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.
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.
Credit cards
At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analyses are entirely our own. Learn more about our advertising policy and product review methodology.
Limited-Time Offer
Many travelers are fans of Southwest Airlines due to their affordable fares and the cobranded cards that allow cardholders to rack up miles for future travel. The airline has a unique value proposition, including no change fees and two free checked bags for all passengers. When you pair those perks with a strong route network — including international destinations and Hawaii — and an easy-to-use Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program, it’s easy to see why Southwest has created a loyal customer base.
Check out the lineup of the best credit cards from our partners for Southwest flyers, including the current bonus offers and our expert analysis to help you choose one that best fits your spending and flying habits.
Our picks include Southwest cards that offer solid welcome bonuses redeemable for future flights.
The best Southwest cards range from a $99 annual fee to a $299 annual fee, ensuring there’s a good fit for every budget.
These Southwest credit cards offer generous earning rates in various categories.
Southwest credit cards offer inflight discounts and redemptions for future flights thanks to Rapid Rewards points that don’t expire.
Cardholders enjoy perks that include anniversary points, Companion Passes, free checked bags and more.
Choosing the best Southwest credit card is straightforward thanks to options that range from no annual fee, elevated welcome offers to no change fees and more. Southwest offers five cards in total — three personal consumer cards and two business cards meaning there is a good fit for every type of Southwest traveler.
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing a Southwest credit card:
Southwest credit cards offer varying sign-up bonuses across their consumer and business cards. Choose the card that best aligns with your needs and features an attainable spending minimum in order to earn the sign-up bonus.
Southwest offers personal and business credit cards that range from a $99 annual fee up to $299 annual fee. This makes a Southwest card ideal for budgets at every price point.
With a Southwest credit card, you can earn Rapid Rewards points on Southwest purchases and money spent via hotel and car rental partners in addition to other popular categories like transit, internet, cable and phone service expenses.
Get the lowdown on Rapid Rewards to start earning like a pro
TPG’s annual report on the best airlines in the U.S. says no, as Southwest took the fifth spot for the second straight year (it was second in 2022). The carrier crushed the competition in the ancillary fees category, as Southwest imposes no change and cancellation fees, and it also allows all customers to check two bags for free. Southwest also was near the top in award availability thanks to its policy of no blackout dates. However, the carrier’s no-frills approach (which may be changing in the near future) really hurt it across the travel experience categories, which dropped Southwest to the middle of the pack.
Here’s where Southwest stacked up against other airlines.
To earn a Companion Pass, you must take 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year or earn 135,000 points in a calendar year. If you have a Southwest credit card, you get an automatic 10,000 points toward this requirement. Then, the points you earn through card spending count toward your Companion Pass, including welcome bonus points. This means the easiest way to earn a Companion Pass is by getting a Southwest credit card early in the calendar year and using that bonus toward your Companion Pass qualification.
For frequent Southwest flyers and anyone who can benefit significantly from earning a Companion Pass, a Southwest credit card is almost certainly a worthwhile card to carry.
However, if you want to maximize your earning potential and aren’t trying to earn a Companion Pass, you’ll be better off getting the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and transferring your points to your Rapid Rewards account, since it earns bonus points on dining and broader travel purchases than cobranded Southwest cards do.
Which Southwest credit card is best will depend on your annual fee budget and which Southwest perks you value. For the most perks, you’ll want to opt for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, since it comes with the most valuable benefits. However, if you just want to dip your toes into the world of Rapid Rewards and keep your annual fees low, you’ll want to go with the lowest-tier Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card.
You can request a Southwest product change by calling the number on the back of your credit card. However, we don’t recommend any product change within the first year of having a card since you’ll forfeit earning a card’s welcome bonus if you opt for a product change instead of applying for a new card.
You can access a Southwest credit card application page by clicking one of our application links or going to Chase’s website. Then, simply fill out the prompts on the application and click “Submit” when you’re done. You should know quickly whether your application is approved.
For any Southwest credit card, it’s recommended that you have good to excellent credit, or a score of at least 670, to increase your chances of approval.
