Key Takeaways:
Dive into our guide to find the ideal Southwest Airlines credit card that aligns with your travel goals.
With a robust Rapid Rewards program, Southwest creates loyalty with its exceptional benefits and credit card offers.
Southwest Airlines is beloved by many travelers, especially those with the best Southwest Airlines credit cards.
The airline stands out with perks like no change fees and two complimentary checked bags for all passengers, complemented by a robust route network spanning domestic and international destinations.
Explore the skies with Southwest Airlines for an unforgettable adventure with the right card that matches your spending and flying habits.
5 Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards
Discover the top five Southwest Airlines credit cards that can help you earn valuable reward points and enhance your travel experience.
These cards offer unique benefits like free checked bags, anniversary bonus points, companion passes, and upgraded boarding, making them ideal companions for Southwest loyalists.
Each of these Chase co-branded cards caters to different travel styles and preferences. Explore the features and perks of each card to choose the best Southwest Airlines card that aligns perfectly with your travel goals and needs.
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card - Best Card for Southwest Frequent Flyers
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card comes with a solid welcome bonus, allowing you to Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
With annual fee of $99 applied to first billing statement. This Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card offers 3x points on Southwest Airlines purchases, 2x points on local transit and commuting (including rideshare) and hotel and car rental partner purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on other everyday purchases.
It also provides various perks, such as 6,000-anniversary bonus points every year, 2 EarlyBird Check-in each year, no foreign transaction fees for seamless international transactions, and 25% savings on in-flight purchases.
Cardholders also get the opportunity to earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent and enjoy peace of mind with shopping and travel benefits.
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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card - Top Pick for Business Travelers
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is the best Southwest Airlines Business credit card with a robust rewards structure and exceptional travel perks.
With a annual_fees annual fee, cardholders get an impressive welcome offer to bonus_miles_full
You also earn 4x points on Southwest Airlines purchases, 3x points on hotel and car rental partner purchases, and 2x points on local transit & commuting and social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services, along with 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
It comes with several benefits, such as 9,000 bonus points on every anniversary year, four upgraded boardings each year, no foreign transaction fees for overseas shopping, and up to $100 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee credit.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs can also benefit from employee cards at no additional cost, no blackout dates with no limits to point earnings, comprehensive shopping perks, and more.
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card - Ideal for Budget-Conscious Travelers
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is amongst the best Southwest Airlines credit cards for its simplicity, fantastic rewards, and affordability.
With just a annual_fees annual fee, it comes with a generous welcome offer, where you can bonus_miles_full
You earn 2x points on Southwest Airlines purchases, local transit & commuting, select streaming services, Rapid Rewards hotel & car rental partners, and internet, cable, and phone services, along with 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Southwest loyalists get to enjoy several perks, such as 2 EarlyBird Check-in every year, flexible redemption options, 3,000 points every year on the anniversary, free checked bags, and 25% back on in-flight purchases.
Additionally, it offers a 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year that helps you reach your desired status.
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card_name - Perfect for Flexibility and Points Transfer
The card_name might not be a Southwest-specific card, but it is a compelling choice for those who value versatile travel rewards.
With a annual_fees annual fee, cardholders get a great welcome bonus to bonus_miles_full
You can earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and Wholesale clubs), and select streaming services, and 1x on all other eligible purchases.
It allows you to transfer your Chase Ultimate Reward points to various Hotel and Airline Travel Partners at a 1:1 ratio, including Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards.
This Southwest Airlines Chase credit card provides several perks, like up to $50 credit each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel, flexible redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and comprehensive shopping and travel benefits.
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card_name - Best No Annual Fee Card
The card_name is an excellent no-annual fee card option for travel enthusiasts, particularly those loyal to Southwest.
Cardholders get a decent welcome offer and bonus_miles_full
Along with a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance transfers with reg_apr,reg_apr_type.
It lets you earn 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
You also enjoy various perks like flexible redemption options and comprehensive shopping and travel benefits for peace of mind. Plus, this Chase Visa Southwest Airlines Credit Card allows you to transfer your rewards to Southwest Rapid Rewards at 1:1.
Southwest Airlines Credit Card Benefits
Unlock the full potential of your travel with Southwest Airlines by exploring the fantastic benefits of their credit cards.
Southwest Airlines credit cards are designed to complement diverse travel preferences and reward loyal customers.
