The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase is a solid option for travelers loyal to Southwest Airlines. It offers a generous welcome bonus, competitive point-earning potential, and several airline-specific perks that can offset the card’s annual fee if used strategically.
If you frequently fly Southwest—especially with family or friends—this card may be a smart addition to your wallet. Let’s break down the benefits, drawbacks, and who it’s ultimately best for.
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🔍 Card Overview
The Rapid Rewards Premier card is a mid-tier airline credit card that blends travel benefits, reward points, and elite status perks. While it lacks luxury travel perks like airport lounge access, it provides real value for Southwest customers.
✔ Key Details:
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Issuer: Chase
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Annual Fee: $149
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Intro Offer: Earn 100,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $4,000 within the first 5 months of account opening
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Foreign Transaction Fees: None
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Credit Needed: Good to Excellent
💳 How You Earn Points
The earning structure is straightforward and focused on common spending categories:
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3X points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
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2X points on grocery stores and dining (up to $8,000 annually)
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1X point on all other eligible purchases
From time to time, Chase and Southwest introduce limited-time categories—such as bonus points for streaming or local transit—which can boost your rewards even further.
✈️ Travel Perks and Benefits
While the card doesn’t come with premium travel features like airport lounge access or TSA PreCheck reimbursement, it does pack a few practical benefits for Southwest travelers:
🧳 Free Checked Bags
Cardholders (and up to 8 companions on the same reservation) enjoy their first checked bag free, which can lead to meaningful savings over time.
🎁 6,000 Bonus Points Every Year
Each year after your card anniversary, you’ll receive 6,000 bonus points automatically—worth around $90 if redeemed for flights.
🛫 Priority Boarding Group
Cardholders and their companions are automatically placed in Boarding Group 5, which provides more options for seating and carry-on space.
📶 Inflight Savings
You’ll get 25% back in statement credits on inflight purchases such as Wi-Fi, drinks, and snacks.
🚀 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
Want to reach elite status? You’ll earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent on the card, helping you progress toward A-List or A-List Preferred status with Southwest.
🎯 Recent Enhancements & Program Changes
Southwest has begun rolling out notable changes to its customer experience, and the Premier card is adapting accordingly. Highlights include:
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Expanded Seat Selection: Beginning in 2026, cardholders can choose Standard or Preferred seats within 48 hours of departure—subject to availability.
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Updated Companion Pass Rules: Changes in the fare structure (e.g., Basic Fare limitations) may influence how perks are applied, so staying current on program terms is key.
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New Bonus Categories (Limited Time): Temporary categories such as internet, rideshare, and streaming subscriptions have been added through the end of 2025.
📈 Value Breakdown: Is the $149 Fee Worth It?
Let’s put numbers to the card’s value, assuming a moderately frequent Southwest flyer.
| Benefit | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 6,000 anniversary points | ~$90 |
| Free checked bags (2 round trips/year) | $140 |
| Inflight discount | ~$25 |
| Bonus points from spending | ~$60–$100 (varies) |
| Total annual value | $300–$355 |
As you can see, the card can easily justify its annual fee if you travel Southwest even just a few times a year.
✅ Pros
1. Great Welcome Offer
The introductory bonus of 100,000 points is among the best in the airline card category and can easily cover several round-trip domestic flights.
2. Anniversary Bonus
The 6,000-point yearly gift provides guaranteed value, even if you don’t spend heavily on the card.
3. Ideal for Southwest Flyers
The checked bag, boarding, and inflight discounts add real travel convenience and savings—especially for families or groups.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees
This is a rare feature for an airline-branded card and makes it more travel-friendly for international trips.
5. Path to Elite Status
With TQPs earned through card spending, you can reach elite status faster—no extra flying required.
❌ Cons
1. High Annual Fee (for Casual Flyers)
At $149 per year, this card is only worthwhile if you use the benefits. Occasional Southwest travelers may not find it cost-effective.
2. Limited Travel Flexibility
Unlike cards from Chase’s Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards programs, Rapid Rewards points are only usable with Southwest—no transfers to other airlines or hotels.
3. Earning Caps on Bonus Categories
You’ll only earn 2X on groceries and dining for the first $8,000 per year—after that, it drops to 1X.
4. No Premium Travel Perks
Unlike some higher-tier cards, this one doesn’t offer lounge access, hotel credits, or travel insurance coverage on the same level.
5. Perks Dependent on Airline Loyalty
If you stop flying Southwest or shift loyalty to another airline, the card’s perks lose their value quickly.
🧭 Who Should Get This Card?
Best For:
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Travelers who frequently fly Southwest (3+ times per year)
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Families or groups who want to avoid checked bag fees
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Cardholders aiming for Southwest elite status
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Individuals who value simplicity in points and redemption
Not Ideal For:
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Infrequent or non-Southwest flyers
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People who want flexible travel rewards
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Travelers looking for luxury perks (e.g., airport lounges)
🔄 Comparison to Other Southwest Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Anniversary Points | Extra Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Plus | $69 | 3,000 | Basic benefits, ideal for light users |
| Southwest Premier | $149 | 6,000 | Solid perks, status acceleration |
| Southwest Priority | $149–$199 | 7,500 | Travel credits, upgraded boarding, more perks |
If you travel regularly, the Premier or Priority card will likely offer more value than the entry-level Plus card. But if you’re only flying once or twice a year, the Plus version could be sufficient.
🧠 Final Verdict
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card is a great fit for those loyal to Southwest Airlines. With a rich welcome offer, solid ongoing rewards, and meaningful travel benefits, the card can easily pay for itself if used regularly.
However, if your travel habits are more diverse or you prefer broader point flexibility, a general travel card with transferable rewards may be a better fit.
In a nutshell: This card rewards loyalty. The more you fly with Southwest, the more value you’ll get from the Premier Card.