags.
Southwest expanded internationally with codeshare agreements with Icelandair and China Airlines, allowing members to earn Rapid Rewards points on connecting itineraries.
Sweet Spots — Best Redemptions
| Route / Property | Points | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| US to Hawaii | 8,000–17,000 | economy | Pacific Islands |
| US Domestic Short-Haul | 3,000–5,000 | economy | United States |
| US Domestic Cross-Country | 8,000–15,000 | economy | United States |
| US to Caribbean/Mexico | 8,000–15,000 | economy | Caribbean |
| US to Central America | 12,000 | economy | Central America |
| Companion Pass Value Play | 0 | economy | Global |
Reviews & Analysis
Third-Party Rankings & Ratings
6 sourcesCategory Rankings (1 category)
How It Compares
The Plus is Southwest's entry-level personal card at $99 annually. It delivers free checked bags for 9 travelers (worth up to $360 round trip for a family of 4), 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year, and 2X earning on Southwest plus everyday gas and grocery purchases.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- +Lowest annual fee ($99) among Southwest cards while still earning 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually
- +3,000 anniversary bonus points help offset annual fee
- +2x points on gas and groceries (first $5K combined) adds everyday earning value
- +Free first checked bag for cardholder and up to 8 passengers on same reservation
- +10% anniversary promo code for Southwest flights
- +No foreign transaction fees
- +Group 5 boarding for cardholder and companions
Cons
- -Only standard seat selection (Premier/Priority get preferred seats, Priority gets Extra Legroom)
- -Lower 3,000 anniversary points vs 6,000 (Premier) or 7,500 (Priority)
- -No tier qualifying points toward A-List status
- -Only 1x points on non-category purchases limits everyday earning
- -$5,000 combined cap on 2x gas/grocery earning restricts bonus potential
- -10% flight promo code vs 15% (Premier) or preferred seat at booking (Priority)
Who It's Best For
Best For
- Budget-conscious Southwest flyers who want Companion Pass progress at a lower annual fee
- Travelers who fly Southwest 2-3 times per year and want free checked bags for the whole group
- Gas and grocery spenders who can earn 2x points on first $5K combined annually
- Those new to Southwest who want an affordable entry point to the Rapid Rewards ecosystem
- Cardholders seeking a simple no-FTF travel card with airline perks
Not Ideal For
- Frequent Southwest flyers who would benefit from Premier's higher anniversary bonus (6,000 vs 3,000 points)
- Travelers who want preferred or Extra Legroom seat selection (Plus only gets standard seats)
- Companion Pass chasers who need maximum point acceleration toward A-List status
- Heavy spenders who would benefit from Priority's Extra Legroom upgrades and 7,500 anniversary points
- Those who want tier qualifying points toward A-List status (only Premier and Priority earn TQPs)
The Math: Is $99 Worth It?
First-year value includes $625 welcome bonus
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$201.60
Annual Fee
-$99
Net Annual Value
+$45
Details & Terms
Application Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Southwest personal bonus, once per 24 months | Chase says this card is not available to current Cardmembers of any Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, or to previous Cardmembers who received a new Cardmember bonus within the last 24 months. This does not apply to Business Card and Employee Credit Card products. |
| 5/24 | Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months. |
| Chase 2/30 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days |
| Chase 4/6 | Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months |
Payment Terms
| Purchase APR | 19.49%–27.99% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
FAQs
Can I use my Southwest points for someone else?
You can. It’s actually better to book a flight for someone else with your points than to transfer them. Southwest charges a fee to transfer points, and it can add up quickly. Booking an award ticket for another passenger costs nothing extra and avoids those fees.
How many rewards points do you need for a free flight?
You can sometimes find Southwest award flights for as little as 3,000–4,000 points, especially during one of their frequent sales. These are usually short-haul routes in off-peak seasons, like St. Louis to Chicago, but when you find them, they deliver 2-3x the typical cents-per-point value.
Can you add Southwest Rapid Rewards after booking?
Yes. You can easily add your Rapid Rewards number after booking. Just go to “Manage Reservations” in the Southwest app or website and add your number to the traveler details. You can also call customer service and have them add it for you.
Do Rapid Rewards members get free checked bags?
Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags. A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get their first checked bag free. All other travelers must pay for checked bags.
Does Southwest have first class?
Not in the traditional sense. With the elimination of open seating, Southwest reconfigured their planes to offer Extra Legroom Seats, which have more space in the front of the plane. But they are more like premium economy than business or first class.
Can I transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest?
Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Southwest Rapid Rewards at 1:1, and Chase says most transfers process by the next business day (some take up to 7 business days). Chase's Southwest card terms count points from revenue flights booked through Southwest, points earned on Rapid Rewards credit cards, and base points from Rapid Rewards partners toward the Companion Pass. They do not say whether Ultimate Rewards transfers count.
Do Southwest points expire?
No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points never expire, regardless of account activity. As long as your Rapid Rewards account remains open, your points balance is safe indefinitely.
Media & Resources
Video Reviews
8 videosThe Ultimate Guide To Southwest Credit Cards | NerdWallet
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Review 2025 | Worth It or Leave It?
This Southwest Credit Card is One of The BEST Airline Cards
Comparing The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier, and Priority Credit Cards
The Southwest Rapid Rewards PLUS Credit Card Review (How to Fly for Free)
Which Southwest Card is Best?
Southwest Rapid Rewards Cards Compared - An Easy Choice?
Third-Party Articles & Reviews
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
U.S. News review highlighting the card's 2X earning rates on Southwest purchases and qualifying categories, 50,000-point welcome bonus, and 3,000 anniversary bonus that helps offset the $99 annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card review: Modest annual fee plus a handful of benefits
The Points Guy's comprehensive review of the Southwest Plus card, analyzing its $99 annual fee, 2X bonus categories, 3,000 anniversary bonus, and how it compares to other Southwest cards.
15 Benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card [2026]
Upgraded Points breaks down all 15 benefits of the Plus card including earning rewards, flight perks like free checked bags and Group 5 boarding, travel protections, and shopping perks.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Reviews
WalletHub's comprehensive review with 373 user reviews, covering the Plus card's value proposition, 50,000-point bonus worth $745 in Southwest airfare, and detailed analysis of earning rates and benefits.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Review: Respectable perks and rewards at a low asking price
Bankrate's detailed review covering the Plus card's solid rewards for occasional Southwest flyers, first-year value analysis, and comparison with mid-tier and premium Southwest options.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Review 2025
Business Insider's detailed guide evaluating the Southwest Plus card's rewards structure, benefits including free checked bags and EarlyBird check-ins, and how it compares to Premier and Priority versions.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Review: A solid pick for the occasional Southwest flyer
CNBC Select breaks down the rewards, benefits, and fees of the Southwest Plus card, including earning rates, anniversary bonus, and travel protections to help determine if it's right for you.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Review: Same Low Annual Fee With Growing Value
Forbes Advisor analyzes how the Plus card is becoming more valuable as Southwest moves away from free checked bags for non-cardholders, comparing annual fee requirements across Southwest's card lineup.
Card Design
Evidence Sources
| Source | Verified | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | — | Chase |
| Southwest Partner | — | Southwest Partner |
| The Points Guy | — | The Points Guy |
| RewardsCC API | — | RewardsCC API |
| Issuer Page | Issuer Page: Earn rates | |
| Issuer Page | Issuer Page: Cobrand | |
| Chase Official | Chase Official | |
| Chase Official | Chase Official |
Top brands for this card
Brands where this card's earn-rate structure makes it a strong choice. Open a brand for the full ranked list.
