Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Review: Travel Credit Card

By John V

January 12, 2024   •   Fact checked by Dumb Little Man

We all know flying can be somewhat costly, and it wouldn’t hurt to have some of those costs removed. So, we are constantly on the lookout for airline credit cards that will offer us more benefits.

We want to earn points for flying, cheap in-flight purchases, luggage reimbursement, the lowest annual fee. We certainly wouldn’t say no to travel accident insurance, more bonus points, etc.

Good news, fret no more as, through detailed research, we have discovered the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card. This article will share all we know about the Southwest Rapid Rewards Program; let’s go.

Overview: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Review

CardBest ForFee & CreditMore Details
southwest rapid rewards plus credit card review

Best For Travel Rewards and Benefits

Annual Fee: $69 - $149 • APR: 15.99% - 22.99% • Feature: 3,000 points each year 

What is Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?

southwest rapid rewards plus credit card review

First off, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card is simply a revelation with its low annual fee and other numerous benefits you will get. This card from the credit card issuer, Chase is what you need if you are looking to gain rewards after rewards for flying ( we mean, rewards are in the name of the card, and that should give you a clue).

If you want to travel more with Southwest Airlines or are just an occasional flyer with Southwest Airlines, you should be thinking of this card; as we have mentioned earlier, you will get rewards. Okay, you have seen us mention rewards like a million times; now, to let you know we are not exaggerating, we will give us a brief mention of those rewards; read on.

Okay, with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card, you will get access to rapid rewards hotel and quickly gather Southwest Rapid Rewards points, unlike other airlines cards. That’s not all, folks, and you will get purchase protection, insurance against baggage delays, earn points per dollar on Southwest Airlines purchases, car rental partner purchases, and other purchases.

In addition, you get bonuses on select streaming services, phone services, juicy card sign-up bonuses, anniversary bonus points, low annual fees, etc. The best part is that it is simple to redeem these rewards for Southwest flights as points redemption is an uncomplicated process; why is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card a great option?

How does Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus work?

Photo: Pexels

When you think about the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card and how it works, just think simplicity in redeeming points. You might wonder why we are big on simplicity when it comes to dealing with credit card issuers; you see, our reason is that the essence of bonus points is to use to your advantage as what good are points you can’t use.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card works in a straightforward manner, and we are pretty sure that you have an idea by now. Still, we will tell you; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card works by you earning points when you fly or using the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card to make purchases with select persons, etc.

In addition, you can easily redeem those points for your next flights by visiting the Southwest Airlines website. However, you wouldn’t be able to earn the points you need from Southwest unless you register to get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card from, credit card issuer Chase.

Registering with Chase is quite easy, and it is the same account opening process that many of us are already used to. Sign up with Chase, provide the required information, and watch as your application becomes quickly attended to, but you must have the required minimum credit scores.

Click Here to Get Started With Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.

What are the Features of Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?

southwest rapid rewards plus credit card review

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card features revolve around its rewards. Do you remember some of those rewards we mentioned earlier?

A little reminder, then. You will get bonus points on select streaming services, car rental partner purchases, Southwest purchases, package purchases, other purchases, purchase protection, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursements, local transit benefits, etc.

Below, we will cover the features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card in detail. These features are amazing when you consider that the card doesn’t have a higher annual fee

Reward Points

Get this, this card should be your priority credit card as you will get 2 rapid reward points for a dollar spent on Southwest purchases and a dollar per point on other purchases. So, frequent usage of this card will help grow the points you need to take some cost off your next flight.

The exciting part is that you can continuously earn and get this; you wouldn’t have a spending limit. So, there is no limitation to how much you can spend, and since you can make other purchases with it, you can quickly build points.

Spend at select streaming services, and you build rapid reward points, spend at car rentals partner purchase, you build points, phone services, more points built, rapid rewards hotel, points, etc. There are so many benefits from being one of the frequent Southwest flyers, however, having no spending limit could be a lifesaver, but you have to be careful not to go overboard.