To close a Southwest credit card, simply call the number on the back of your card and request to close it. However, we recommend waiting until you’ve had the card for at least a year before closing it.
| Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Limited-Time Offer | casual Southwest flyers on a budget | Earn 80,000 points | 1 - 2X points | $99 | at Chase's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
Limited-Time Offer | frequent Southwest flyers | Earn 90,000 points | 1 - 4X points | $229 | at Chase's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
| Best all-around travel card | 75,000 bonus points. | 1 - 5X points | $95 | at Chase's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees | |
| frequent travelers | 100,000 bonus points. | 1 - 8X points | $795 | at Chase's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees | |
| small business owners | Earn 80,000 points. | 1 - 4X points | $299 | at Chase's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees | |
| businesses that need a lower annual fee | Earn 60,000 points. | 1 - 3X points | $149 | at Chase's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees | |
Offer Extended | business travel rewards | Earn 200,000 bonus points 150,000 bonus points | 1 - 8X points | $795 | at Chase's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
Best for casual Southwest flyers on a budget
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 2X | Earn 2X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases. |
| 2X | 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. |
Earn 80,000 points
$99
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
With core travel perks like free checked bags, Group 5 boarding and a modest annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Plus Card is a budget-friendly entry point into Southwest’s rewards program. It offers solid value for occasional travelers who want to earn points and start building toward Companion Pass status. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.
With core travel perks like free checked bags, Group 5 boarding and a modest annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Plus Card is a budget-friendly entry point into Southwest’s rewards program. It offers solid value for occasional travelers who want to earn points and start building toward Companion Pass status. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.
Best for casual Southwest flyers on a budget
Earn 80,000 points
$99
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
With core travel perks like free checked bags, Group 5 boarding and a modest annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Plus Card is a budget-friendly entry point into Southwest’s rewards program. It offers solid value for occasional travelers who want to earn points and start building toward Companion Pass status. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.
Best for frequent Southwest flyers
While other airlines’ top credit cards have annual fees toppling over $500 per year, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card comes with just a $229 annual per year. If Southwest is your airline of choice, you’ll receive a number of perks every year, like 7,500 points on your cardmember anniversary. Additionally, for every $5,000 spent on this card, you’ll earn 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points, fast-tracking your way to A-List Status. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card.
Best for frequent Southwest flyers
Best for Best all-around travel card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains one of the easiest travel rewards cards to recommend because it has elevated rewards across everyday spending categories, valuable travel protections, useful statement credits and an approachable annual fee. Whether you're new to points and miles or already maximizing transfer partners, it offers a rare combination of flexibility and long-term value for both beginners and experienced travelers alike.
Best for Best all-around travel card
Best for frequent travelers
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $3,000 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits.
With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value.
Best for frequent travelers
Best for small business owners
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card is ideal for business travelers and loyal Southwest flyers interested in hitting A-List status or earning a Companion Pass. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card.
Best for small business owners
Best for businesses that need a lower annual fee
The Southwest Premier Business card is ideal for Southwest loyalists who value airport and inflight perks and the ability to add employee cards at no additional cost. Read our full review of the Southwest Premier Business card here.
Best for businesses that need a lower annual fee
Best for business travel rewards
The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ is a top choice for business owners who prioritize travel and premium perks. It offers elevated rewards, including 8 points per dollar spent through Chase Travel℠ and 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct.
Cardmembers also receive flexible statement credits totalling over $2,500 annually, including more than $1,300 in travel value and $1,200 towards business services. These credits cover a wide range of expenses, such as a $300 annual travel credit and a $400 ZipRecruiter hiring credit.
While the card carries a high annual fee, its broad range of benefits and generous earning potential make it a solid choice for businesses with frequent travel and significant spending needs.
Best for business travel rewards
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
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.
Daisy is a credit cards editor at TPG. Her expertise spans earning and redeeming rewards across rotating categories on multiple cards.Prior to this, she wrote news stories, how-to guides and tested and reviewed gear for Popular Mechanics, Sports Illustrated, Bicycling and Runner's World.
Compliance manager Stanley Sanford has years of compliance experience in the credit card industry dating back to 2017. He's reviewed content for several reputable sites, including CreditCards.com, Bankrate, CNET. and even thepointsguy.com before leading the compliance team for The Points Guy full time in early 2022.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 4X | Earn 4X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases. |
| 2X | Earn 2X points at gas stations and restaurants. |
| 1X | Earn 1X points on all other purchases. |
Earn 90,000 points
$229
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
While other airlines’ top credit cards have annual fees toppling over $500 per year, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card comes with just a $229 annual per year. If Southwest is your airline of choice, you’ll receive a number of perks every year, like 7,500 points on your cardmember anniversary. Additionally, for every $5,000 spent on this card, you’ll earn 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points, fast-tracking your way to A-List Status. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card.
Earn 90,000 points
$229
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
While other airlines’ top credit cards have annual fees toppling over $500 per year, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card comes with just a $229 annual per year. If Southwest is your airline of choice, you’ll receive a number of perks every year, like 7,500 points on your cardmember anniversary. Additionally, for every $5,000 spent on this card, you’ll earn 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points, fast-tracking your way to A-List Status. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 5x | Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x on dining, vacation homes at top brands, gas & EV charging, top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs). |
| 2x | Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. |
| 1x | Earn 1x on all other purchases. |
75,000 bonus points.
