Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Review

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers solid rewards for frequent Southwest flyers, but the annual fee may not justify the benefits for occasional travelers.

✓ Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases ✓ Anniversary bonus of 3,000 points ✓ Generous sign-up bonus of 50,000 points

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Review

Updated 2 hours ago

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Annual Fee

$69

Rewards

2.1%

APR

21.49%-28.49% variable

Sign-Up Bonus

$5000.0M

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers solid rewards for frequent Southwest flyers, but the annual fee may not justify the benefits for occasional travelers.

Card details

Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. Anniversary bonus of 3,000 points each year.

Pros

✓ Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases
✓ Anniversary bonus of 3,000 points
✓ Generous sign-up bonus of 50,000 points
✓ No foreign transaction fees
✓ Good for building credit with a score of 670+

Cons

✗ Annual fee of $69
✗ High APR of 21.49%-28.49% variable
✗ Limited to Southwest and partner airlines for maximum rewards
✗ Less valuable for non-travel-related expenses
✗ Points may expire if no qualifying activity occurs

🎯 Best For: This card is best for loyal Southwest Airlines customers who frequently travel with the airline and want to maximize their rewards.

⚠️ Watch Out: Be mindful of the annual fee and the high APR, which can diminish the card's value if not managed carefully.

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Expert Review

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is tailored for avid travelers who utilize Southwest Airlines for their journeys. With the ability to earn 2X points on Southwest purchases and an impressive sign-up bonus of 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months, it offers significant value for those committed to flying with Southwest. Additionally, the card provides 3,000 bonus points on each card anniversary, enhancing long-term rewards potential.

However, the $69 annual fee may deter less frequent flyers or those who do not exclusively fly Southwest. The card's high variable APR, ranging from 21.49% to 28.49%, is another factor to consider, as carrying a balance can negate the benefits of rewards earned. Compared to other travel cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture, which offer broader rewards categories and more flexibility, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus may feel limiting.

Overall, it's a strong choice for dedicated Southwest customers, but it may not be the best option for casual travelers or those seeking diverse travel rewards.

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