Welcome Bonus

Photo: Pexels

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card’s sign-up bonus points on the are quite, for lack of a better word, enticing. We mean, how else would you describe 40 000 bonus points after spending just $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Still, on the card’s sign-up bonus, you will get 3 points for a dollar your spend at restaurant dining. As you eat, buy the kind of food you like, and make money off your next flight cost.

Redeem Points.

Has it ever happened to you before? Have you ever racked up points, and you wouldn’t be able to spend because the redeeming method is difficult or there are blackout dates?

Fortunately for you, this situation is completely different with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card, as redeeming your rapid rewards points is easy. Apart from east of points redemption, you will also enjoy no blackout dates, and Southwest will not restrict you to certain awards because of award availability.

In redeeming the points from your Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card, you will be dealing with the flight price, but there are inescapable costs. An example of these costs is the 9/11 fee which costs around $5.60, and international travel fee.

However, rapid rewards points redemption also extends to redemption for gift cards, rapid rewards hotel, car rental partner purchases, etc. We insist it should be your priority credit card.

Travel Benefits

We are quite confident that you already know of some travel benefits you will enjoy with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card. What if we told you that there is more even without higher annual fees?

Yeah, so with the low annual fee and the other numerous benefits you are familiar with, you also get two checked bags at no cost to you, no hidden travel fees, etc. You can be assured of transparency when dealing with Southwest. You will also get a change fee in the mighty cost it $0.

Travel Insurance

So, have you ever had issues traveling, such as baggage delay insurance problems, car rental problems when you travel? Well, be rest assured that you wouldn’t face such problems with Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card as they have put in place policies to help you.

Now, if your baggage gets delayed for more than 6 hours, Southwest will reimburse you for every essential purchase you make. In addition, you will also get close to an amount of $100 a day for three days.

Also, you will get luggage reimbursement up to the sum of $3,000 if the airline loses your bag or damages it. This is an impressive sum for a reimbursement.

What is the Credit Score Requirement of Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?

The credit scores on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card depend on Chase. This card is a co-branded card from Chase and the requirements for credit score.

According to Chase, you will need a minimum of 700 credit scores before qualifying to own any of their credit cards. This is one of the few things we don’t particularly enjoy about this card

We have mentioned earlier that to register and get a Southwest Card to make southwest purchases, you have to register with chase and apply. One of Chase’s requirements before it grants an application for a credit card is s minimum of 700 credit score.

How much does Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Cost?

southwest rapid rewards plus credit card review

Interestingly, this card doesn’t carry a high cost despite its many benefits. Shocking, isn’t it?

This makes the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card great for people who wouldn’t want to spend more in the form of costs while also gaining many rewards. Do you want to find out what it costs?

Okay, the most prominent cost on this card is that you will have to pay an annual fee of $69, which, when you compare to other credit cards, it is quite low. Also, you will have to pay a balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the amount on each transfer or whichever is greater.

Also, you will pay 3% foreign transaction fees. In addition, there is a late payment fee of about $40.

Click Here to Get Started With Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.

Who is Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Best For?

If you already fly Southwest, then you should get a Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card. It is a no-brainer, honestly.

As a frequent Southwest flyer, this card will be a big fit for you and your loved ones. The interesting part is that you can use this card for everyday purchases to rack up points you will need to get flight benefits.

Some of the everyday purchases you can use to rack up bonus points are, streaming service subscriptions, phone services, groceries, etc.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Pros and Cons

👍 PROS

No upper spending limit: One thing customers will enjoy with this card is that you wouldn’t have to go through limitations when you own this card. You can freely spend as you want and use the card for everyday purchases to build points you will need for travel.

Rewards Spending: Get this, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card, you will get 2 points for a dollar spent on Southwest purchases and a dollar per point on other purchases. So, frequent usage of this card will help grow the points you need to take some cost off your next flight.

Low Fee: There is a way high fee affects the use of credit cards, but you wouldn’t feel that way with this card. True, there is a foreign transaction fee, but this foreign transaction fee is not expensive, also the annual fee is low.

