Insider's experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
Stephen M. Keller/Southwest Airlines
- Chase offers five Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards — three personal and two small business.
- Points earned from these cards count toward qualifying for the Southwest Companion Pass.
- These cards offer Southwest perks that can help you save money and improve your travel experience.
- Read Insider's guide to the best airline credit cards.
Chase issues five Southwest credit cards that range from an entry-level product with a handful of benefits, to a premium small-business card with a higher annual fee (and perks to match). All of these cards earn a bonus and points from spending that count toward qualifying for the Southwest Companion Pass — one of the best travel deals around.
The welcome bonuses for these cards change now and then, with occasional increased offers or bonuses for spending in certain categories. Currently, all three personal Southwest cards — the
Here's what to know about the Southwest credit card offers that are available right now.
We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Earn 30,000 points and a promotional Companion Pass with Southwest personal cards
There have been a couple of elevated offers on the Southwest personal cards in recent months; previously, new cardholders could earn 75,000 or 100,000 points after meeting the minimum spending requirements (offers no longer available).
Right now, all three personal Southwest cards are offering a welcome bonus of
With a Companion Pass, you designate a friend or family member to travel with you on any paid or award flight with Southwest for only the cost of taxes and fees (usually about $5.60 one-way on domestic tickets).
Chase Southwest personal cards comparison
Other spending bonus categories and benefits vary depending on the card.
Annual fee | |||
Rewards rate | 2x points on Southwest® purchases 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming 1x point per dollar on everything else | 3x points on Southwest® purchases 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming 1x point per dollar on everything else
| 3x points on Southwest® purchases 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming 1x point per dollar on everything else |
Welcome bonus | |||
Anniversary points | 3,000 | 6,000 | 7,500 |
Travel benefits | Two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year 25% back on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi | Earn tier-qualifying points toward A-List elite status Two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year 25% back on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi | Earn tier-qualifying points toward A-List elite status $75 annual Southwest travel credit 4 upgraded boardings per year when available 25% back on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi
|
Foreign transaction fee | Yes | No | No |
Review |
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card
The
You'll earn 3,000 bonus points each account anniversary (worth about $42 in Southwest airfare, according to Insider's valuations), which covers much of the annual fee. Keep in mind this is the only Southwest personal card that adds foreign transaction fees, so you shouldn't use it overseas.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card
The
If you're aiming for Southwest elite status, the
To reach Southwest A-List status, you'll need to fly 25 Southwest one-way qualifying flights or earn 35,000 tier-qualifying points per calendar year. A-List Preferred status requires 50 Southwest one-way qualifying flights or 70,000 tier-qualifying points in the same timeframe.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card
The
Cardholders receive $75 in Southwest credit per year, which can be applied to any Southwest purchase except inflight purchases and upgraded boarding. The
Like the
Chase Southwest business card comparison
Chase offers two Southwest credit cards for small-business owners. The
The
Annual fee | ||
Rewards rate | 3x points on Southwest Airlines® purchases 2x points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car partners 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare 1 point per dollar on everything else | 4x points on Southwest® purchases 3x points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car partners 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare 2x points on social media and search engine advertising 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services 1 point per dollar on everything else
|
Welcome bonus | ||
Anniversary points | 6,000 | 9,000 |
Travel benefits | Two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year 25% back on inflight purchases Earn tier-qualifying points toward A-List elite status | Earn tier-qualifying points toward A-List elite status $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit 4 upgraded boardings per year when available Inflight Wi-Fi credits
|
Foreign transaction fee | No | No |
Review |
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card
The
You'll also have the opportunity to earn tier qualifying points toward Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred elite status, up to up to $500 in points transfer fee credits per year, and won't be charged any foreign transaction fees.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance business card
With a bonus of
Unlike the other Southwest cards, the
You'll also receive 9,000 Southwest points (worth about $126 in Southwest airfare) each card anniversary. If you fly Southwest frequently, you can even get more value, because the card comes with four upgraded boardings per year when available (worth up to $50 each) and up to 365 inflight Wi-Fi credits each year (worth $8) each.
The
Chase Southwest card application restrictions
Both the personal and small-business Chase Southwest cards are subject to the Chase 5/24 rule, which means if you've opened five or more cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months, you likely won't be approved for the card.
While you're allowed to have one personal and one small-business Southwest card at the same time, there are other card application restrictions to keep in mind. For the Southwest personal cards, you aren't eligible if you currently have any personal Southwest card, or have received an intro bonus on one in the past 24 months. This doesn't include Southwest business cards.
And with the Southwest business cards, you won't be approved if you currently hold the card, or have received a sign-up bonus for that specific card in the past 24 months.