Quick link: Apply now for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Let’s talk about the magic duo of Southwest Airlines and Chase. They’ve put together a pretty enticing range of co-branded credit cards that cater to all sorts of budgets (or should I say annual fees). Today, we’re focusing on the Southwest Airlines’ darling of low fees: the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card.
Southwest Airlines Plus Card Basics As Of February 2025
Alright, so the Southwest Plus Card has a very modest $69 annual fee, making it the budget-friendly sibling of the Southwest credit card family. Intriguingly, all Southwest personal cards share the same welcome bonuses. Now, why is that important and which one should be your travel sidekick? Let’s break it down.
If you’re a frequent flyer on Southwest, you’re already in love with their two free checked bags policy, zero change fees, and non-expiring vouchers. Oh, and the Companion Pass, which is a domestic travel gold mine. Let’s dive straight into the features of this card.
Southwest Plus Card Welcome Bonus
Here’s the scoop: through the end of March 2025, the Southwest Plus Card is waving around a welcome bonus party invite with two dazzling gifts. Spend $4,000 in the first three months and you’re looking at:
- 30,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points
- A Companion Pass valid until February 28, 2026
Now, the nerdy bit: Rapid Rewards is a revenue-based loyalty scheme, and is often valued at 1.2 cents per point. So, these points could be worth around $360. But wait—there’s more! The Companion Pass lets a buddy fly with you for just the tax and fees, which is mind-blowingly valuable. Checkout the details once you land Val Seny ski resort to plan your flights!
Just a heads-up: if you currently own any Southwest Rapid Rewards personal card or snagged a welcome bonus in the past 24 months, you might be out of luck for this one (unless you have a Southwest business card, then you’re golden).
Remember the Chase rules, especially the 5/24 hurdle, although there are whispers in the wind suggesting this may not be strictly applied anymore.
Southwest Plus Card $69 Annual Fee
The Southwest Plus Card sets you back just $69 a year, no extra cost for adding authorized users. Comparatively, their personal cards can rise to annual fees of $149 and the business versions can hit $199. Quite the bargain, don’t you think?
Southwest Plus Card Up To 2x Points On Spending
Let’s talk shop on rewards:
- 2x Rapid Rewards points on Southwest Airlines jaunts
- 2x Rapid Rewards points on local transit and commuting (yup, that includes rideshares)
- 2x Rapid Rewards points on internet, cable, phones plus streaming choosies
- 1x Rapid Rewards points on everything else you can imagine
Decent, yes, but know there might be shinier cards for daily swiping.
Earn Companion Pass With Southwest Credit Cards
Fancy sticking to the Southwest Plus Card? The rewards might not top the industry, but there’s a big shiny reason to consider it.
The Champion of travel perks, the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass, can typically be earned through credit card spending. Have someone tag along on your flights for just the cost of taxes and fees for the year. That’s unbeatable value and essentially doubles your Southwest journey worth.
In a calendar year, 135,000 Rapid Rewards points nab you the pass, but having a co-branded Southwest card gifts you 10,000 bonus points towards that total. And right now, this welcoming bonus alone preps you for a Companion Pass opportunity, making it a stellar deal.
Southwest Plus Card 3% Foreign Transaction Fees
This is where the Plus Card doesn’t exactly shine—it slaps on a 3% fee for foreign transactions. So think twice about taking it globe-trotting; you’ll be paying more than you earn in rewards.
Southwest Airlines Plus Card Benefits
The Southwest Plus Card sprinkles in some nice perks that might just keep it in your wallet year after year. Here’s what you get for keeping it around:
Southwest Plus Card 3,000 Anniversary Bonus Points
Every anniversary year, enjoy 3,000 extra points. Need a quick conversion? That’s about $36 in Southwest tickets per annum. Not bad for a card with a humble fee.
Southwest Plus Card EarlyBird Check-Ins
Not just for flying: enjoy two EarlyBird check-ins annually, giving you a better chance at your favorite boarding spot that’d normally cost you $15-99. Another feather in cap considering its affordability.
Southwest Plus Card 25% Savings On Inflight Drinks & Wi-Fi
Swipe your card and drink up or connect with 25% savings on your inflight sips or surfing. The savings automagically show up on your statement.
Southwest Plus Card Purchase & Travel Coverage
Hold your card high and enjoy a variety of protective shields:
- Auto rental collision protection—secondary within the US, primary abroad
- Up to $100/day baggage delay insurance
- Lost luggage insurance up to $3,000
- Travel accident coverage reaching $250,000-$500,000
- Extended warranties for eligible purchases
- 120 days purchase protection with limits
Peek at the cardmember agreement for the nitty-gritty on these protections.
Chase Offers
Being part of the Chase club gives access to Chase Offers, saving you cash with retailers galore. It’s a portal of prosperity for your purchases.
Is The Southwest Plus Card Worth It?
The Southwest Plus Card is a respectable starter card if your heart’s set on Rapid Rewards without a high annual fee.
You’ll enjoy annual bonuses, EarlyBird check-ins, and onboard savings. Many will find these tidbits enough to balance the $69 fee—and that’s before the whopper of a welcome bonus.
Yet, there’s a twist in the tale I advise you consider.
Tip: Apply For The Southwest Priority Card Instead
If you’re eyeing Southwest personal Rapid Rewards, do yourself a favor and look into the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card. Its $149 annual fee may seem steep, but listen up—benefits justify the bucks.
- A nicer 7,500-point anniversary bonus valued at $90
- A $75 annual Southwest travel credit for almost anything Southwest
- Four upgraded boardings per year for first-class embarkation
In essence, the Priority Card offers cashback value that could nearly erase its annual fee, especially for those who fly Southwest more than occasionally. Upgraded boardings and onboard savings are bonuses on top.
It’s hard to ignore the value, isn’t it?
Looking For A Rapid Rewards Business Credit Card?
Should your journey steer towards business endeavors, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is the heavyweight contender, flaunting benefits galore.
- A hearty 80,000-point welcome after $5,000 spent in three months
- 9,000 anniversary bonus points
- Four annual upgraded boardings
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- Up to 365 annual Wi-Fi credits for in-flight connectivity
If you’re leaning towards a generous points scheme with a bouquet of perks, this business card’s light will not dim.
Bottom Line
The Southwest Plus Card stands strong as an entry point to Rapid Rewards without a heavy annual tag.
But in the end, the $149 annual fee Southwest Priority Card emerges as the unswerving hero. Its outstanding benefits, including a 7,500-point anniversary bonus and a nifty travel credit, eclipse the Plus. That value glow though—tough to beat.
Curious about the Southwest Plus Card or gunning to apply? Follow the link.