If you are a frequent flyer with Southwest Airlines or looking to earn valuable travel rewards, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card might be the ideal choice for you. This card is designed for those who want to maximize their travel rewards, enjoy premium perks, and gain more benefits when flying with Southwest Airlines. In this guide, we will break down the features of the card, its rewards program, fees, benefits, and how to apply for it.
What is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a travel rewards credit card offered by Chase, in partnership with Southwest Airlines. This card is part of the Rapid Rewards program, which allows cardholders to earn points for every purchase made, specifically designed to help travelers earn free flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related perks. The Priority version of the card is tailored for customers who want to earn more Rapid Rewards points faster while enjoying enhanced benefits like priority boarding, annual travel credits, and extra points for Southwest purchases.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Sign-Up Bonus
One of the most attractive features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the sign-up bonus. When you are approved for the card, you can earn a generous number of 60,000 Rapid Rewards points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. This sign-up bonus can be redeemed for one-way flights or other travel rewards, making it an excellent starting point for earning free travel.
2. Earn Rapid Rewards Points
With the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, you earn points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases:
- 3 points per $1 on Southwest Airlines purchases.
- 2 points per $1 on local transit and commuting, including taxis, rideshares, trains, and buses.
- 2 points per $1 on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services.
- 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
These point categories help accelerate the earning of Rapid Rewards points, especially if you frequently purchase Southwest tickets, commute, or subscribe to streaming services.
3. Annual Travel Credit
As a Priority cardholder, you receive an annual travel credit of $75. This credit can be used toward your Southwest purchases, such as flights, baggage fees, and other incidental charges. The $75 travel credit is a nice benefit that helps offset the annual fee, making the card more valuable in the long run.
4. Anniversary Points
Each year, on your account anniversary, you will earn 6,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points. These anniversary points are automatically credited to your account, allowing you to further boost your rewards balance.
5. Priority Boarding
One of the standout perks for Southwest travelers is priority boarding. Cardholders can board earlier than other passengers, which allows you to get a better seat on the plane, especially if you’re traveling without a reserved seat. You’ll typically get boarding in Group A, which significantly increases your chances of securing a good seat.
6. Free Additional Benefits
Other travel perks include:
- No foreign transaction fees – Enjoy the flexibility of using your card overseas without worrying about extra charges.
- Extended warranty protection – On eligible purchases, your product warranties may be extended for up to one additional year.
- Purchase protection – Offers purchase protection for eligible items in case they are damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase.
7. Earn Companion Pass Faster
Southwest Airlines offers an exclusive Companion Pass, allowing a friend or family member to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees). The Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card helps you earn this pass faster by accumulating points quickly through the card’s earning structure and sign-up bonus.
Annual Fee
The annual fee for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is $149. While this fee is higher than some other credit cards, the benefits, including the $75 annual travel credit and the 6,000 anniversary points, can make the card worthwhile if you are a frequent Southwest traveler.
How to Redeem Points
Rapid Rewards points are very flexible and can be redeemed for a variety of travel-related benefits, such as:
- Flights: Points can be used for free flights with Southwest Airlines. The number of points required for a flight depends on the fare class, time of booking, and other factors.
- Hotel Stays and Car Rentals: Points can also be redeemed for hotel stays and car rentals, either through the Southwest portal or by transferring points to hotel loyalty programs (if applicable).
- Upgrades: You can use your points to upgrade your seat or purchase additional travel perks.
The beauty of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program is that there are no blackout dates, so you can use your points for any available flight on Southwest Airlines.
How to Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits offered by the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, here’s how to apply:
- Check Your Credit Score: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card typically requires good to excellent credit. If your credit score is above 700, you are likely to be approved, although approval is not guaranteed.
- Go to the Chase Website: Visit the official Chase website or the Southwest Airlines website to apply for the card. There, you will find the application form where you will need to provide basic personal information, such as your name, address, Social Security number, and income details.
- Review the Terms and Conditions: Before submitting your application, make sure you review the card’s terms, including the interest rates, fees, and benefits. It’s essential to be clear on the APR for purchases and cash advances, as well as other fees.
- Submit Your Application: After completing the application form and reviewing the details, submit your application. You will typically receive an instant decision, but in some cases, Chase may need additional time to review your application.
- Start Earning Rewards: If you are approved, your card will be mailed to you. Start using it for Southwest purchases, everyday spending, and enjoying the benefits of earning Rapid Rewards points.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers who want to earn points faster, enjoy premium perks, and save on travel expenses. With its generous sign-up bonus, points earning potential, and additional benefits such as priority boarding and travel credits, this card offers solid value for those who travel often with Southwest. If you are looking to boost your rewards points and enhance your flying experience, applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card could be a step in the right direction.
