The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is a popular travel rewards card offered by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It is designed for frequent flyers who want to earn Rapid Rewards points, Southwest Airlines’ loyalty program currency, for their everyday purchases. In this guide, we will explore the features, benefits, and how to apply for this credit card, along with key information on maximizing its value.
Overview of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offers travelers the opportunity to earn Rapid Rewards points, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses. This card is an excellent choice for individuals who frequently travel with Southwest Airlines or those who are looking to earn substantial rewards points on everyday purchases.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Sign-Up Bonus
One of the most attractive features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is its sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn 60,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. These points are often enough for a free round-trip flight (depending on flight availability and the time of booking) and can significantly boost your points balance early on.
2. Earn Points on Purchases
The card allows you to earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest Airlines purchases, as well as on local transit and commuting expenses, such as taxis, rideshares, buses, trains, and tolls. For all other purchases, you will earn 1 point per dollar. This feature is ideal for frequent travelers who are looking to earn rewards not only on their airline purchases but also on other travel-related costs.
3. Anniversary Bonus
Each year, cardholders receive a bonus of 6,000 Rapid Rewards points on their account anniversary. This is an excellent way to accumulate more points over time, making the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card a solid option for those who regularly travel with Southwest.
4. Travel Benefits
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card comes with a range of travel benefits that can enhance your flying experience:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This feature makes the card a good option for international travelers, as it allows you to make purchases abroad without incurring additional fees.
- Free First and Second Checked Bags: Cardholders can enjoy free checked bags for themselves and a companion when flying on Southwest Airlines. This can save you significant money on baggage fees, especially if you are traveling with family or friends.
- EarlyBird Check-In®: For Southwest flights, cardholders can automatically enjoy EarlyBird Check-In, which allows you to check in earlier than general passengers. This increases your chances of securing preferred seating and boarding.
- Access to Special Promotions: Cardholders often receive access to exclusive promotions and discounts, such as bonus points for spending at certain retailers or extra points on flights during promotional periods.
5. Earn Companion Pass® Points
Southwest Airlines offers a Companion Pass, a highly sought-after benefit that allows a companion to fly with you for free (except for taxes and fees) on both paid and reward flights. You can earn the Companion Pass by earning 125,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. The points you earn with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card contribute to this goal, and the sign-up bonus can help you get closer to qualifying for the Companion Pass.
6. Annual Fee
The card comes with a $99 annual fee, which is relatively low compared to other premium travel rewards cards. This fee can be offset by the value of the rewards you earn, as well as the benefits such as free checked bags and the anniversary bonus points.
How to Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is straightforward, and you can complete the process in a few steps online or by phone. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for the card, it’s important to ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria:
- Credit Score: A good to excellent credit score is typically required for approval. This means you should have a credit score of at least 670, though higher scores will improve your chances.
- Income: While there is no official minimum income requirement, you’ll need to have enough income to comfortably manage the card’s credit limit and pay off your balance each month.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident to apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card.
2. How to Apply Online
The easiest way to apply is through the official Chase website. Here’s how you can apply:
- Step 1: Visit the official Chase website.
- Step 2: Navigate to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card page.
- Step 3: Click the “Apply Now” button.
- Step 4: Complete the application form with your personal details, including your name, address, income, and Social Security number.
- Step 5: Submit your application. You will receive a response in minutes, but in some cases, it may take a few days for Chase to process your application.
3. How to Apply by Phone
If you prefer, you can also apply by phone by calling the Chase customer service number. A representative will guide you through the application process.
4. Approval Process
Once you’ve submitted your application, Chase will review your credit history and other financial factors. If approved, you will receive your card within a few days, and you can start earning rewards immediately.
Maximizing Your Rewards
To make the most of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, consider the following strategies:
- Use the Card for Southwest Purchases: Always use your card when booking flights with Southwest or paying for other Southwest services to earn 2 points per dollar.
- Track Special Promotions: Keep an eye out for bonus points promotions offered by Southwest and Chase. These can provide opportunities to earn additional points on everyday purchases.
- Leverage Your Anniversary Bonus: Make sure to use the 6,000 points you receive on your anniversary, either by booking a flight or saving them for future redemptions.
Conclusion
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is an excellent option for frequent flyers who want to earn rewards on everyday spending while taking advantage of valuable travel perks, such as free checked bags and EarlyBird Check-In. The sign-up bonus, anniversary points, and the potential to earn the Companion Pass make this card particularly valuable for those loyal to Southwest Airlines.
If you’re looking to maximize your travel rewards with Southwest, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offers numerous benefits and opportunities to earn points quickly. Apply today and start enjoying the rewards and travel perks that come with this travel-friendly credit card.