Whether you’re seeking accelerated point earnings, companion passes, or upgraded boarding privileges, these cards provide exceptional value and flexibility.
Dive into Southwest Airlines credit card benefits that not only elevate your journey but also empower you to maximize your rewards.
Attractive Southwest Rapid RewardsSouthwest Rapid Rewards is the loyalty program offered by Southwest Airlines, which opens a world of travel rewards and perks. You can join for free and earn points through various means.
Travelers can accumulate points by flying with Southwest Airlines, booking travel through Rapid Rewards partners, utilizing Southwest Airlines co-branded credit cards for everyday purchases, etc.
The program offers flexibility redemption options, allowing you to enjoy perks such as award flights, upgrades, and access to exclusive member benefits.
Valuable Travel PerksSouthwest Airlines credit card offers many traveling benefits that make your journey more comfortable, enjoyable, and rewarding.
Some of them are two EarlyBird Check-ins every year, no foreign transaction fees, and four upgraded boardings annually.
Another excellent perk includes two free checked bags on every flight, along with fewer additional fees compared to other airlines. Cardholders also enjoy potential savings with a Southwest card with 25% back on in-flight purchases.
Credit cards like the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card provide an annual $100 credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, offering expedited airport security screening.
The Coveted Southwest Companion PassThe Southwest Companion Pass is a highly sought-after benefit of the Rapid Rewards program, allowing members to bring a companion on flights for just the cost of taxes and fees.
There are no blackout dates or seat restrictions while using the companion pass, providing flexibility and value to travelers.
Cardholders of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card receive an annual boost of 10,000 Companion Pass Qualifying Points, helping them achieve this valuable benefit.
To earn the Companion Pass, you must accumulate 135,000 Companion Pass Qualifying Points or complete 100 qualifying one-way flights within a calendar year. Once achieved, it remains active for the remainder of the year as well as the following year.
Pathway to Elite StatusAchieving elite status with Southwest Airlines, known as A-List or A-List Preferred, can offer significant value for frequent travelers.
It can enhance your travel experience with exclusive perks like a 25% bonus on flights, free same-day changes, access to Priority Lane at check-in, etc.
To attain A-List status, you must fly 20 qualifying one-way flights booked through Southwest or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points within a calendar year. For A-List Preferred status, you need either 40 one-way qualifying flight segments or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points.
Cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offer 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent annually on these cards – helping you progress toward elite status through everyday spending.
FAQs
What credit score do you need for Southwest Airlines card?
The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit cards typically require a good to excellent credit score, typically ranging from 670 or higher.
How to apply for Southwest Airlines credit card?
You can easily apply for a Southwest Airlines credit card online through the official Southwest Airlines website or the Chase website – the bank that issues the card, and by filling out the application form with personal information.
What credit card company does Southwest Airlines use?
Southwest Airlines partners with Chase Bank to issue co-branded Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit cards, allowing cardholders to earn points on Southwest flights and other everyday expenses.
Does Southwest Airlines credit card have an annual fee?
Yes, most of the Southwest Airlines credit cards have an annual fee. The fee varies depending on the specific card you choose and the benefits it offers.
Who issues Southwest Airlines credit card?
The Chase Bank issues Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit cards.
Is it hard to get a credit card with Southwest Airlines?
No, it is not hard to get a Southwest Airlines credit card. You need a good credit score and a solid credit history for easy approval.
How much is 50,000 Southwest points worth?
The value of 50,000 Southwest points can vary but is generally estimated to be worth around $750 when redeemed for flights, where 1 point equals 1.5 cents.
Which credit card transfers to Southwest?
Credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve®, card_name, and card_name allow you to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest at a 1:1 ratio.
What is the best Southwest Airlines credit card?
Determining the best Southwest Airlines credit card depends on your travel habits and preferences. Popular options include the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, which offers valuable perks and points for frequent flyers.
Can you use Southwest credit cards for other airlines?
You cannot directly use your Southwest Airlines credit card to earn rewards on other airlines, but you can redeem your Rapid Rewards points for flights on partner airlines through the airline’s loyalty program, such as Air France, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and more.
Does Southwest Airlines credit card cover rental car insurance?
Yes, some of the premium versions of the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit cards offer secondary rental car insurance coverage when you use your card to pay for the rental.
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