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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Annual fee
$149
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

For frequent Southwest Airlines® flyers, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is an airline card that makes it easy to reap benefits rapidly with (up to) triple points earning, travel credits, and convenient in-flight discounts.

Our review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a top-tier co-branded airline credit card that offers robust benefits for a $149 annual fee.

Who Can Benefit from the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card?

The Southwest Priority Card is perfect for avid travelers who love Southwest Airlines. It offers a range of perks, including early check-in, upgraded boardings, free bags, bonus points, in-flight discounts, and statement credits. If you fly with Southwest a few times a year, this card is ideal for you.

To apply for the Rapid Rewards Priority Card, you need to have a good or excellent credit score. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. mailing address, a Social Security Number or ITIN, and proof of income.

Southwest Benefits

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card comes with a $75 Southwest statement credit each year, which can be used towards Southwest Airlines purchases. Cardholders also get EarlyBird Check-In, upgraded boardings, and free checked bags.

In-Flight Benefits

Cardholders enjoy 25% back on in-flight purchases with Southwest. Additionally, they earn anniversary bonuses, including points towards A-List status and Companion Pass qualifying points.

Earn & Spend Rapid Rewards with Ease

Cardholders earn 3X Rapid Rewards points on Southwest purchases and 2X points on other categories. Points can be redeemed for award flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.

Visa Benefits

The card offers Visa Signature security features, including Zero Fraud Liability, Emergency Card Replacement, and more.

Comparisons

Here’s how the Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card compares to other Southwest cards:

FeaturesRapid Rewards® PriorityRapid Rewards® PremierRapid Rewards Plus
Annual fee$149$99$69
Points on Southwest flights3X3X2X
Flying perksUpgraded boardings, travel creditUpgraded boardingsUpgraded boardings
In-flight savings25% back25% back25% back
Anniversary points7,5006,0003,000
Foreign transaction feeNoneNone3%

What We Like About the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

The Priority Card offers a range of benefits for frequent flyers, including in-flight savings, early check-ins, and no foreign transaction fees.

There are few downsides to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card, as the benefits outweigh the annual fee. The card offers valuable rewards and perks for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts.

Can you use someone else’s Rapid Rewards number?

No, Rapid Rewards account numbers are meant for the accountholder only.

Can I get credit for past Southwest flights if I just joined Rapid Rewards?

Yes, you can request points for past flights up to 12 months after the flight.

What is Rapid Rewards dining?

Rapid Rewards Dining is a rewards program that lets members earn points from dining with select Southwest restaurant partners.

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.
  • 7,500 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.
  • $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Member FDIC

Who this card may suit

  • You travel often, especially with Southwest Airlines®
  • You're looking to use your credit card to make purchases abroad
  • You make frequent in-flight purchases

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$149
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

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® Priority Credit Card

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Similar cards

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

  • Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and an additional…
  • 6,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
Annual fee
$99
Recommended credit
Excellent / Good
Purchase APR
20.99% to 27.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate