Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Standard Seat Selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available
• Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost.
• 3,000 points every year on your Cardmember anniversary
• Receive a 10% promo code each year on your cardmember anniversary (Excludes Basic fare)

[.dontreco] We don’t recommend: Redeeming points for non-flight rewards [.dontreco]

While you can use your Rapid Rewards points for things like gift cards, the value per point is significantly lower compared to booking flights. Save your points for flights to get the best value and enjoy those free trips.

[.sometimesreco] We sometimes recommend: Booking directly through Southwest’s website [.sometimesreco]

Booking directly on the Southwest Airlines website often unlocks promotional offers and ensures you earn points on your fare. Just keep an eye on blackout dates and availability, as value can fluctuate depending on travel dates.

[.alwaysreco] We always recommend: Utilizing the Companion Pass [.alwaysreco]

The Companion Pass is a game changer, letting a friend or family member fly with you for just the cost of taxes. This benefit makes the card especially valuable for frequent travelers. Additionally, make sure to take advantage of the card's points-earning potential when booking flights to maximize your rewards.

Don’t forget to stack: You earn 2x points on Southwest flights, plus bonus points for any Rapid Rewards promotions or deals. When you stack these rewards with your card spending, you'll rack up points quickly for future flights.

1. The Airline Rewards Beginner
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Are you new to the world of airline rewards? The Southwest Plus Card is a super choice for those just getting started. With a modest annual fee, this card provides an easy way to earn points toward free flights on Southwest Airlines. Plus, you'll earn a nice bonus on your cardholder anniversary. If you're ready to make the leap from cash-back cards to earning free flights, the Southwest Plus Card should have a home in your wallet.

2. The Occasional Southwest Flyer
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If you find yourself flying with Southwest a couple of times a year, this card is a valuable option. With its generous earning potential on Southwest purchases you can quickly accumulate points that can lead to free flights and other rewards. For example, let’s say you book a round trip for a weekend getaway. By using your Southwest card to pay for that flight, you'll earn even more points, contributing to future trips.

3. The Budget-Conscious Traveler
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Let’s be honest — not everyone can travel frequently, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your travel budget when you do. If you’re someone who takes a few trips a year and wants to stretch your dollars further, the Southwest Plus Card is worth considering. The Southwest Plus Card makes it simple to turn your everyday spending into solid rewards.

You probably shouldn’t own a credit card if you: (1) have a bad credit score, (2) are a non-U.S. resident (for this particular card), and (3) cannot control your spending. If your credit score is low, you'll need to improve it before applying for travel credit cards, as approval for the best ones, like the Southwest Plus Card, is unlikely. Be honest with yourself: if a new credit card will tempt you to overspend, it's best to avoid it. Credit cards are crucial for earning miles and points, but they require responsible use.

A decent credit score is recommended for the Southwest Plus Card. But again, if you’re in a solid place with your credit and feel you are ready for a new card, don’t let the fear of being rejected keep you from applying. We’ve known several people to be rejected on their first application, use the reconsideration line, and be granted the Southwest Plus Card. The worst they can say is “no,” and more often than not, we’ve found these people want to help!