Southwest Airlines is a popular choice for travelers seeking budget-friendly flights and flexibility. For frequent Southwest flyers, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card can be an invaluable tool to make the most of their travel experience. This credit card, known for its valuable perks and rewards, warrants a closer look to determine if it’s the right fit for your travel and spending habits.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card comes with an array of benefits tailored to frequent travelers. Among them are the $75 Southwest annual travel credit that can be used on airfare and the opportunity to earn points towards A-list status. However, the card has a regular APR range of 20.74% to 27.74% and does not offer an introductory APR period, which may be a consideration for some individuals.
In this article, we will examine the key features, pros, and cons of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card to help you make an informed decision on whether it suits your travel and financial needs. By analyzing various aspects such as fees, rewards, and additional benefits, this review aims to provide an unbiased and comprehensive evaluation of the card.
Southwest Priority Credit Card Overview
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a popular choice for those looking to make the most out of Southwest Airlines’ frequent traveler program, Rapid Rewards. This card comes with a range of benefits tailored to Southwest customers, offering perks, rewards, and additional features designed to fit the needs of regular Southwest Airlines users. In this overview, we will briefly cover the key features of the Southwest Priority Credit Card, as well as its pros and cons.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Generous sign-up bonus: Cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending a certain amount on purchases within the first few months.
- No foreign transaction fees: This card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal choice for international travelers.
- Southwest Airlines perks: Cardholders can enjoy additional benefits, such as priority boarding and anniversary points, when flying with Southwest Airlines.
- Points towards A-list status: Earn points that count toward Southwest’s A-list status, providing further benefits for frequent flyers.
Cons
- High annual fee: With a $149 annual fee, the Southwest Priority Credit Card may not be the best option for those looking for a low-cost airline rewards card.
- Limited airline choice: This card is best suited for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers and may not be ideal for those who prefer to use other airlines.
- High APR: The card has a regular APR of 20.74% – 27.74% variable, which might not be suitable for all individuals.
Key Features
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points after meeting the required spending within the first few months.
- Annual fee: The card comes with a $149 annual fee, to be paid upfront.
- Earn rewards: Cardholders can earn 3x points on Southwest Airlines purchases, 2x points with Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners, and 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services.
- Complimentary benefits: Southwest Priority Credit Card users can enjoy a range of perks, such as priority boarding and anniversary points when flying with Southwest Airlines. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it a suitable option for international travel.
Rewards and Earning Categories
Points and Bonus Categories
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers cardholders various ways to earn points through purchases and bonus categories. Cardholders can earn 3x points on Southwest® purchases, which include flights, in-flight purchases, and vacation packages. Additionally, they can earn 2x points on local transit and commuting, such as rideshare services, and 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services. Further, the card provides 2x points on select streaming services.
For all other purchases, cardholders will earn 1 point per dollar spent. It is essential to note that the Rapid Rewards points hold an average value of 1.5 cents per point.
Anniversary Bonus
As a Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card holder, you will receive 7,500 anniversary bonus points every year on your account anniversary. These bonus points provide additional value for cardholders and offset the card’s annual fee of $149. Keep in mind that this is a separate benefit from the sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points that new cardholders can receive after meeting the spending requirements.
Perks and Benefits
Travel and Airline Perks
With the Southwest Priority Credit Card, cardholders can enjoy a variety of travel and airline perks. One of the most valuable benefits is the opportunity to earn Rapid Rewards points. Cardholders can earn 3x points on Southwest Airlines purchases made directly with the airline, and 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners.
For those aiming for A-List or A-List Preferred status, the credit card can help you achieve your goal by earning Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs). These status levels come with additional perks like priority boarding and free same-day standby.
A notable perk for frequent Southwest travelers is the ability to earn a Companion Pass, allowing you to bring a friend or family member for free on Southwest flights (excluding taxes and fees).
