Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card Review [2024]: Tons of Value For Less

Key takeaways

Who should get the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Card?

We recommend the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card for Southwest flyers who fly with the airline at least a couple of times a year. With its low $69 annual fee and the ability to earn Southwest points, this card can provide significant value for Southwest travelers.

We like that the card comes with a generous welcome offer. You can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

However, if you want higher Southwest perks, we recommend the two higher cards from the airline. These cards are the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Premier Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card.

For those who prefer the flexibility of flying with multiple airlines or frequently travel internationally, we recommend two of the best travel credit cards out there. These cards are the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. These cards offer more versatile rewards programs and don't charge foreign transaction fees.

Card basics

Why we like the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Card: benefits and perks

• Generous welcome offer: We like that this card helps you earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Elevated rewards on various categories: We appreciate that this card earns 2X points on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; and on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming; plus 1X points on all other purchases.
• 3,000 anniversary points: Each year, you'll receive 3,000 points on your cardmember anniversary.
• Two EarlyBird Check-In® each year: We find value in you getting two automatic check-in each year before your flights to get a better boarding position.
• 25% back on inflight purchases: We think many Southwest flyers can benefit from earning 25% back as a statement credit on inflight purchases like drinks and Wi-Fi.
• Baggage delay insurance: If your flight is delayed by six hours or more, you can get up to $100 a day for up to three days in reimbursement for necessities like toiletries or clothing.

Perspectives

Yahia Barakah, CEPF

SENIOR EDITOR AND CREDIT CARD ENTHUSIAST

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Yahia is an avid credit card user with a passion for maximizing credit card benefits and perks.

WHY I LIKE THE SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PLUS

I was glad to have booked my flight with my Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus when my luggage got delayed on a connecting flight. My bag didn't make it to my destination for over three days. But I managed to use this card’s baggage delay insurance to get reimbursement for the toiletries, change of clothes, and other necessities I had to purchase during the delay.

• Lost luggage reimbursement: With this card, you receive coverage of up to $3,000 per passenger if your carry-on or checked baggage is damaged or lost.
• Shopping protections: We appreciate that the card offers extended warranty protection and purchase protection, which provide coverage for your eligible purchases.
• DoorDash benefits: You can receive a complimentary 12-month DashPass subscription if you activate by Dec. 31, 2024. DashPass benefits include $0 delivery fees for orders over $12.

On top of these card benefits, Southwest gives you two free checked bags and doesn’t charge change fees.

What we don't like about the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Card: drawbacks

• Annual fee: While the $69 annual fee is relatively low for an airline card, we think it may still deter some budget-conscious travelers. We recommend the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card as a $0-annual-fee travel card.
• Foreign transaction fee: This card comes with a 3% foreign transaction fee, which we don't like as it can add up if you travel outside of the U.S. frequently. For international travel, we recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card since they don't charge foreign transaction fees.
• Limited perks: If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, we believe you can get more value from the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card, which offers additional benefits like a $75 annual Southwest credit and tier qualifying points. If you fly on various airlines, a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card can offer more board travel benefits.

Earning & redeeming Southwest Rapid Rewards points

Potential earnings in years one and two

Here's a look at how your points can add up with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card. To calculate these values, we used a point valuation of $0.014.

Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.

Year one earnings: $1,324

Year two earnings: $666

These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model, which takes a look at points earned via spending, the sign-up bonus, and the annual fee.

The values above reflect general travel spending and do not take spending with Southwest into account. Your yearly earnings could be much higher by taking advantage of the 2X rewards rate on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; and on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. 

Best ways to earn

You’ll earn 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; and on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming, such as flights, in-flight WiFi, or in-flight snacks. Southwest’s partners include big names, such as:

• Best Western Hotels & Resorts
• Marriott Rewards
• Starwood Preferred Guest
• Alamo
• Avis
• Hertz
• Budget

You’ll earn 1X points per $1 spent on all other purchases. To build up rewards quickly, use your Rapid Rewards Plus Card for all your travel purchases.

If you want to earn more Rapid Rewards points, it may be worth looking into another credit card, such as the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card. The Priority Card gives you 7,500 points on your cardmember anniversary, four upgraded boardings per year, and 25% back on in-flight purchases. It does have an annual fee of $149, but it has no foreign transaction fees, making it a smart choice for international travelers.

Maximizing your redemptions

The value of your points is dependent on how you redeem them. With the Rapid Rewards Plus Card, there are several different redemption options, including flights, gift cards, merchandise, and hotel stays. Depending on which option you choose, your points can be worth one cent to 1.5 cents each.

Redeeming your points for Southwest flights is the quickest and easiest redemption method, and you’ll likely be able to get the most value for your points. Best of all, there are no blackout dates or travel restrictions. If a seat is available on a flight, you can book it using your points. If you earn enough points to qualify for a Southwest Companion Pass, you can choose one person to fly with you, free of charge — you just have to pay the taxes and fees.

Gift cards and merchandise offer the least value of the redemption methods, with points worth just one cent each.

Redeeming your points is easy. Just log into your Rapid Rewards account, and book your travel through the site with Southwest or Southwest partners.

Other cards to consider

We recommend the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card for people who travel Southwest at least a few times a year. However, if you typically fly with different airlines, we recommend a general travel rewards card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

If you prefer a more flexible travel rewards program, we think the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card could be a better fit for you. This card earns 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases.

You can also earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. We like earning Ultimate Rewards points because they can be transferred to several Chase airline and hotel partners, including Southwest Airlines.

Additionally, this card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it a great option if you're an international traveler. This card has an annual fee of $95.

Learn more in our Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card review.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Another alternative we recommend is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. With this card, you can earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25.

You can also earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. Venture miles that can be redeemed for travel purchases or transferred to various airline partners.

Like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, making it a suitable choice if you frequently travel abroad. This card has an annual fee of $95.

Learn more in our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review.

Generous Welcome Bonus

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Apply Now

Why We Like It

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Apply Now

See how these cards compare:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 25% more value when redeeming rewards for travel through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary point bonus each year
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Chase Travel℠
• Premium travel protection benefits

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
• Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
• No foreign transaction fees
• 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) purchase APR
• Rates and fees

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card FAQ

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card review: bottom line

We think the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card is a great airline credit card for Southwest fans who want to earn valuable rewards and enjoy perks that enhance their travel experience.

With its strong welcome offer, generous rewards rates on Southwest purchases, and low annual fee, this card can provide significant value for your frequent Southwest flights.

However, if you prefer the flexibility of flying with multiple airlines or frequently travel internationally, we recommend alternative options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. These cards offer more versatile rewards programs and don't charge foreign transaction fees, making them ideal if you value flexibility and international travel.

Generous Welcome Bonus

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

Apply Now

Current Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$69

Rewards Rate

2X points on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; and on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming; plus 1X points on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; and on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
• Redeem points for flights, gift cards, and more
• 3,000 bonus points after cardmember anniversary
• Plus, 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins per year

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee
• Has foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X 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.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Member FDIC