Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Earn 6,000 anniversary points plus 55,000 welcome bonus with Premier Rewards
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier delivers 55,000 welcome points, $149 annual fee, and 6,000 anniversary points yearly. Earn 3X points on Southwest flights and 2X on restaurants and groceries (up to $8,000 annually). Cardholder and 8 companions receive free first checked bags, Group 5 boarding, and 25% back on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi.
- Annual Fee
- $149
- points · Welcome Bonus
- 55,000
- Highest rate (conditional)
- Up to 3X (Southwest)
Terms checked against the issuer on October 10, 2026
At a Glance
- Annual Fee
- $149
- 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
55,000
points
Spend $1,500 in the first 3 months
Welcome bonus of 55,000 Rapid Rewards points after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Not available if you have a current Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card or received a new cardmember bonus within the last 24 months.
Earning Rates
- 3X
Southwest
3x points on Southwest Airlines purchases including flights, inflight, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages
- 2X
Grocery Stores
2x points on first $8,000 in combined purchases at grocery stores and restaurants per anniversary year
Cap: $8,000/annual
- 2X
Dining
2x points on first $8,000 in combined purchases at grocery stores and restaurants per anniversary year
Cap: $8,000/annual
- 3X
LyftLimited time
3X 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
3X Points on Southwest Flights
Earn 3 Rapid Rewards points per dollar on purchases made directly with Southwest Airlines, including flights, inflight purchases, Southwest gift cards, and Getaways by Southwest packages. No category activation or enrollment required.
Book 4 Southwest flights per year at $400 each: earn 4,800 points annually just from airfare (about $67 at 1.4 cents per point).
2X Points on Restaurants and Groceries Up to $8,000
Earn 2 Rapid Rewards points per dollar on restaurants and U.S. supermarket purchases, capped at $8,000 in combined annual spend (then 1X thereafter). No enrollment or activation needed - automatically tracked across all categories.
Spend $500 monthly on dining and groceries: earn 12,000 points annually from category spending (about $168 at 1.4 cents per point).
1X Points on All Other Purchases
Earn 1 Rapid Rewards point per dollar on all purchases not in the 3X or 2X categories. No caps. Every eligible dollar spent earns toward your next Southwest flight.
Spend $2,000 monthly on miscellaneous purchases: earn 24,000 points annually (about $336 at 1.4 cents per point).
Benefits & Perks
Travel Benefits
10 perksGeneral Travel
Flights & Airlines
Car Rental
Annual Credits & Statement Credits
2 creditsUp to
$240
in recurring credits (annual)
$10/mo Instacart+
3-month complimentary Instacart+ membership plus $10 monthly Instacart statement credit (up to $120/year) through December 2027
—
Monthly
DoorDash DashPass
Get one-year complimentary DashPass, membership for both Doordash and Caviar, that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower
$10
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
Baggage delay insurance for essential purchases
secondary
Coverage for essential purchases if your checked baggage is delayed more than 6 hours by the carrier
Extended warranty protection for purchases
primary
Extends manufacturer's warranty by 1 year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less
Lost luggage reimbursement coverage
secondary
Reimbursement for lost or damaged checked baggage and contents when traveling with eligible card
120-day purchase protection coverage
primary
Protection against theft or damage for eligible purchases for 120 days from purchase date
Show all 6 protectionsShow fewer protections
$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
Dining Out
2x at restaurants
Rapid Rewards · On up to $8,000 a year in dining, then the base rate
≈$2.50 in value on a $100 dinner, at our valuation of 1.25¢ per point
Annual fee: $149
Explore 5,512 New York restaurants with this cardStack a dining program
Rakuten Dining
5% back at 20,618 participating restaurants, on top of this card's 2x, once you join and link this card.
