5 Best Southwest Credit Card Offers for New Cardholders

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated September 15, 2025

The best Southwest credit card offers for new cardholders give travelers a chance to earn valuable points right from the start. These cards not only provide welcome bonuses that can quickly add up but also include ongoing perks that make flying with Southwest more rewarding. With several personal and business options available, each card offers unique benefits that fit different travel needs.

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is a personal travel card designed for people who fly Southwest often. It helps cardholders earn Rapid Rewards points on everyday spending and travel purchases.

    This card offers a simple way to start building points toward flights and other rewards. It is the entry-level option in the Southwest lineup, making it a good fit for new cardholders.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on Southwest Airlines purchases
    • 2x points at gas stations and grocery stores (up to $5,000 per year)
    • 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
    • 2x points on local transit, commuting (including rideshare), internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 5 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $99
    • APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
    • Anniversary bonus: Ongoing annual points (varies by promotion)
    • Travel perks: Two EarlyBird Check-In® benefits per year (for 2025 flights)
    • Checked bags: First checked bag free on Southwest flights

    Key Benefits:

    • Points earned count toward the Companion Pass®
    • Discounts and priority boarding on eligible flights
    • Complimentary Standard seating
    • Anniversary points every year

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, rental cars, gift cards, and select experiences.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670 or higher) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges an annual fee and foreign transaction fees, which may reduce its value for international travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides a low-cost entry into the Rapid Rewards program, with strong earning potential on everyday purchases and the ability to work toward the Companion Pass®.

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is designed for travelers who want to earn points toward flights and other travel with Southwest Airlines. It offers a straightforward way to build Rapid Rewards points through everyday spending.

    Cardholders can also enjoy travel-focused perks that make flying with Southwest more rewarding. This card fits well for those who fly Southwest a few times a year and want to earn rewards without overly complex features.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on Southwest purchases
    • 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners (through Dec. 31, 2025)
    • 2x points on local transit, commuting, and rideshares (through Dec. 31, 2025)
    • 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming (through Dec. 31, 2025)
    • 2x points at grocery stores and restaurants (on up to $8,000 per year)
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 5 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $149
    • APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
    • Anniversary bonus: 6,000 points each year
    • Issuer: Chase
    • Network: Visa
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Points count toward the Companion Pass®
    • Two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year (benefit ends Dec. 31, 2025)
    • Built-in travel and purchase protections
    • Anniversary bonus helps offset annual fee

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, and more. Redemption is tied to flight prices, making the process simple without complex valuations.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670 or higher).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card carries a higher annual fee, and certain bonus categories have yearly caps. Additionally, it does not include a gas category, which is a feature offered by other Southwest consumer cards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    New cardholders can easily earn valuable Southwest points and enjoy travel perks without complexity.

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

    The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is designed for travelers who fly Southwest often and want extra perks. It offers rewards on everyday purchases and added benefits that can make trips more rewarding.

    This card also provides travel credits and bonus points that can help offset costs. For frequent flyers, it can be a strong option to earn points while enjoying built-in travel conveniences.

    Earning Structure:

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

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 5 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $229
    • APR: Variable, typically 19.99%–28.49%
    • Anniversary bonus: 7,500 points each year
    • Issuer: Chase
    • Network: Visa
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • $75 annual Southwest travel credit
    • 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary
    • Four upgraded boardings per year (when available)
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotels, rental cars, gift cards, and more. The value is tied to flight prices, keeping redemption simple.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit. With a FICO score of at least 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The $229 annual fee is higher than other Southwest cards, and some bonus categories are capped. It may not be worth it for occasional Southwest travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Beginners flying Southwest frequently can quickly see value in the Priority card due to its higher rewards, annual credits, and upgraded boarding.

  • Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

    The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is designed for small business owners who want to earn points on everyday expenses while traveling with Southwest. It focuses on helping cardholders build Rapid Rewards points through business-related purchases.

    This card also supports those who travel often for work by offering options to earn points that can be redeemed for flights and other rewards. It provides features that align with both frequent flyers and business spending needs.

    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 3 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $149
    • APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
    • Anniversary bonus: 6,000 points each year
    • Issuer: Chase
    • Network: Visa
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Anniversary bonus points help offset the annual fee
    • Two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year (for 2025 flights)
    • Fee credit for points transfers annually
    • First checked bag free on Southwest flights
    • Employee cards available at no additional cost

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, rental cars, gift cards, and other travel experiences.

    Credit Requirements:

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

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Some bonus categories are capped, and benefits are most valuable to those who fly Southwest regularly. The $149 fee may be harder to justify for businesses with minimal travel.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides businesses with an accessible way to earn Rapid Rewards points while building travel perks. The manageable spending requirement for the welcome bonus makes it easy for new cardholders to see value early.

  • Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

    This business credit card is designed for owners who want to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points on everyday purchases and business expenses. It helps cardholders build points faster for flights and travel perks.

    It also includes travel-related benefits that can provide value beyond just earning points. Business travelers who fly Southwest often may find this card useful.

    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 3 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $299
    • APR: 19.99%–28.49% variable
    • Anniversary bonus: 9,000 points each year
    • Issuer: Chase
    • Network: Visa
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Up to 365 in-flight Wi-Fi credits per year
    • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
    • Free first checked bag on Southwest flights
    • Employee cards at no additional cost
    • Annual fee credit for points transfers
    • Strong earning structure across multiple business categories

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Southwest flights, hotel stays, rental cars, gift cards, and select experiences.

    Credit Requirements:

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

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high $299 annual fee may not suit smaller businesses with limited travel. Bonus categorie

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current sign-up bonuses for Southwest credit cards?

Southwest credit cards, such as the Plus, Premier, Priority, and business cards, often feature large welcome bonuses. For example, recent offers include up to 100,000 points on select personal cards and 80,000 points on the Performance Business card. These bonuses require meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.

How does the Companion Pass work with new Southwest credit card offers?

The Companion Pass lets you bring a designated person on flights by paying only taxes and fees. Points from welcome offers, like those on the Priority or Premier Business card, count toward earning it. This makes new cardholder bonuses a faster way to qualify.

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

The Priority card provides more value with travel credits, 7,500 anniversary points, and four upgraded boardings. The Premier card costs less annually but comes with fewer perks, offering 6,000 anniversary points and two EarlyBird Check-Ins. Both help cardholders earn toward the Companion Pass.

Which Southwest credit card offers the highest rewards on travel expenses?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card offers the strongest return, with 4x points on Southwest purchases. It also includes credits and anniversary points that add long-term value. Frequent Southwest travelers benefit most from its higher rewards structure.

What benefits are exclusive to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card?

The Plus card is the entry-level option in the lineup, with a lower $99 annual fee. It offers 3,000 anniversary points and rewards on Southwest, gas, and grocery purchases. However, it includes fewer travel protections and perks compared to the Premier or Priority.