If you frequently fly with Southwest Airlines or are looking to earn rewards towards free flights, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card can be an excellent choice for you. This travel credit card is designed for individuals who want to maximize their earning potential for flights, travel perks, and a variety of other benefits. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler, an occasional vacationer, or someone who wants to accumulate points for future trips, this card offers a great combination of rewards and perks that can suit a wide range of travelers.
Key Features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
1. Earn Rapid Rewards® Points on Every Purchase
One of the most appealing features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is the ability to earn Rapid Rewards points on your everyday purchases. Points can be redeemed for Southwest Airlines flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and more. The card offers the following earning structure:
- 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases: Whether you’re booking flights, paying for in-flight purchases, or paying for Southwest-related fees, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar.
- 2 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases: When you book with Southwest’s partners like hotels or car rental companies, you’ll also earn 2 points for every dollar spent.
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases: For all non-Southwest related purchases, you still earn 1 point per dollar spent.
This earning structure is particularly beneficial for those who regularly book travel through Southwest or its partners, as you can rack up points quickly and put them toward free flights.
2. Sign-Up Bonus
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card frequently offers a generous sign-up bonus for new cardholders. As of now, the card offers 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. These points can get you closer to earning a free flight or upgrading your travel experience.
To maximize the benefits of the sign-up bonus, it’s essential to make sure you meet the minimum spending requirements in the first three months. This can be done with regular expenses such as groceries, dining, or even large purchases that you may have been planning.
3. Companion Pass Eligibility
One of the best rewards available to Southwest Rapid Rewards cardholders is the Companion Pass. This allows you to choose a companion to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight you book using your Rapid Rewards points or cash. To qualify for the Companion Pass, you need to earn 125,000 Rapid Rewards points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year.
Having the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card allows you to earn points faster, which can help you reach the Companion Pass threshold more quickly. Additionally, the points earned with your credit card count toward this goal, giving you a head start toward securing this highly coveted perk.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees
Traveling abroad? The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal card to use while traveling internationally. This can save you a lot of money on purchases made abroad, as some credit cards charge up to 3% for foreign transactions.
5. Travel and Purchase Protection
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offers a variety of travel protections that can add peace of mind to your trips. These include:
- Baggage Delay Insurance: If your checked baggage is delayed for more than six hours, you may be reimbursed for essential items such as toiletries or clothing.
- Travel Accident Insurance: Provides coverage for accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a common carrier.
- Purchase Protection: If your eligible purchases are damaged or stolen, you may be reimbursed for the loss.
These protections can be invaluable when traveling, ensuring that you’re covered in the event of unexpected issues.
6. Annual Fee
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card comes with an annual fee of $99. While this fee may be a consideration for some, the value you can gain from the card — especially the points earned and travel perks like the Companion Pass — can easily outweigh this cost for frequent flyers.
7. Points Redemption and Flexibility
Once you’ve accumulated Rapid Rewards points through your card usage, you can redeem them for a variety of travel-related expenses. You can use your points for Southwest Airlines flights, which includes both Wanna Get Away® fares and Business Select® fares. Points can also be redeemed for hotel stays, rental cars, gift cards, and even merchandise through the Rapid Rewards program.
Southwest’s no blackout dates policy is another reason why the Rapid Rewards program is so popular. As long as there is a seat available on a flight, you can use your points to book it, giving you a lot of flexibility when planning your trips.
How to Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is simple and can be done online in just a few steps. Here’s how:
Step 1: Check Your Credit Score
Before applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, it’s a good idea to check your credit score. This card is typically geared toward those with good to excellent credit, so having a score of 700 or higher will improve your chances of approval. However, even if your score is slightly lower, it’s still worth applying.
Step 2: Gather Your Information
You’ll need to provide basic personal information, including:
- Full name
- Address and phone number
- Date of birth (you must be at least 18 years old)
- Employment and income details
- Social Security number (for credit verification)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve gathered your information, go to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card application page on the Chase website. Fill out the application form and submit it for review. You may receive an instant decision, or it could take a few days for the application to be processed.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
If approved, your new Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card will be mailed to you. You can begin using your card immediately after activation to earn points and take advantage of the benefits.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is a top-tier choice for frequent Southwest flyers who want to earn points quickly, enjoy travel perks like the Companion Pass, and benefit from added protections while traveling. Whether you’re looking to save on flights, earn points for a free vacation, or make the most out of every purchase, this card offers a lot of value for travelers who regularly fly with Southwest.
Before applying, make sure the benefits align with your travel needs, and consider the annual fee in relation to the rewards you’ll earn. If you’re a loyal Southwest customer or someone who flies often, this card could be an excellent addition to your wallet.
