If you’re a frequent flyer with Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is one of the best ways to maximize your travel benefits. This premium travel rewards card offers valuable perks and earning potential for those who fly often with Southwest. Whether you’re looking to earn points for your next adventure or enjoy elite travel perks, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about this card, including how to apply and the benefits you can expect.
Overview of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It is designed for frequent travelers who want to earn points for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses while also enjoying exclusive airline benefits.
This card comes with a $149 annual fee, but it offers enough value in rewards and perks to make it worthwhile for frequent flyers. The main highlights include generous sign-up bonuses, ongoing rewards for Southwest purchases, and a variety of travel benefits.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Sign-Up Bonus
One of the biggest draws of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn 40,000 Rapid Rewards® points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This can go a long way towards booking your next flight or vacation with Southwest Airlines.
2. Earn Points on Purchases
With the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, you’ll earn Rapid Rewards points for every purchase you make. Here’s the breakdown:
- 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases: This is the highest earning rate for the card, making it ideal for frequent Southwest customers.
- 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services like Uber and Lyft: Ideal for people who commute daily or take rideshares frequently.
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases: While not as high as the other categories, it still allows you to accumulate points on every dollar you spend.
The Rapid Rewards points you earn can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, and more through the Southwest Rapid Rewards program.
3. Travel Benefits
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card comes with several travel perks that are sure to enhance your travel experience. These include:
- Free First Checked Bag: Enjoy a free checked bag for yourself and up to three companions on your Southwest flights, saving you up to $120 per round-trip. This benefit can be a game-changer for families or group travelers.
- Priority Boarding: With priority boarding, you’ll be able to board earlier and secure a better seat, which is especially beneficial during busy flight times.
- 25% Back on In-Flight Purchases: Enjoy 25% back on inflight purchases of food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and movies when using your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: When traveling internationally, you won’t have to worry about extra fees when using your card abroad.
4. Annual Travel Credit
Every year, you will receive a $75 Southwest annual travel credit. This credit can be used toward any Southwest Airlines purchase, including airfare and other eligible travel expenses. This benefit helps offset the annual fee of the card and adds great value for frequent travelers.
5. Anniversary Points
In addition to the regular points you earn through spending, you will receive 6,000 bonus points each year on your card anniversary. This is a nice little extra that brings additional value to your travel rewards.
6. Rapid Rewards® Loyalty Program
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is tied to the Rapid Rewards loyalty program, which allows cardholders to earn more points as they progress through membership tiers. Points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards. In addition, the cardholders can earn tier-qualifying points that help them reach A-List or A-List Preferred status, which comes with further perks like priority security screening and bonus points on every flight.
7. Special Promotions and Partnerships
From time to time, Southwest offers exclusive promotions or partnerships where you can earn additional Rapid Rewards points. These include offers with hotels, car rental companies, and other travel services, providing extra opportunities to earn points toward your next trip.
How to Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is simple and can be done online through the Chase website. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:
1. Check Your Credit Score
Before applying, it’s a good idea to check your credit score. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card typically requires good to excellent credit (a score of 700 or higher), so make sure your credit history meets the requirements before applying.
2. Visit the Chase Website
Go to the official Chase website to apply. You will find the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card under the travel credit cards section. Click on the Apply Now button to begin the application process.
3. Fill Out the Application Form
You’ll need to provide some basic information, including:
- Your name, address, and contact details
- Employment and income information
- Other personal financial information (such as monthly housing costs)
4. Review Your Information
Once you’ve filled out the form, review your information to make sure everything is correct. Chase will conduct a credit check to determine your eligibility for the card.
5. Submit the Application
Once you’ve reviewed the details, click Submit. You’ll typically receive a decision within minutes. If approved, your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card will arrive in the mail within 7-10 business days.
Additional Considerations
1. Redeeming Your Points
The points you earn with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card can be redeemed for flights on Southwest Airlines. One of the advantages of the Rapid Rewards program is that points are generally worth more when redeemed for flights on Southwest compared to other airlines. You can also use points for hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, and more.
2. Alternative Options
While the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is an excellent option for frequent Southwest flyers, there are other travel rewards cards on the market that offer great benefits. For example, if you fly with other airlines, cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the American Express® Gold Card might be worth considering.
Conclusion
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is packed with valuable travel benefits and earning potential, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. With a generous sign-up bonus, earning opportunities, free checked bags, priority boarding, and more, this card offers tremendous value. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees and a $75 annual travel credit, it’s one of the best credit cards for Southwest travelers.
If you’re ready to take advantage of all the perks this card offers, visit the Chase website to apply today and start earning points towards your next Southwest adventure!
