The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a premium credit card offered by Chase, designed for travelers who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. This card offers a variety of benefits that make it a top choice for those who want to earn rewards and enjoy exclusive perks while flying with Southwest. In this article, we’ll explore the key features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, including how it works, its rewards structure, benefits, fees, and how to apply.
Key Features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is packed with valuable benefits that can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here are some of the standout features:
1. Earn Rapid Rewards Points
The primary benefit of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the ability to earn Rapid Rewards points, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. Cardholders can earn:
- 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases: This includes flights, baggage fees, and other purchases made directly with Southwest Airlines.
- 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshares like Uber or Lyft, and internet, cable, and phone services.
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Additionally, the card offers a generous welcome bonus of 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. These points can quickly add up, making it easier to redeem for a free flight or other travel perks.
2. Annual Companion Pass Qualifying Points
One of the most coveted benefits for Southwest frequent flyers is the Companion Pass, which allows a companion to fly with you for free (except for taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight you book with Rapid Rewards points or cash. Cardholders of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card earn 1,500 Companion Pass Qualifying Points each year through card purchases. While the Companion Pass can be earned through flights and other travel activities, this bonus makes it easier to earn it and maximize your travel benefits.
3. Earn 7,500 Bonus Points Every Year
Another fantastic benefit of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the annual bonus of 7,500 points that cardholders receive each account anniversary. This bonus can be a great way to accumulate points for a future trip, and it essentially helps reduce the overall cost of the card by offsetting its annual fee.
4. Travel Perks
In addition to earning Rapid Rewards points, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card provides several premium travel benefits:
- 4 Upgraded Boardings per year: Cardholders receive four free upgraded boardings per year when available, allowing you to enjoy early boarding and pick better seats on your Southwest flights.
- Baggage Allowance: You and a companion on the same reservation receive two free checked bags each. This can be a significant savings, especially for families or those traveling with a lot of luggage.
- 20% back on in-flight purchases: This includes purchases for drinks, Wi-Fi, and snacks while flying with Southwest Airlines.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card also eliminates foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travelers. You won’t have to worry about extra charges when using your card outside of the United States.
Fees and Costs
As with any credit card, there are fees associated with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card that potential applicants should consider:
- Annual Fee: $149. This fee is relatively high compared to some other travel rewards cards, but the benefits, such as the 7,500 annual points, Upgraded Boarding, and free checked bags, can offset this cost for frequent travelers.
- APR: The card has a variable APR, which is typical for credit cards. Be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
How to Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
If you’re ready to take advantage of all the benefits the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has to offer, applying is simple. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Check Your Credit Score
Before applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, it’s a good idea to check your credit score. The card generally requires a good to excellent credit score for approval, so if your score is below 670, you might want to work on improving it before submitting your application.
2. Visit the Chase Website
The easiest way to apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is through the Chase website. Go to the Chase credit cards page and search for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card. Once you find the card, click on the “Apply Now” button.
3. Provide Your Information
During the application process, you’ll be asked to provide personal information such as your name, address, Social Security number, and financial details (income, employment status, etc.). Be prepared to provide this information quickly and accurately.
4. Submit Your Application
After filling out the necessary fields, review your application to ensure all information is correct. Then, submit your application. Chase will review your application and typically provide a decision within a few minutes. If your application is approved, you will receive your new card in the mail within 7-10 business days.
Who Should Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is ideal for frequent Southwest Airlines passengers who want to maximize their travel rewards. If you’re someone who travels often for business or leisure, this card can help you earn points toward free flights, enjoy travel benefits like upgraded boarding and free checked bags, and make your travel experience more enjoyable.
Additionally, if you’re a loyal Southwest customer and frequently fly with a companion, the Companion Pass benefit will be a huge advantage. The 7,500-point annual bonus and 1,500 Companion Pass Qualifying Points make it easier to earn the coveted pass and enjoy free travel for a companion.
Conclusion
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is an excellent option for Southwest Airlines frequent flyers looking to earn valuable rewards and enjoy premium travel perks. With generous point-earning potential, free checked bags, and a host of other benefits, the card is a great tool to maximize your travel experience. However, with a $149 annual fee, it’s important to ensure that you’ll be able to fully take advantage of the benefits to make the cost worthwhile. If you’re ready to enhance your travel experience with Southwest, applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card might be the next step for you.
