Southwest has become quite the contender when it comes to airlines with cool cards and cool perks. Here’s a glance at their lineup of co-branded cards to help you decide if one of them might be your perfect match!
Current offer: Earn 75,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $69
Why it’s great: You might look at the low annual fee and assume this card doesn’t have much to offer. Fortunately, you’d be wrong! For some loyal Southwest flyers, this card could make a lot of sense to have in your wallet. Earning 2x points per dollar on many common travel categories (like Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rentals, etc.) is pretty solid. However, keep in mind that purchases made outside of the U.S. will still earn these rates, but you’ll be subject to a 3% foreign transaction fee. For Southwest’s lowest-tiered card, it still holds a handful of benefits particularly for Southwest loyalists who mainly travel within the U.S.
Other benefits:
Earn 3,000 points every year on your cardmember anniversary
Earn 2x points for every $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and internet, cable, and phone services (including select streaming)
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year
Two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year
Bags fly free® on Southwest
Current offer: Earn 75,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $99
Why it’s great: This is Southwest’s mid-tiered card, and still comes in with an annual fee that’s less than $100. As for most co-branded airline cards, its biggest benefits revolve around airline-specific perks. Compared to the Plus card, you’ll earn an additional point per dollar (so 3x total) for Southwest purchases. Plus, there’s no foreign transaction fees, which is a huge win for those who are keen to travel outside the U.S. If you’re a casual Southwest flyer, this could be a nice addition to the stack of cards already in your wallet.
Other benefits:
Earn 6,000 points every year on your cardmember anniversary
Earn 3x points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases
Earn 2x points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and internet, cable, and phone services (including select streaming)
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year
Two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year
Bags fly free® on Southwest
Current offer: Earn 75,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $149
Why it’s great: This is Southwest’s most premium card, so if you’re flying on the airline somewhat regularly, this option will be the most valuable (and for only $149 a year!). It has a similar earning structure as compared to the Premier, but the 7,500 anniversary bonus points makes it stand out a bit more. That could easily get you a nearly free award flight on one of Southwest’s routes! It also comes with some additional perks like a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, four upgraded boardings per year, and 25% inflight savings. Plus, you can earn Tier Qualifying Points with spending on the card. If Southwest is your ride-or-die go-to airline, then their priority card will suit you best.
Other benefits:
Earn 7,500 points every year on your cardmember anniversary
Earn 3x points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases
Earn 2x points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and internet, cable, and phone services (including select streaming)
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year
Four Upgraded Boardings per year when available
$75 Southwest® annual travel credit
Bags fly free® on Southwest