Best Southwest Cards for Earning Rapid Rewards

Southwest has become a favorite airline loyalty program in the U.S. due to its often generous welcome offers and its lucrative companion pass. Even their most premium card doesn't have a scary annual fee, making the program and its cards very approachable for all travelers. Plus, any card that you see on this list that isn't a Southwest card will transfer its point to the Southwest program for continued travel benefits.

Personal Cards

🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Annual Fee: $99

50,000Bonus Points

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

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, enjoy benefits like an annual bonus, and provides a convenient way to save on Southwest Airlines flights, making it a solid choice for those who frequently travel with this airline.

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🏆 Best for Southwest Loyalists

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Annual Fee: $229

60,000Bonus Points

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers various travel benefits, including opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, an annual travel credit, and elevated loyalty status benefits, making it a top choice for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Annual Fee: $149

55,000Bonus Points

Earn 55,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The Southwest Premier card is for people who love to travel with Southwest Airlines. Cardholders can earn Rapid Rewards points for their spending and enjoy benefits such as an annual bonus and in-flight savings, making it a great choice for frequent Southwest flyers. *The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Daily Drop. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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Business Cards

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Annual Fee: $299

80,000Bonus Points

Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is built for businesses that fly Southwest often and want extra comfort along the way. With perks like bonus points, preferred seats, and upgraded boarding, this card makes it easier to earn and travel smarter.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Annual Fee: $149

60,000Bonus Points

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, first checked bag free.

The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is built for business owners who fly Southwest regularly and want to earn rewards while unlocking a few extra perks. It’s simple, straightforward, and packed with solid value, especially if you’re eyeing that Companion Pass.

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Which Card is Right for You?

Southwest credit cards are perfect for anyone who loves to fly Southwest, especially if you want a shot at earning the Southwest Companion Pass. From cards with low annual fees to more premium options with anniversary bonuses, you can choose the card that fits your travel style and helps you earn points fast.

Other Ways to Earn

Beyond just flying, Southwest credit cards give you points on purchases like dining and Southwest bookings. Maximize your points through Southwest’s Rapid Rewards Shopping and Dining portals. And if you’ve got Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can transfer them to Southwest, too.

Pros and Cons

Pros

No blackout dates or change fees on award flights

Earn points toward the Southwest Companion Pass

Anniversary point bonuses and flexible cancellation policies

Cons

No premium lounge access

Limited international destinations

FAQs

Do Southwest Rapid Rewards points expire?

Not anymore! Southwest points never expire.

Do Southwest credit cards come with travel insurance?

Certain Southwest cards include travel protections like trip delay reimbursement and baggage delay insurance.

Why Trust Daily Drop?

At Daily Drop, our editorial team is made up of seasoned travel and credit card experts who have spent years mastering travel rewards and testing the best strategies firsthand. Founder Nate Buchanan, of Kara and Nate, has personally earned and redeemed millions of points and miles over the past 10+ years, saving tens of thousands of dollars on travel. Our team shares similar hands-on experience, ensuring our recommendations are practical, tested, and built on real-world knowledge. After all, we wouldn’t be Daily Drop if we weren’t practicing what we preach.

Our independent reviews break down rewards, perks, fees, and overall value to help you make informed decisions. We also analyze audience data, considering reader engagement and trends, so our recommendations reflect what actually matters to you.

While we may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site, our opinions are our own — based solely on expert analysis and firsthand experience, not influenced by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Our goal is simple: helping you maximize your rewards and travel smarter.

Read our full methodology for more information.

Authors

Written by: McKay Moffitt

Writer

Edited by: Tiffany Eastham

Writer & Editor

Updated:Jul 22, 2025