👍 PROS

Low Rewards: A look at this, and it would be easy for you to say, ‘ludicrous.’ There are so many rewards that come with this card when you build points with Southwest purchases, but the issue is these rewards are not as much as other Southwest credit cards.

Travel Oriented: True, you can use this card for everyday purchases, but you have to be a regular flyer to use your rewards. For people who aren’t regular flyers, this card is a waste on them.

There are fees: There is an annual fee, balance transfer charges, etc. However, these fees are low enough not to cause any kind of discomfort.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Compare to other Cards

Credit CardAnnual FeeAPRRewardsBonus Miles
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus$69 - $14915.99% - 22.99%3000 points each year 40,000 
Chase Sapphire Preferred$9515.99% - 22.99%$1,00060,000
Capital One Venture Rewards$9514.99% - 24.99%$50060,000
Citi Premier Credit Card$9515.99% - 23.99% variable$10020,000

Click Here to Get Started With Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred

southwest rapid rewards plus credit card review

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is also a good card, but the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card edges it out somehow. First, when it comes to an annual fees, this Southwest card is much more preferable as it charges a very low annual fee.

Now, with a low annual fee, customers can save the cost of using a credit card. A high annual fee, especially one so close to $100, can eat into a customer’s budget.

Also, it is easier to access bonus points with a Southwest card than with Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card. For instance, with just a $1,000 on purchases, you get 40,000 points on Southwest, but with Chase Sapphire, to get 60,000 bonus points, you have to spend up to $4,000

>> Related Article: Best Chase Credit Cards • Compare Top Chase Credit Card of 2024

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs. Capital One Venture Rewards

southwest rapid rewards plus credit card review

Capital One Venture Rewards card offers customers different credit card possibilities. However, with a fee of $95, the Capital One Venture card is on the high side compared to Southwest’s $69.

Also, it is easier for you to get bonus points with Southwest than with Capital One. With Sapphire, you can only get 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in 3 months; Southwest only needs you to spend $1,000 on all purchases.

Southwest cards do not have blackout dates. You can use your rewards anytime you wish to use them.

>> Related Article: Capital One Quicksilver Review: Cash Rewards Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs. Citi Premier Credit Card

southwest rapid rewards plus credit card review

It is easier to get bonus points with Southwest than with Citi Premier Credit Card. With just $1,000 on all purchases in 3 months, you get 40,000 points on Southwest, but with Citi Premier Credit Card, you have to spend up to $4,000 in 3 months to get 60,000 free points.

Citi Premier Card offers customers different credit card possibilities. However, with a fee of $95, the Citi card is on the high side when compared to Southwest’s $69.

Nobody wants to pay late fees, but we want the fees to be cheap when we have to. Southwest edges it here as it has cheaper late payment fees to Citi and it should be your priority credit card

Conclusion: Is Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Worth it?

Southwest card is undoubtedly a great card if you choose to use them. However, you have to consider some things before picking up a Southwest card.

You have to consider if you want to use Southwest for your flights. In addition, you have to consider whether you are a frequent flyer.

If you are a frequent flyer and are already flying with Southwest or thinking of flying with them, this card is for you. This card has so many benefits which will be useful for you.

Remember, if you don’t fly much, you wouldn’t enjoy the benefits attached to this card.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus FAQs

How much is 50000 Southwest points worth?

Simply, they are worth $700. That is amazing, isn’t it?

What is the Rapid Rewards Plus Card?

This card from Chase is what you need if you are looking to gain rewards after rewards for flying ( we mean, rewards are in the name of the card, and that should give you a clue).

What is the $75 Southwest annual travel credit?

A $75 Southwest annual travel credit, is a benefit from Southwest that can be used toward Southwest purchases.

Click Here to Get Started With Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.

John V

John is a digital marketing master's student who enjoys writing articles on business, finance, health, and relationships in his free time. His diverse interests and ability to convey complex ideas in a clear, engaging manner make him a valuable contributor to these fields.

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