Southwest Airlines offers some of the best travel rewards credit cards. If you love flying with Southwest, these cards can help you earn points, get free flights, and enjoy extra perks. Here’s everything you need to know about Southwest credit card rewards.
Types of Southwest Credit Cards Rewards
Southwest partners with Chase offer multiple credit card options. Each card comes with different rewards and benefits.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $69
- Sign-Up Bonus: Varies (often 50,000+ points after spending a certain amount)
- Earning Points: Earn points on Southwest purchases, dining, and everyday spending.
- Perks:
- 2 Early Bird Check-Ins per year
- 3,000 bonus points on your card anniversary
- No foreign transaction fees
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $99
- Sign-Up Bonus: Often higher than the Plus version
- Earning Points: Similar categories as Plus but with better earning rates
- Perks:
- 6,000 bonus points each year
- No foreign transaction fees
- Higher tier-qualifying points toward elite status
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $149
- Sign-Up Bonus: The highest among Southwest personal cards
- Earning Points: Best for frequent flyers
- Perks:
- $75 Southwest travel credit per year
- 7,500 anniversary bonus points
- Four Upgraded Boardings per year
- Best for earning the Southwest Companion Pass
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Business Credit Cards
- Annual Fee: $99 to $199
- Earning Points: Bonus points on business spending categories
- Perks:
- Companion Pass boost
- Higher credit limits for business expenses
- More anniversary points
How to Earn Southwest Credit Card Rewards
Sign-Up Bonuses
Most Southwest credit cards offer a generous sign-up bonus. These bonuses range from 50,000 to 80,000+ points after meeting the spending requirements.
Everyday Spending
You earn points on every purchase. Categories like Southwest flights, hotels, car rentals, and dining give you extra points.
Referral Bonuses
Chase offers referral bonuses if you invite friends or family to apply for a Southwest credit card.
Anniversary Points
Each card provides bonus points every year on your anniversary.
Southwest Travel Partners
Earn extra points when booking hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages with Southwest partners.
Best Way to Redeem Southwest Rewards
Free Flights
Redeem your points for Southwest flights. There are no blackout dates, making it easy to book.
Southwest Companion Pass
This is the best perk! Earn 135,000 points in a year, and your companion flies free with you (just pay taxes and fees).
Hotel and Car Rentals
Use your points for hotel stays and rental cars.
Gift Cards & Merchandise
You can redeem points for gift cards, but flights usually give you the best value.
Why Choose a Southwest Credit Card?
- No Expiration: Your points never expire.
- No Blackout Dates: Fly whenever you want.
- Companion Pass: The best deals available.
- Easy to Earn & Redeem: Great for frequent travelers.
Final Thoughts
Southwest credit cards offer fantastic travel benefits. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a frequent flyer, these cards can help you earn free flights and maximize rewards. Choose the card that best fits your needs and start earning today!