+$5
cash back, or ≈$5.50 as points
More on a $100 dinner
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
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier is the mid-tier personal card, with free checked bags and Group 5 boarding extending to 8 companions. A 55,000-point welcome bonus and 6,000 anniversary points add to the 3X Southwest and 2X dining and grocery earn rates.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- +6,000 anniversary bonus points ($90+ value) help justify the annual fee
- +10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost annually accelerates free companion flights
- +2x on grocery stores and restaurants (first $8K combined) adds everyday earning
- +Earn 1,500 TQPs toward A-List status per $5K annual spend
- +Complimentary Preferred or Standard seat selection within 48 hours of departure, when available
- +25% back on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi as a statement credit
- +15% anniversary promo code for Southwest flights (better than Plus's 10%)
- +Free first checked bag for cardholder and up to 8 passengers on same reservation
Cons
- -$149 annual fee may not be justified for infrequent Southwest flyers
- -No Extra Legroom upgrades (Priority cardholders get unlimited upgrades at 48 hours)
- -Only 1x points on non-category purchases limits everyday earning potential
- -1,500 TQPs per $5K spent is less than Priority's 2,500 TQPs
- -Limited bonus categories — only grocery/restaurants at 2x (old transit/internet/RR partners expired)
- -Southwest's domestic-focused route network limits international travel utility
Who It's Best For
Best For
- Mid-frequency Southwest flyers who want balance between benefits and annual fee
- Dining and grocery spenders who can maximize 2x on restaurants and groceries ($8K combined cap)
- Travelers working toward A-List status via card spend (1,500 TQPs per $5K spent)
- Those who want preferred seat selection without paying Priority's $229 fee
- Cardholders who value 25% back on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi
Not Ideal For
- Occasional travelers who fly Southwest less than 3 times per year
- Those who need bonus earning beyond grocery/restaurants (only 2 bonus categories)
- Heavy Southwest flyers who should upgrade to Priority for Extra Legroom upgrades
- Budget-conscious travelers for whom Plus's $99 fee is more appropriate
- Anyone who already has A-List status through flying alone
The Math: Is $149 Worth It?
First-year value includes $687.50 welcome bonus
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$144
Annual Fee
-$149
Net Annual Value
-$5
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 Rapid Rewards Credit Cards 2025
Southwest Rapid Rewards Cards Compared - An Easy Choice?
Which Southwest Card is Best?
Which is the best Southwest personal card? [Updated for 2025]
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Review 2025 | Worth It or Leave It?
Southwest Rapid Rewards PREMIER Credit Card | Full Review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Review 2025: Is It Worth It for Frequent Flyers?
Third-Party Articles & Reviews
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Official Chase landing page for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card featuring complete benefits overview, earning rates, annual bonuses, welcome offer terms, travel protections, and activation links. Authoritative source for current terms and official card features.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card review: Full details
Comprehensive review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card covering the 50,000 welcome bonus, 6,000 annual anniversary points, 3X earning on Southwest flights, free checked bags for 9 passengers, and preferred boarding benefits. Analysis of whether the $149 annual fee delivers value compared to the Rapid Rewards Select and Performance cards.
Is a Southwest Credit Card Worth It?
Value analysis comparing all Southwest credit card options and determining which tier (Plus, Select, or Premier) is best based on frequent flyer status. Includes breakeven calculations showing when the Premier's $149 fee is justified by free checked bags and priority boarding benefits.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card — Full Review [2026]
Comprehensive Upgraded Points review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier analyzing the 50,000 welcome bonus, 6,000 anniversary bonus, and tier qualifying points strategy toward A-List elite status. Includes detailed breakdown of free checked bag savings and preferred boarding strategy.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Review
Detailed CNBC review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier analyzing the card's core appeal for frequent Southwest flyers. Covers 6,000 anniversary bonus points, how free checked bags save hundreds annually with family travel, preferred boarding guarantees overhead bin space, and the impact of tier qualifying points on A-List status.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card 2026 Review
2026 review evaluating the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier as the premium card in Chase's Southwest partnership. Covers tier qualifying points toward A-List status, 10,000 annual Companion Pass qualifying points, DashPass membership benefit, and whether the Premier is worth the extra fee compared to other Southwest cards.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Review
Credit Karma's review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier covering card features, earning rates, and annual benefits. Includes user ratings and community feedback on real-world value of free checked bags, preferred boarding, and whether the $149 annual fee pays for itself.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card review
Yahoo Finance's overview of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card emphasizing the 50,000 welcome points and $149 fee positioning. Analyzes earning structure across Southwest flights, restaurants, and groceries, plus how free checked bags compound savings for family travel.
Card Design
Evidence Sources
| Source | Verified | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | — | Chase |
| Southwest Partner | — | Southwest Partner |
| Usnews | — | Usnews |
| RewardsCC API | — | RewardsCC API |
| Chase | — | Chase |
| Issuer Page | Issuer Page: Welcome offer | |
| 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.
