Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus: Fly High or Fly By?
Frequent Southwest flyers, meet your new travel companion. But is the $69 annual fee worth it for the casual traveler?
The Quick Version
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is a solid pick for loyal Southwest flyers, offering 2X points on Southwest purchases, an annual bonus of 3,000 points, and a generous 50,000-point sign-up bonus. But if you're an occasional traveler, the $69 annual fee and limited reward flexibility might give you pause.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card overview
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
What's Inside
This card offers 2X points on Southwest Airlines purchases and certain categories like gas stations and grocery stores (up to $5,000 annually), plus 1X on everything else. The sign-up bonus is hefty: 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. You'll also get 3,000 points each year on your card anniversary and the benefit of having your first checked bag fly free on Southwest flights.
What's Actually Good
- ✅ Earn 2X points on Southwest and specific categories
- ✅ Generous 50,000-point sign-up bonus
- ✅ First checked bag free on Southwest flights
- ✅ Annual 3,000-point bonus
If you're already a frequent Southwest flyer, these perks can add up quickly, making the card's $69 annual fee quite reasonable.
The Catch
- ❌ $69 annual fee might not be worth it for occasional travelers
- ❌ High APR range of 21.49%-28.49% variable
- ❌ Points are best used within the Southwest ecosystem, limiting flexibility
- ❌ Rewards mainly benefit those loyal to Southwest
The card's high APR is a red flag if you carry a balance, and the rewards structure is less appealing if you prefer to fly with various airlines.
Who It's For
This card shines for frequent Southwest flyers who have a credit score of 670 or above. It's a good fit if you value Southwest's no-frills approach and fly with them often enough to justify the annual fee. Occasional travelers or those looking for more flexible rewards might want to look elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
If you're a Southwest loyalist, this card could easily become your travel companion of choice. But if you crave flexibility in your travel rewards, consider alternatives. Speaking of alternatives, the Amazon Prime Visa might offer a broader range of benefits for everyday spending.
