Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card Review: A Top Choice for Frequent Southwest Flyers
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority credit card is designed for travelers who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines and want to maximize their points, perks, and travel value.
It focuses on travel rewards, not cashback, and provides cardholders with consistent benefits every year.
Unlike general travel cards that focus on multiple airlines or flexible points, this card is ideal for U.S. consumers who fly Southwest regularly and want faster access to free flights, priority services, and ongoing travel credits.
The card targets loyal Southwest customers, families who travel domestically, vacationers, and business travelers who depend on Southwest’s extensive U.S. route network.
Its structure makes it especially appealing for people who value perks such as annual travel credits, upgraded boardings, and automatic tier-qualifying points.
Main Benefits and Rewards
Rewards Structure
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority card offers a strong earning system that makes it easy to accumulate points:
- 3X points on Southwest Airlines purchases
- 2X points on local transit, rideshare, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
- 1X points on all other purchases
These points are part of the Rapid Rewards® program, which has no blackout dates, making redemption extremely flexible.
Welcome Bonus
The card typically offers a generous welcome bonus that can help new cardholders earn enough points for one or more free flights early on. While bonus amounts vary, they commonly range from 40,000 to 75,000 Rapid Rewards® points after meeting the minimum spending requirement. This bonus significantly boosts the card’s value in the first year.
Additional Benefits
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority card includes a wide range of premium travel perks:
- Annual $75 Southwest® travel credit
- Four upgraded boardings per year (when available)
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
- 10,000-point anniversary bonus each year
- Auto-Posting of Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) toward elite status
- No blackout dates, no seat restrictions
- Bags fly free® policy when flying Southwest
- Partner benefits with hotels, car rentals, and Rapid Rewards® shopping/dining partners
Although the card does not include lounge access, it compensates with rich ongoing credits and anniversary points—features that make it competitive and valuable year after year.
Annual Fee and Overall Costs
The annual fee for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority card is $149. The fee is not waived in the first year. However, the value of the benefits can easily exceed the annual cost for frequent Southwest travelers.
When the Annual Fee Is Worth It
The annual fee becomes worth it when you:
- Use the $75 travel credit, reducing the effective annual fee to $74.
- Take advantage of the 10,000 anniversary points, worth approximately $150 in flight value.
- Use the four upgraded boardings, which can cost up to $200 total.
Other Potential Costs
- Interest charges if carrying a balance
- Cash advance fees
- Late payment fees
Because of these extra costs, the card works best for users who pay their balance in full monthly.
Rates and Fees
- Regular APR: Typically ranges from variable 21% to 28%, depending on creditworthiness.
- Penalty APR: May apply after missed payments and is generally higher than the regular APR.
- Balance Transfer Fee: Typically 5% or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None, making it suitable for international travel, especially when flying Southwest to Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean.
- Interest Charges: Apply when balances are not paid in full each month.
Approval Requirements
Approval for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority card generally requires:
- Good to excellent credit (680–750+)
- A stable income suitable for managing a mid-tier travel credit card
- A clean credit history with low utilization and few recent hard inquiries
Chase may apply its 5/24 rule, meaning applicants with five or more new credit card accounts in the past 24 months may be denied.
Pros and Cons of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
Pros
- High rewards on Southwest purchases
- $75 annual travel credit
- 10,000 Rapid Rewards® anniversary points
- Great for earning the Companion Pass®
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Annual fee not waived first year
- Best value only for Southwest loyalists
- No lounge access
- Variable APR may be high for some users
- Limited redemption options outside Southwest Airlines
Who Should Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority?
This card is ideal for:
- Frequent Southwest Airlines flyers
- Travelers aiming to earn the Companion Pass®
- Families traveling domestically
- Budget-conscious travelers who prefer Southwest’s low-fee approach
It is less ideal for consumers seeking flexible points or premium international travel perks.
Competitor Comparison
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Choose Southwest Priority if you fly Southwest often and want airline-specific perks.
- Choose Sapphire Preferred if you want flexible points, travel partnerships, hotel benefits, and strong overall travel coverage.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority vs. Capital One Venture Rewards
- Choose Southwest Priority for maximum value on Southwest flights and Companion Pass® qualification.
- Choose Venture if you want miles usable across multiple airlines and hotels.
Final Thoughts on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority is one of the best airline-specific cards in the U.S. market.
Its combination of annual credits, anniversary points, and upgraded boardings delivers long-term value that exceeds the annual fee for frequent Southwest travelers. If you regularly fly Southwest, this card is absolutely worth considering.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with banks, card issuers, or financial institutions.
All fees, rates, and benefit details may change at any time. Always check the official website of the card issuer for the most accurate and updated information before applying.