$95
19.49% - 27.74% Variable
670-850
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains one of the easiest travel rewards cards to recommend because it has elevated rewards across everyday spending categories, valuable travel protections, useful statement credits and an approachable annual fee. Whether you're new to points and miles or already maximizing transfer partners, it offers a rare combination of flexibility and long-term value for both beginners and experienced travelers alike.
75,000 bonus points.
$95
19.49% - 27.74% Variable
670-850
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains one of the easiest travel rewards cards to recommend because it has elevated rewards across everyday spending categories, valuable travel protections, useful statement credits and an approachable annual fee. Whether you're new to points and miles or already maximizing transfer partners, it offers a rare combination of flexibility and long-term value for both beginners and experienced travelers alike.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 8x | Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠. |
| 4x | Earn 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on dining worldwide. |
| 1x | Earn 1x points on all other purchases. |
100,000 bonus points.
$795
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
740-850
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $3,000 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits.
With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value.
100,000 bonus points.
$795
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
740-850
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $3,000 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits.
With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 4X | Earn 4X points on Southwest® purchases. |
| 2X | Earn 2X points on gas station and restaurant purchases. |
| 2X | Earn 2X points on hotel accommodations booked directly with hotel. |
| 2X | Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. |
| 1X | Earn 1X points on all other purchases. |
Earn 80,000 points.
$299
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card is ideal for business travelers and loyal Southwest flyers interested in hitting A-List status or earning a Companion Pass. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card.
Earn 80,000 points.
$299
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card is ideal for business travelers and loyal Southwest flyers interested in hitting A-List status or earning a Companion Pass. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 3X | Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. |
| 2X | Earn 2X points at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year. |
| 1X | Earn 1X points on all other purchases. |
Earn 60,000 points.
$149
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
The Southwest Premier Business card is ideal for Southwest loyalists who value airport and inflight perks and the ability to add employee cards at no additional cost. Read our full review of the Southwest Premier Business card here.
Earn 60,000 points.
$149
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
The Southwest Premier Business card is ideal for Southwest loyalists who value airport and inflight perks and the ability to add employee cards at no additional cost. Read our full review of the Southwest Premier Business card here.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 8x | Earn 8x points on Chase Travel℠ for airline tickets, hotels, including The Edit℠, car rentals, cruises, activities and tours. |
| 5x | Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27. |
| 4x | Earn 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on social media & search engine advertising on up to $1 million in spend each anniversary year, starting 11/15/26. |
| 1x | Earn 1x points on all other purchases. |
Earn 200,000 bonus points
$795
Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.99% - 28.74%
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ is a top choice for business owners who prioritize travel and premium perks. It offers elevated rewards, including 8 points per dollar spent through Chase Travel℠ and 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct.
Cardmembers also receive flexible statement credits totalling over $2,500 annually, including more than $1,300 in travel value and $1,200 towards business services. These credits cover a wide range of expenses, such as a $300 annual travel credit and a $400 ZipRecruiter hiring credit.
While the card carries a high annual fee, its broad range of benefits and generous earning potential make it a solid choice for businesses with frequent travel and significant spending needs.
Earn 200,000 bonus points
$795
Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.99% - 28.74%
Good Credit, Excellent Credit
The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ is a top choice for business owners who prioritize travel and premium perks. It offers elevated rewards, including 8 points per dollar spent through Chase Travel℠ and 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct.
Cardmembers also receive flexible statement credits totalling over $2,500 annually, including more than $1,300 in travel value and $1,200 towards business services. These credits cover a wide range of expenses, such as a $300 annual travel credit and a $400 ZipRecruiter hiring credit.
While the card carries a high annual fee, its broad range of benefits and generous earning potential make it a solid choice for businesses with frequent travel and significant spending needs.
What's your favorite Southwest credit card — and why?
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card“I’m a Southwest loyalist and got this as one of my first cards. I love that it allows me to earn Southwest points and get perks like Group 5 boarding and a free checked bag for a reasonable annual fee.”
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card“My wife loves her Sapphire Preferred for all of its travel protections — and we’ve also transferred Chase points directly to her Rapid Rewards account when we’ve been just shy of an award ticket. While not the best redemption, it made the difference between paying for a flight vs. using points.”
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card“Living in Texas, I fly Southwest often and enjoy using points to fly domestically, especially with their flexible cancellation policy. The annual fee is partially offset by bonus anniversary points I get each year I hold the card.”