Southwest Priority cardholders can also benefit from:
- 7,500 anniversary points each year
- Four Upgraded Boardings per year, when available
- Priority Boarding, ensuring a better seat selection
- 20% back on in-flight purchases (e.g. WiFi, drinks, and snacks)
- Two free checked bags on Southwest flights, a significant cost-saving feature
- EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight
Purchase and Travel Protections
Aside from travel and airline perks, the Southwest Priority Credit Card offers several purchase and travel protections to its cardholders:
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimburses you for essential purchases if your checked bags are delayed by 6+ hours
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Covers the cost of replacing lost or damaged luggage and its contents
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Provides coverage against damage or theft of a rental car when you pay for the entire rental with your card
- Extended Warranty Protection: Adds an extra year to the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible items purchased with the card
- Travel Accident Insurance: Offers coverage for accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a common carrier (e.g. plane, train, or bus) when the fare is charged to your card
By utilizing the Southwest Priority Credit Card’s perks and benefits, cardholders can enhance their travel experience and enjoy valuable protections on their purchases and adventures.
Fees and Rates
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card comes with a $149 annual fee. Although this fee is higher than some other credit cards, the card offers a variety of perks that can offset the cost, such as an annual $75 travel credit and 7,500 anniversary bonus points.
This credit card has a regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases, which typically varies based on the applicant’s creditworthiness and the U.S. Prime Rate. Before applying, it’s essential to review the terms and conditions to be aware of the APR you may qualify for.
For those considering a balance transfer, the Southwest Priority Card features a balance transfer fee, which is usually a percentage of the amount being transferred. Make sure to factor this cost into your decision-making when transferring balances from another card.
One attractive feature of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is that it has no foreign transaction fees. This benefit can save cardholders money when making purchases abroad or in foreign currencies, helping to avoid the typical 1% to 3% fee other cards might charge.
To summarize, the Southwest Priority Card has a $149 annual fee, a variable regular APR, a balance transfer fee, and no foreign transaction fees. Please review the card’s terms and conditions for specific rates and fees applicable to your situation.
Card Comparison
Southwest Priority vs. Premier vs. Plus Credit Cards
When comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, there are a few key differences to consider.
Annual Fee:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: $149
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: $99
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: $69
The Priority card has the highest annual fee, but it comes with a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, which effectively brings down the out-of-pocket cost to $74.
Welcome Bonus:
All three cards offer a welcome bonus. The Priority card currently offers 60,000 bonus points plus a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Rapid Rewards points are valued at 1.5 cents each, meaning 60,000 points are worth $900.
Earning Points:
All three cards earn points towards A-list status, with 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases and 1X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Foreign Transaction Fees:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: 3% Foreign Transaction Fee
Card Benefits:
All three cards offer basic benefits, such as no blackout dates, unlimited rewards seats, and points that don’t expire as long as the account remains open. However, the Priority card gives more value to frequent Southwest flyers with additional benefits, including:
- Four upgraded boardings per year
- 7,500 anniversary points
- 20% back on in-flight purchases
In summary, if you’re a frequent Southwest flyer, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card might be the best choice among the three cards, even with its higher fee. The Premier and Plus cards offer lower annual fees but may not provide as many benefits, especially for those who frequently travel with Southwest Airlines.
Redeeming Points and Elite Status
Ways to Redeem Rewards
When it comes to redeeming points with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, you have several options. Primarily, you can use your points for:
- Flights: You can redeem your points for Southwest flights, with no blackout dates or restrictions.
- Hotel stays: Points can be used for stays at eligible partner hotels within the Rapid Rewards Hotel network.
- Car rentals: You can also redeem points for car rentals from participating Rapid Rewards partners.
Points can also be used for gift cards, merchandise, and experiences, but these options tend to offer a lower value per point compared to flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Local transit, internet, cable, and phone services are also eligible for earning additional points, but not specifically for redemption.
Earning and Achieving Elite Status
With the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, you can earn points at the following rates:
- 3x points: Southwest purchases
- 2x points: Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
- 2x points: Local transit and commuting, including rideshare
- 1x points: All other purchases
To achieve elite status with Southwest, you need to earn either A-List or A-List Preferred status. Here’s how to qualify for each level:
A-List Status
- Either fly 25 one-way qualifying flights, or
- Earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year
A-List status benefits include:
- Priority boarding
- 25% additional points on each flight
- Priority check-in and security lane access
- Free same-day standby
A-List Preferred Status
- Either fly 50 one-way qualifying flights, or
- Earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year
A-List Preferred status benefits include:
- All A-List benefits
- 100% additional points on each flight
- Free inflight WiFi
While the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card itself does not automatically grant you elite status, the points you earn from qualifying purchases can help you reach these elite tiers more quickly. Additionally, consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card for an increased chance of achieving elite status, as it may offer different earning rates and benefits.
