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Written by
Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.
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Edited by
Jaclyn is a CNET Money editor who relishes the sweet spot between numbers and words. With responsibility for overseeing CNET’s credit card coverage, she writes and edits news, reviews and advice. She has experience covering business, personal finance and economics, and previously managed contracts and investments as a real estate agent. Her tech interests include Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink.
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Reviewed by
Jason Steele
Expert Reviewer
As a freelance personal finance writer since 2008, Jason has contributed to over 100 outlets including Forbes, USA Today, Newsweek, Time, U.S. News, Money.com and NerdWallet.
As an industry leader, Jason has spoken at dozens of conferences and is the founder and producer of CardCon, an annual conference for credit card media. Jason also consults with individuals and small business owners to create customized plans to help them earn and spend travel rewards. He can be reached via his website; JasonSteele.com and on LinkedIn.
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Updated Dec. 20, 2023
4 min read
Written, edited and reviewed by
Evan Zimmer
+ 2 others
Written by
Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.
See full bio
Edited by
Jaclyn is a CNET Money editor who relishes the sweet spot between numbers and words. With responsibility for overseeing CNET’s credit card coverage, she writes and edits news, reviews and advice. She has experience covering business, personal finance and economics, and previously managed contracts and investments as a real estate agent. Her tech interests include Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink.
See full bio
Reviewed by
Jason Steele
Expert Reviewer
As a freelance personal finance writer since 2008, Jason has contributed to over 100 outlets including Forbes, USA Today, Newsweek, Time, U.S. News, Money.com and NerdWallet.
As an industry leader, Jason has spoken at dozens of conferences and is the founder and producer of CardCon, an annual conference for credit card media. Jason also consults with individuals and small business owners to create customized plans to help them earn and spend travel rewards. He can be reached via his website; JasonSteele.com and on LinkedIn.
See full bio
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CNET’S PICK
CNET Rating
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee
$149Rewards Rate
1x
– 3x
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.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Intro offer available
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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CNET Rating
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee
$69Rewards Rate
1x
– 2x
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.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Intro offer available
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
-
CNET Rating
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee
$99Rewards Rate
1x
– 3x
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.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Intro offer available
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
-
CNET Rating
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee
$99Rewards Rate
1x
– 3x
Earn 3X pts on Southwest® purchases.; Earn 2X pts on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 2X pts on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.; Earn 1X pts on all other purchases.
Intro offer available
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
An airline credit card like one of the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards cards may suit your wallet if you travel frequently and remain loyal to one airline. If you’re not tied to one airline, we recommend checking out general travel credit cards too, since these cards may offer better rewards rates, more flexible redemption options and lower annual fees.
All credit cards on this best list are researched and hand-picked by the CNET editorial staff. We regularly consult and work with personal finance experts to make sure our advice is accurate and informed, but those experts are not involved in our best list selection process.
If you travel frequently and are a fan of Southwest Airlines, you can earn rewards each time you travel with Chase’s suite of Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards.
Co-branded airline credit cards generally offer travel rewards and benefits that center around a particular airline. In this case, Chase has partnered with Southwest to offer a selection of cards with specific perks that reward Southwest Airlines loyalists. This card lineup includes several personal and business credit card options, ideal for travel enthusiasts and business owners alike.
Best Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards
CNET’S PICK
CNET Rating
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Earn 50,000 points
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards Rate
1x
– 3x
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.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers frequent Southwest flyers useful perks and rewards for several aspects of travel. For a $149 annual fee, cardholders get up to $75 in Southwest travel credits each year, 25% back on inflight purchases, 7,500 bonus points on each card anniversary and four upgraded boardings per year when available. It also comes equipped with a number of travel protections to guard against unfortunate circumstances like lost luggage or car trouble.
Cardholders also get expedited access to Southwest’s A-List program by earning 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $10,000 spent with the card. A-List status offers even more perks including priority boarding and earn 25% extra bonus points on qualifying flight bookings.
In addition to its Southwest-centric perks, the card offers rewards for purchases including rideshares, tolls and taxis, plus with Southwest’s hotel and rental car partners. Partners include Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, Hertz and Alamo. That makes it a bit more versatile than other airline credit cards. If the annual fee puts you off, remember you get up to $75 in statement credits for Southwest purchases each year, which effectively drops the annual fee to $74. Which, depending on how often you fly, is a good price for all the card has to offer.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers frequent Southwest flyers useful perks and rewards for several aspects of travel. For a $149 annual fee, cardholders get up to $75 in Southwest travel credits each year, 25% back on inflight purchases, 7,500 bonus points on each card anniversary and four upgraded boardings per year when available. It also comes equipped with a number of travel protections to guard against unfortunate circumstances like lost luggage or car trouble.
Cardholders also get expedited access to Southwest’s A-List program by earning 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $10,000 spent with the card. A-List status offers even more perks including priority boarding and earn 25% extra bonus points on qualifying flight bookings.
In addition to its Southwest-centric perks, the card offers rewards for purchases including rideshares, tolls and taxis, plus with Southwest’s hotel and rental car partners. Partners include Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, Hertz and Alamo. That makes it a bit more versatile than other airline credit cards. If the annual fee puts you off, remember you get up to $75 in statement credits for Southwest purchases each year, which effectively drops the annual fee to $74. Which, depending on how often you fly, is a good price for all the card has to offer.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
CNET Rating
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Earn 50,000 points
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards Rate
1x
– 2x
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.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the least expensive offering in the Rapid Rewards family. As such, it offers the lowest rewards and fewest perks. All in all, it doesn’t offer much in return for its $69 annual fee. You’d be better off going with the Rapid Rewards Premier Card if you frequently fly Southwest.
In exchange for its annual fee, cardholders get a 25% back on inflight purchases, two EarlyBird check-in passes each year and 3,000 points annually on your card anniversary. Other than that, there really isn’t too much going on. The rewards are relatively weak considering its annual fee, but it does offer a nice selection of travel protections to help avoid any unfortunate circumstances.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the least expensive offering in the Rapid Rewards family. As such, it offers the lowest rewards and fewest perks. All in all, it doesn’t offer much in return for its $69 annual fee. You’d be better off going with the Rapid Rewards Premier Card if you frequently fly Southwest.
In exchange for its annual fee, cardholders get a 25% back on inflight purchases, two EarlyBird check-in passes each year and 3,000 points annually on your card anniversary. Other than that, there really isn’t too much going on. The rewards are relatively weak considering its annual fee, but it does offer a nice selection of travel protections to help avoid any unfortunate circumstances.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
2x
Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
CNET Rating
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Earn 50,000 points
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards Rate
1x
– 3x
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.; Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.; Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card has a relatively high annual fee for what it offers. It shares a lot with its upgraded version, the Rapid Rewards Priority Card, but nothing that really makes it worth choosing over the Priority card, despite having a lower annual fee.
For $99 annually, cardholders get 25% back on inflight purchases, 6,000 anniversary points every year and an expedited path toward A-list status by earning 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $10,000 spent. A-list status provides Southwest aficionados with priority boarding, 25% bonus to points and a dedicated phone line.
The card’s rewards are its strongest feature, offering a solid return on not only Southwest spending, but also a wide variety of travel spending including taxis, tolls, buses and more. However, there is no travel credit to help lessen the blow of the annual fee like the upgraded version offers. So while the upgraded version has a higher annual fee, it’ll actually provide the greater value for your money considering its stronger perks
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3x
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x
Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.