5 Best Credit Cards That Offer a Free Checked Bag for Southwest Flights

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated November 10, 2025

Travelers flying with Southwest Airlines can still enjoy free checked bags with the right credit card. Many Southwest Rapid Rewards cards include this perk, helping frequent flyers save on baggage fees while earning valuable points. This list highlights the top options for loyal Southwest customers.

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is an entry-level option in the airline’s credit card lineup. It gives travelers a simple way to earn points on everyday purchases while enjoying basic travel perks.

    This card is best suited for those who fly Southwest occasionally and want to start building Rapid Rewards points. It includes useful benefits like a free checked bag and priority boarding access.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on Southwest purchases
    • 2x points on local transit and commuting
    • 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services
    • 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 membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $99
    • APR: Variable, typically around 19.99%–28.49%
    • Other benefits: Free first checked bag, Group 5 boarding, 3,000 anniversary points
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Issuer: Chase

    Key Benefits:

    • Free checked bag on every Southwest flight
    • Anniversary points each year
    • Access to Rapid Rewards program
    • Priority boarding privileges
    • Ability to earn toward Companion Pass

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, gift cards, and other travel-related items, but flights generally offer the best value.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score of 670–739.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges a foreign transaction fee and has limited value for those who rarely fly Southwest.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a low entry point with simple rewards and basic travel perks, making it easy for new travelers to start earning points.

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the premium option in Southwest’s personal card lineup. It is designed for travelers who fly Southwest often and want added perks beyond basic rewards.

    The card pairs travel benefits with a simple rewards program tied directly to Southwest’s Rapid Rewards system. It also includes a free checked bag benefit, helping cardholders save on travel costs while enhancing their overall flying experience.

    Earning Structure:

    • 4x points on Southwest purchases
    • 2x points on dining and select travel categories
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn up to 100,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $4,000 within the first five months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $229
    • APR: Variable, around 21.49%–28.49%
    • Other benefits: $75 annual Southwest travel credit, 7,500 anniversary points
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Additional perks: Four upgraded boardings per year when available

    Key Benefits:

    • Free checked bag on every flight
    • Priority boarding opportunities
    • Annual travel credit helps offset costs
    • Anniversary bonus points each year
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

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

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, usually a score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card carries a higher annual fee compared to other Southwest cards, which may not be ideal for light travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple rewards and useful travel benefits, allowing new cardholders to easily gain value without complicated strategies.

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is a mid-tier option in the airline’s credit card lineup. It focuses on travelers who want to earn points quickly while also enjoying travel perks. Cardholders benefit from a free checked bag and other travel-related advantages.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on Southwest Airlines® purchases
    • 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases (through Dec. 31)
    • 2x points on local transit and commuting, including ride-hailing services (through Dec. 31)
    • 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming providers (through Dec. 31)
    • 2x points at grocery stores and restaurants (on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year)
    • 1x points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first five months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $149
    • APR: 19.99% to 28.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year, 6,000 anniversary points
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Free first checked bag on every flight
    • Anniversary bonus points
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Earn tier-qualifying points toward elite status
    • Includes travel protection

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and gift cards through the Rapid Rewards program.

    Credit Requirements:

    Generally requires good to excellent credit, typically a FICO score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges an annual fee and does not offer as many non-travel rewards as general travel cards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides simple earning categories and straightforward redemption options, making it easy for new travelers to use.

  • Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

    The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is designed for frequent Southwest flyers who want travel perks and solid earning potential. It provides key benefits that make flying more comfortable and rewarding for cardholders.

    It helps small business owners by offering features beyond flights, such as a free checked bag benefit to lower travel costs. The card offers tools and rewards that make it easier to manage both travel and business expenses efficiently.

    Earning Structure:

    • 4x points on Southwest Airlines purchases
    • 3x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners (through Dec. 31, 2025)
    • 2x points at gas stations and restaurants
    • 2x points on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel
    • 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshares
    • 2x points on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services (through Dec. 31, 2025)
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $299
    • APR: Variable, around 19.99%–28.49%
    • Other benefits: Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit every 4 years, 9,000 anniversary points, inflight Wi-Fi credits
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Free checked bag on Southwest flights
    • Anniversary bonus points each year
    • Credits for inflight Wi-Fi purchases
    • Travel credit for trusted traveler programs
    • Strong earning categories for business expenses

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and gift cards through the Rapid Rewards program.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (690 or higher).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not suit travelers who fly Southwest infrequently.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers easy-to-use rewards and valuable travel perks that new business cardholders can benefit from right away.

  • Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

    The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is designed for small business owners who often fly with Southwest. It helps cardholders earn points on everyday business expenses while also providing travel perks.

    This card offers a free checked bag benefit, which can save frequent travelers money on each trip. It also includes features that make earning and redeeming rewards straightforward.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on Southwest Airlines purchases
    • 2x points at gas stations and restaurants (up to $8,000 in combined purchases per year)
    • 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners (through Dec. 31, 2025)
    • 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshares (through Dec. 31, 2025)
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $149
    • APR: Variable, typically 19.99%–28.49%
    • Other benefits: 6,000 bonus points each cardmember anniversary
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Free checked bag on Southwest flights
    • Anniversary bonus points each year
    • Points do not expire with account in good standing
    • Employee cards at no extra cost
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

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

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (690 or higher).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card is ideal for frequent Southwest flyers, but may not be as valuable for those who prefer flying with different airlines.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning categories and straightforward redemption options, making it easy for new business cardholders to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Southwest passengers earn rewards while taking advantage of free checked bags?

Yes, passengers can still earn Rapid Rewards points even when checking bags for free. The points accumulate based on ticket cost and fare type rather than baggage fees. This allows travelers to enjoy both savings on luggage and continued progress toward earning free flights or Companion Pass status.

Are there restrictions on Southwest’s free checked bag policy?

Southwest allows generous baggage but enforces size and weight limits: bags must weigh under 50 pounds and have total dimensions under 62 inches. Oversized or overweight luggage incurs additional fees. Passengers should check these requirements before traveling to avoid unexpected costs.

How does the Southwest credit card’s free checked bag benefit compare to other airline cards?

Southwest cards guarantee one free checked bag, while some other airlines offer it only on higher-tier cards or with elite status. Many airline cards allow one free bag for the primary traveler, but Southwest offers this benefit to companions on the same reservation. This makes the benefit more flexible for families and groups.

Do premium travel credit cards generally include free checked luggage, and how does this apply to Southwest?

Premium airline cards often include one or two free checked bags, but policies vary by airline. For Southwest, one free checked bag is included when you hold a Rapid Rewards card. These cards also provide extras like anniversary points and travel credits that increase overall value.

Why does Southwest Airlines continue to offer free checked bags when most airlines do not?

Southwest maintains its free checked bag policy as part of its customer-friendly approach and brand identity. The airline views it as a competitive advantage that attracts loyal passengers. By including baggage costs upfront, Southwest differentiates itself from carriers that rely heavily on add-on fees.