4 Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated October 3, 2025

Choosing the right Southwest credit card can make every trip more rewarding, whether someone flies a few times a year or travels often for work. Each option offers its own mix of perks, from earning Rapid Rewards points to enjoying travel protections and extra benefits. This guide highlights four of the best choices, helping travelers quickly see which card fits their needs and spending habits.

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the entry-level option in the airline’s credit card lineup. It is designed for travelers who want to earn points without paying the higher costs of premium cards.

    This card provides a straightforward way to collect Rapid Rewards points through everyday purchases. It works best for travelers who fly Southwest occasionally but still want to build rewards.

    \Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on Southwest Airlines purchases
    • 2x points at gas stations and grocery stores (up to $5,000 per year)
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first five months of joining.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $99
    • APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
    • Other benefits: 3,000 anniversary points each year
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional perks: Access to Southwest Rapid Rewards program

    Key Benefits:

    • Lower annual fee compared to other Southwest cards
    • Anniversary points help offset costs
    • Ability to earn Rapid Rewards on everyday spending
    • Easy path to earning a welcome bonus
    • Points never expire as long as the account is open

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, and select merchandise through the Rapid Rewards program.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit with a FICO score of 690–850 to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges foreign transaction fees, and its earning rates are modest compared to premium travel cards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a low-cost way to start earning Southwest points and provides simple rewards without overwhelming features.

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is for frequent Southwest travelers seeking added benefits on their flights. It provides ongoing benefits that can add value for those who use the airline frequently.

    This card also offers travel-related credits and bonus opportunities that make it stand out from other Southwest cards. It is positioned as the premium option among the personal Rapid Rewards cards.

    Earning Structure:

    • 4x points on Southwest Airlines purchases
    • 2x points at gas stations and restaurants
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first five months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $229
    • APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Annual Southwest travel credit (ending after Dec. 31, 2025), four upgraded boardings per year (ending after Dec. 31, 2025), anniversary points
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Priority boarding upgrades (until Dec. 31, 2025)
    • Annual travel credit with Southwest (until Dec. 31, 2025)
    • Anniversary bonus points
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Earns Rapid Rewards points on everyday purchases

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, and select merchandise.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score starting at 690.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The annual fee is higher than other Southwest cards, and some benefits will be removed after Dec. 31, 2025.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It gives straightforward earning categories and travel perks that are easy to use without complex rules.

  • Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

    The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is for business owners looking to earn points while traveling with Southwest. It focuses on travel perks and earning opportunities that fit frequent flyers.

    This card provides enhanced benefits compared to other Southwest options. It is best suited for those who value travel rewards and extras that can support both business and personal trips.

    Earning Structure:

    • 4x points on Southwest® purchases
    • 2x points on gas station and restaurant purchases
    • 2x points on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel
    • 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn up to 80,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $299
    • APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
    • Other benefits: In-flight Wi-Fi credits, anniversary points, upgraded boardings
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Strong earning potential on Southwest purchases
    • Bonus points each account anniversary
    • Free checked bags on Southwest flights
    • Travel and purchase protections
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, or experiences.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score between 690 and 850, to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has a higher annual fee compared to other Southwest business cards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a large welcome bonus and simple earning categories, making it easy for new business cardholders to maximize rewards.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a flexible travel rewards option that appeals to both frequent Southwest flyers and general travelers. It earns points in multiple categories, making it more versatile than airline-specific cards.

    Travelers can use the card for flights and hotels, and transfer points to airline and hotel partners. This flexibility makes it useful for those who want value beyond Southwest redemptions.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases
    • 2x points on all other travel purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: 19.99%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Built-in travel protections, purchase protection
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Transfer points to airline and hotel partners
    • Strong earning rates on dining and travel
    • $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel
    • Travel protections such as trip cancellation coverage

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase, transferred to partners like Southwest, or used for cash back, gift cards, and other rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score of 690–850.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has an annual fee and does not offer Southwest-specific perks like free checked bags.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides simple earning categories and flexible redemption options, making it easy for new travelers to get value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and Priority credit cards?

The Plus card is the entry-level option with fewer travel perks and a lower annual cost. The Priority card offers more anniversary points, a travel credit, and upgraded boarding opportunities. Travelers who fly Southwest often may find the Priority card more rewarding in the long run.

How do I qualify for the Companion Pass with a Southwest Airlines credit card?

To earn the Companion Pass, a cardholder must collect 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. Points from credit card spending, welcome bonuses, and partner offers all count toward this total. Once earned, the pass allows a companion to fly for only taxes and fees.

What are the current sign-up offers available for Southwest Airlines credit cards?

Southwest cards often feature limited-time welcome bonuses that can help new cardholders earn tens of thousands of points. Recent offers have included boosted bonuses across the Plus and Priority cards. These points can quickly move a person closer to earning the Companion Pass.

What benefits are exclusive to Southwest Airlines credit card holders?

Cardholders can receive anniversary bonus points each year. Some cards also provide travel credits, upgraded boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases. These benefits are only available to those who hold a Southwest-branded credit card.

How does the points system work with Southwest Airlines credit cards?

Cardholders earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, with higher earning rates for Southwest purchases. Points can then be redeemed for flights, gift cards, or other rewards through the Rapid Rewards program. The value of points depends on the cost of the flight at the time of booking.