Application and Eligibility
Applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is straightforward, and you can do so online through the official Southwest Airlines website or through the Chase website, as the card is backed by Chase Bank. To be eligible for this card, you should have a good to excellent credit score, usually ranging from 670 to 850.
When applying, be prepared to provide your personal information, such as your name, address, social security number, and financial details like your annual income. Chase Bank, which issues the card, is a member of FDIC so your deposits are insured up to the allowed limit.
The card has an annual fee of $149, which you must pay in full upfront. However, if you can take advantage of the card’s perks, you can offset a significant portion of this cost. As a cardholder, you’ll be able to earn points towards A-List Status and enjoy unlimited rewards seats for your Southwest flights.
When applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, you should also keep an eye out for any welcome bonuses. For instance, the card has previously offered 60,000 points and a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from opening the account. These bonuses could help justify the annual fee and provide a great starting point for accumulating Rapid Rewards points.
In summary, the application process for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is simple and relatively quick. Having a good or excellent credit score and being ready to pay the annual fee are the main eligibility requirements. As a cardholder, you can expect numerous benefits and rewards associated with Southwest Rapid Rewards and travel services. Just remember to carefully read the terms and conditions before applying to make sure the card is suitable for your needs.
International
Rapid Rewards Program Limitations
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card provides many benefits to cardholders. However, there are limitations to be aware of for users considering this card.
First, while no change fees are charged, the Rapid Rewards program comes with a high regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR), offering no intro APR on balance transfers or purchases. This means that if you carry a balance, you may face hefty interest charges.
One specific restriction to the rewards program is that reward flights are only available on Southwest Airlines with no partner airlines participating. This limits the number of destinations and flexibility when planning trips using reward points.
Furthermore, though the rewards program boasts no blackout dates, this does not guarantee that you will always find available reward flights during peak seasons or highly traveled times, potentially limiting your options for redeeming points. However, this card does offer unlimited rewards seats, making it easier to find and book flights using points.
In summary, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card has some limitations, including a high regular APR, no intro APR offer, and reward flights restricted to Southwest Airlines. Despite these drawbacks, the card still provides various other benefits, like no change fees, unlimited rewards seats, and no blackout dates. Consider these limitations and advantages when deciding if this card suits your travel and spending habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth upgrading?
Upgrading to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card can be worth it for frequent Southwest travelers, as it offers anniversary points, travel credit, and inflight purchase rewards. However, casual travelers might find that the card’s higher annual fee may not justify the additional benefits.
What benefits are offered?
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers several benefits, such as:
- Anniversary points: Earn 7,500 bonus points each account anniversary year.
- Travel credit: Receive a $75 Southwest annual travel credit.
- Inflight purchases: Get a 20% discount on inflight purchases like WiFi, drinks, and movies.
- Tier qualifying points: Earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) per $10,000 spent, up to 15,000 TQPs per year.
How does Priority compare to Premier?
The Priority card has a higher annual fee ($149) than the Premier card ($99), but it also offers more generous benefits. Priority cardholders get a higher anniversary bonus (7,500 points vs. 6,000 points), a $75 travel credit, and a 20% discount on inflight purchases. Both cards offer the same earning rate and bonus categories.
What’s the sign-up bonus?
The sign-up bonus for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card may vary, but it’s known to offer up to 60,000 Rapid Rewards points after meeting a spending requirement. These points are worth around $900, providing significant value for new cardmembers.
Are upgrade boardings limited?
Yes, upgrade boardings are limited. Priority cardholders receive four upgraded boardings per year (when available) to use on Southwest flights.
Is TSA PreCheck reimbursement available?
No, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card does not offer TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry) reimbursement as one of its benefits.
