by Emily Thompson, Partnerships & Newsletter Editor
Since Southwest Airlines announced major changes to checked bags and seat assignments back in January, we’ve been waiting to hear about an overhaul of its cobranded cards. That day has come, and we have mixed feelings about the announced changes.
Southwest currently offers three consumer credit cards and two business credit cards:
In short, beginning in 2026, all five cards will lose some perks that no longer help (like EarlyBird Check-In) and gain some perks that are suddenly needed — like free checked bags and better seat assignments.
Also changing: the cards’ earning rates, bonus categories and, of course, annual fees — which on your cardmember anniversary in 2026 will rise to the tune of about 50%.
The good news? Southwest hasn’t announced any changes to its ultravaluable Companion Pass. So points earned through credit card spending (and sign-up bonuses!) still count toward Companion Pass eligibility, and each card comes with a 10,000-point boost toward earning the coveted pass.
Even better news: All three personal cards are offering their best welcome offers of the year: New cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first five months from account opening.
If you’re like me and still crying into your EarlyBird Check-In passes about Southwest’s changes, this credit card overhaul eases the sting by letting us keep a free checked bag and our seats of choice. I’ll be keeping my Southwest card in my wallet for the foreseeable future — even though I’ll be paying more for the privilege.
*Information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. Card details have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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