Summary
- Enhanced reward-earning opportunities with Southwest Co-Branded Visa card, especially for loyal flyers.
- Annual boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points + unlimited inflight purchase rebates.
- Card provides $75 annual travel credit, unlimited tier qualifying points for elite status, and free upgraded boardings.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is designed to offer frequent travelers unique benefits that enhance their flying experience. With an array of perks tailored for those loyal to Southwest Airlines, this card provides an array of advantages that make it stand out in the crowded market of airline credit cards.
Points galore: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Most people opt for airline co-branded credit cards for one main reason: to earn points. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a VISA credit card that offers Southwest Airlines’ frequent flyers the chance to enhance their reward-earning opportunities.
As with most airline credit cards, the Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card allows members to earn unlimited points. The points accumulated can then be used to redeem Southwest Airlines flights to more than 90 destinations, hotel stays, gift cards, and more.
According to Chase, cardholders can earn points via the following methods:
|
Point-Earning Avenue |
Points Earned |
|
$1,000 spent on purchases within the first three months of account opening |
50,000 |
|
On your Cardmember anniversary each year |
7,500 |
|
For every $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases |
3 |
|
For every $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners |
2 |
|
For every $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare |
2 |
|
For every $1 spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services |
2 |
|
For every $1 spent on everyday purchases |
1 |
The card also comes with other benefits, such as:
- Free baggage
- No change fees
- Unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates or seat restrictions
The points and travel perks offered by the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card are not the only benefits cardholders enjoy. Now, let’s look at some of its other unique benefits.
10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year
One of the standout features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is the annual boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points. This benefit significantly aids cardholders in earning the coveted Southwest Companion Pass, allowing them to designate a companion to fly with them for free (excluding taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way).
According to Southwest, frequent flyers who meet the requirement of flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points a year will get a Companion Pass for the following full calendar year plus the remainder of the year in which the pass was earned.
With a Companion Pass, you effectively get two tickets for the price of one, making it a valuable perk for families and frequent travelers. Plus, the boost of 10,000 qualifying points annually means you’re a substantial step closer to the 135,000 points needed for the Companion Pass.
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Companion Pass Members can change their designated Companion thrice each calendar year. Additionally, qualifying points earned through spending on the Rapid Rewards Credit Card will be credited toward Companion Pass qualification when posted to your Rapid Rewards account rather than the actual date of the transaction, per Southwest.
Enjoy an exceptional in-flight experience
Another exclusive benefit for Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card members is complimentary upgraded boardings. The card provides four Upgraded Boardings per year (subject to availability), a feature that can greatly enhance your travel experience.
Photo: Joni Hanebutt | Shutterstock
Southwest’s Upgraded Boarding offers the best available A1 to A15 boarding position. With this, passengers can enjoy the convenience of being among the first to board the plane, ensuring they find their preferred seat and have ample overhead bin space. This helps reduce the anxiety associated with boarding later and potentially struggling to find space for your carry-on luggage. Non-cardholders will have to pay a fee starting at $30 for the Upgraded Boarding option.
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On board, Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Cardholders also enjoy the valuable benefit of a 25% rebate on inflight purchases, including food and beverages. This makes your travel experience more affordable, and you can then use your savings to enhance your flight with Wi-Fi access or premium drinks without worrying about the cost.
Annual travel credit and unlimited tier qualifying points
The card comes with an annual travel credit of $75, applicable to Southwest purchases. This credit can be used for travel expenses, such as flight bookings, seat upgrades, or additional baggage fees, providing flexibility in enhancing your travel experience.
Photo: F Armstrong Photography | Shutterstock
This $75 credit is significantly half the card’s $149 annual fee. Therefore, the credit offsets the card fee, making it more worthwhile.
For those aiming to achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status, the Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers an unlimited earning potential for tier qualifying points (TQPs). Cardholders earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent in purchases annually, with no cap on the amount of TQPs that can be earned.
Photo: RECARO
The TQPs earned through spending help you reach elite status quickly. You can then enjoy the perks of A-List status, such as bonus points on flights, priority boarding check-in and security lanes, free same-day standby, and more.
Reap your Rapid Rewards
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card stands out for its unique benefits that cater to Southwest Airlines frequent flyers. The annual Companion Pass qualifying points boost, upgraded boardings, inflight purchase rebates, and annual travel credit provide significant value that enhances the overall travel experience.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers unique advantages, particularly for those loyal to Southwest Airlines. This card is a top contender for travelers seeking to maximize their travel rewards and enjoy an array of perks tailored to their airline of choice.