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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Annual fee
$99
Recommended credit
Excellent / Good
Card network
Visa
Regular purchase APR
20.99% to 27.99% Variable
Check before you apply: the rates, fees and offers on this page are as listed on the original card page (updated May 28, 2025) and may have changed. Confirm current terms on the issuer’s website. Best Credit Cards Guide may be compensated by some issuers; see our Advertiser Disclosure.

At a glance

Frequent Southwest Airlines flyers will love the rewards they can redeem when using the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier, which grants yearly points just from being a cardmember.

Our review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

In-Depth Review: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

A comprehensive review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, a premium airline rewards credit card from Chase that offers exceptional travel benefits for those who prefer to fly with Southwest Airlines.

Who Should Consider the Rapid Rewards Premier Card?

The Rapid Rewards Premier Card is a step up from the Plus Card, offering enhanced rewards and travel perks for a $99 annual fee. This card is ideal for casual travelers who value free bags, anniversary bonus rewards, and the opportunity to earn Rapid Rewards points on unique categories.

How to Apply for the Rapid Rewards Premier Card

Applicants with “good” or “excellent” credit can apply for the Rapid Rewards Premier Visa Signature. Make sure you meet the following requirements before applying:

  • Aged 18 or older
  • U.S. mailing address
  • SSN or ITIN
  • FICO Score above 670
  • Proof of income

Keep in mind Chase’s 5/24 rule, which limits approval for new cards if you’ve opened five or more credit cards in the last 24 months.

Welcome Offer

New cardmembers can earn a welcome bonus of 50,000 points by spending $1,000 within 90 days of account opening. This bonus has a cash value of $600 to $700 when booking with Southwest.

Earning Points

  • 3X points on Southwest purchases
  • 2X points on local transit, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
  • 1X point on all other purchases

The Premier Card offers 3X points on Southwest purchases, making it an excellent choice for frequent Southwest flyers.

Earning Points with Partners

Cardholders can earn 2X Rapid Rewards points with Southwest Airlines partners in categories like hotels, car rentals, and more.

Anniversary Bonuses

Each year, cardholders receive a 6,000-point anniversary bonus, helping offset the $99 annual fee.

How to Redeem Rapid Rewards Points

Rapid Rewards points can be redeemed for various rewards, including travel, hotels, car rentals, retail purchases, and more. Cardholders can also gift or transfer points to others, or donate points to charity.

Southwest Airlines Travel Benefits

The Rapid Rewards Premier Card offers additional Southwest Airlines perks, including no foreign transaction fees, Transfarency, free checked bags, and in-flight savings.

Visa Benefits

Cardholders enjoy Visa Signature security protections and essential travel benefits, such as zero fraud liability, emergency card replacement, and more.

Comparisons

Compare the Rapid Rewards Premier Card with other Southwest personal cards to see which one offers the best value for your travel needs.

Tips for Maximizing Rewards with Rapid Rewards

Learn how to earn additional points with Southwest partners and through the Rapid Rewards Dining program to maximize your rewards potential.

What We Like About the Card

Discover the key features of the Rapid Rewards Premier Card, including no foreign transaction fees and impressive anniversary bonuses.

Things to Consider

Consider the $99 annual fee and weigh the benefits of the Premier Card against the Plus Card to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

FAQs

Explore commonly asked questions about Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program, including using someone else’s Rapid Rewards number and earning credit for past flights.

By providing a detailed review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, we aim to help consumers make informed decisions about their credit card choices. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us.

Card features

Benefits as listed on the original card page. They can change; confirm details with the issuer.

  • Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • 6,000 anniversary points each year.
  • Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
  • Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
  • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
  • 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Member FDIC

Who this card may suit

  • You travel often, especially with Southwest Airlines®
  • You make frequent in-flight purchases
  • You want the flexibility of redeeming points for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more
  • You regularly check bags when flying

Rates, fees and terms

Rates, fees and terms as listed on the original card page (updated May 28, 2025). Confirm current terms on the issuer’s site.
Annual Fee$99
Regular Purchase APR20.99% to 27.99% Variable
Balance Transfer APR20.99% to 27.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Transaction FeeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Cash Advance APR29.74% Variable
Cash Advance Transaction FeeEither $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
Penalty APRUp to 29.99% Variable

Confirm before you apply: rates, fees and offers change often. The figures above are the ones listed on the original card page, not a current quote from the issuer. APRs are typically variable, and the rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness. Recommended credit: Excellent Credit Good Credit.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

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Annual fee
$99
Recommended credit
Excellent / Good
Purchase APR
20.99% to 27.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate