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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Reviews
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card review: Modest annual fee plus a handful of benefits
Emily Thompson specializes in beginner content as a credit cards editor. She taps into her prior experience as a high school English teacher to help others demystify credit scores and unlock experiences that credit card rewards can make possible.
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
also contributed to this story
October 31, 2025 • 10 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Quick summary
A cobranded airline card with a modest annual fee offers basic travel benefits and is best suited for occasional flyers seeking value without premium perks.
Recent updates expanded day-of-travel benefits and added new bonus categories, but earning rates on airline purchases are lower than with higher-tier options.
Ongoing perks include anniversary bonus points, a boost toward a companion pass, a flight discount code, free checked bags and priority boarding for the cardholder and companions.
Redemptions for flights provide the best value, while other options like gift cards or merchandise yield lower returns.
What to consider
Eligibility for the welcome bonus is restricted if you have another personal airline card from this brand or have earned a bonus on one in the past 24 months.
The card is subject to a rule limiting approvals if you have opened five or more new credit card accounts from any issuer in the past 24 months.
Some enhanced earning categories and travel benefits are set to expire at the end of the year, so check current terms before applying.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of this card's perks and value proposition versus other cobranded airline cards and general travel cards.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Earn 2X points at Gas stations and Grocery stores on first $5,000 in combined purchases per year.
1X
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Intro offer
Earn 50,000 points
Annual fee
$99
Regular APR
19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card overview
The (see rates and fees) has the lowest annual fee of any Southwest Airlines credit card on the market, which is either a strength or a weakness, depending on how you look at it. While the $99 annual fee is affordable, the Southwest Plus card lacks the perks offered by its higher-priced counterparts to keep you interested past the initial welcome bonus. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
In a hobby that feels dominated by ultrapremium credit cards with $550-plus annual fees and laundry lists of luxury perks, it’s hard to imagine that a cobranded airline credit card with a $99 annual fee might be valuable to loyal Southwest Airlines customers.
However, the does make sense for some flyers, in some cases.
This card, along with the other four cobranded Southwest cards, was refreshed over the summer. The Southwest Plus card refresh included expanded day-of-travel benefits and updated bonus category earnings. In addition to these changes, the annual fee increased by approximately 44% to $99.
We typically recommend that applicants have a credit score of 670 or above to increase their chances of approval.
Let’s look at how the Southwest Plus card and its perks measure up against its higher-end siblings.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Baggage delay insurance
Bonus points each year after your cardmember anniversary
Extended warranty and purchase protection
No foreign transaction fees
Has an annual fee
Fewer points on Southwest purchases compared to other Southwest personal cards
Limited flight redemptions
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card welcome offer
New cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
According to TPG’s February 2026 valuations, the 50,000 points included in this welcome offer are worth $650.
THE POINTS GUY
There are two application rules to remember. First, the Southwest Plus card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. If you’ve opened five or more new credit card accounts (from any bank, not just Chase) in the past 24 months, you likely won’t be approved for this card.
Another limitation applies specifically to Southwest credit cards. If you have any personal Southwest credit card — or earned a welcome bonus on a personal Southwest card in the last 24 months — you won’t be eligible for the bonus on this card.
The offers perks beyond its welcome bonus. It's important to note that current cardholders will receive all their current benefits until Dec. 31.
You’ll enjoy the following ongoing benefits in exchange for the card’s $99 annual fee:
Anniversary bonus: Cardholders receive 3,000 bonus points each account anniversary year, worth $42, according to TPG's valuations.
Boost of 10,000 Companion Pass-qualifying points annually: Cardholders receive a 10,000-point boost toward a Companion Pass each year.
Flight discount code: Cardholders receive one promotional 10% flight discount code each anniversary year (excluding Basic fares).
Free checked bag: Cardholders and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation can receive their first checked bag free.
Priority boarding: Cardholders receive Group 5 priority (for 2026 and beyond) for themselves and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation. If you have A-List status, you will be able to board with an earlier group.
Standard seat selection: Cardholders receive complimentary standard seat selection within 48 hours of departure for themselves and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation. Given that seat selection now comes with a charge, this perk can be extremely valuable depending on how frequently you fly Southwest.
Two annual EarlyBird Check-Ins: Receive two complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins (for flights operating in 2025; ends Dec. 31).
25% inflight savings: Cardholders receive 25% back (as a statement credit) after using their card to purchase inflight drinks and Wi-Fi.
STEPHEN M. KELLER/SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Southwest Plus cardholders will receive the following purchase and travel protections:
Baggage delay insurance of up to $100 per day for up to three days for baggage delays of six hours or more
Earning points on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
With the , you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent (a 2.6% return, per TPG's valuations) in the following categories:
New: Gas stations and grocery stores (on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per year)
Internet, cable and phone services and select streaming services (ends Dec. 31)
Local transit and commuting, including ride-hailing services (ends Dec. 31)
Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners (ends Dec. 31)
Southwest purchases
Plus, you'll earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases (1.3% return)
It's important to note that current cardholders will receive the current and new earning rates until Dec. 31.
ARTISTGNDPHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES
This card now has no foreign transaction fees, so it's a good option for making purchases abroad.
These are decent earning rates for a cobranded airline card, but the earning rate on Southwest purchases is lower than that of the other personal Southwest cards.
If your main motivation for getting this card is to earn bonus points on your Southwest purchases, you’ll probably want to go with one of those instead.
Redeeming points on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Redeem the Rapid Rewards points you earn on the for Southwest flights to get the best value from them.
Rapid Rewards also offers other redemption options, including gift cards, merchandise, hotel stays, rental cars and travel experiences. However, the redemption values on these options are much lower than what you’ll get when using your points for Southwest flights.
Southwest Airlines planes at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Award pricing is tied to the cash price of the tickets. So, the number of points you need will go up or down depending on the cash price of the flight. The positive is that using your points for Southwest flights is almost always possible.
TPG senior director of content Summer Hull redeemed 11,000 Rapid Rewards points to travel from Houston all the way to Lihue in Hawaii. Securing redemptions like these can make your points go even further.
Which cards compete with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card?
The most obvious competitors are the other Southwest credit cards. However, it’s also worth considering whether a general travel credit card might fit better in your wallet.
If you want more Southwest benefits with a modest fee: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card has solid perks to justify its $149 annual fee. These include more anniversary bonus points and higher earning rates. To learn more, read our full review of the Southwest Premier.
If you fly Southwest regularly and want the most perks: The (see rates and fees) is the most premium personal Southwest credit card. It offers the highest number of anniversary bonus points and the most perks of the personal cards. To learn more, read our full review of the Southwest Priority.
If you want more points that can be used with Southwest and in other ways: The (see rates and fees) is a good choice for earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can redeem with Southwest and other airline and hotel partners. To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.
The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card worth it?
The has the lowest annual fee of the Southwest credit cards at $99, so it’s a good option for those keeping annual fee costs low or just trying out Southwest. However, if you’re a loyal Southwest flyer, one of its other two personal cards will represent better value.
Bottom line
For only $99 per year, the allows you to earn enough points to make it well worth the annual fee. Plus, it comes with a handful of benefits, like standard seat selection within 48 hours of departure and a free first checked bag, that can justify keeping the card in your wallet every year.
However, if you fly with Southwest often, one of the other two Southwest cards will provide additional perks. Be sure to evaluate what’s best for you beyond simply looking at the annual fee.
