Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card Review [2024]: Tons of Value For Less

If you’re a fan of Southwest Airlines, you’re certainly not alone. It’s easy to understand why; with affordable airfare and free checked bags, it’s one of the most cost-effective travel options available.

If you want to stretch your budget further, applying for one of the best airline credit cards such as the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card makes a lot of sense. You can earn rewards and get access to exclusive benefits that enhance your vacation experience.

In this Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus review, find out what perks and benefits the card offers.

Generous Welcome Bonus

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

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Current Offer

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

Annual Fee

$69

Rewards Rate

2X points on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; and on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming; plus 1X points on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; and on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
• Redeem points for flights, gift cards, and more
• 3,000 bonus points after cardmember anniversary
• Plus, 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins per year

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee
• Has foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• 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.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Member FDIC

Who should get the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Card?

The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Card is designed for travelers who enjoy booking flights with the budget airline. If you fly on Southwest at least a couple of times a year, you could quickly rack up rewards for future travel.

Southwest offers several different credit card options, but the Plus Card has the lowest annual fee of the consumer Southwest credit cards at just $69. Despite its low fee, it still offers plenty of value. 

The Plus Card has a lucrative bonus offer that includes earning 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. This card can easily give you a headstart toward earning even more free flights.

However, the Rapid Rewards Plus Card does charge foreign transaction fees. If you travel outside of the U.S., you may want to check out our list of credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to avoid paying extra.

Card basics

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Card benefits and perks

The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Card offers many valuable benefits, but the exact benefits you receive are dependent on the card level you’re approved for.

Visa will review your application and will look at factors like your credit score, income, and current credit accounts. If the company does decide to approve you for a card, it will designate you as either a Visa Signature or Visa Platinum cardholder. Platinum accounts have a credit limit of at least $2,000. Those with an excellent credit profile will likely be given a Signature account, which offers credit limits of at least $5,000 and more comprehensive benefits.

These benefits apply to Signature accounts:

• Strong sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Rewards add up fast: 2X points on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; and on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming; plus 1X points on all other purchases.

• Anniversary points: Each year, you’ll receive 3,000 points on your cardmember anniversary. This anniversary bonus can be worth up to $45.
• DoorDash benefits: Receive a complimentary 12-month DashPass subscription if you activate by Dec. 31, 2024. DashPass benefits include $0 delivery fees for orders over $12.
  

• Rental car collision damage waiver: If you decline the car rental company’s insurance and use your card for your reservation, you’ll get secondary coverage against theft and collision damage.

• Baggage delay insurance: If your flight is delayed by six hours or more, you can get up to $100 a day for up to three days in reimbursement for necessities like toiletries or clothing.

• Roadside dispatch: If you get a flat tire or your car battery dies, you can get 24-hour roadside assistance by calling 1-800-847-2869. Service fees apply.

• Travel accident insurance: When you use your card to pay for your travel, you’ll receive up to $500,000 in accidental death or dismemberment insurance.

• Travel and emergency assistance: If you have an emergency while traveling and need help with medical or legal referrals, the Benefit Administrator can help connect you with necessary services.

• Shopping protections: The card also offers extended warranty protection and purchase protection.
• No seat restrictions or change fees: With this card, there are no seat restrictions on award flights. Plus, you won't pay change fees if you need to reschedule your trip.
  

Drawbacks to the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Card

While this card certainly has its perks, it also comes with some drawbacks, including:

• Annual fee: The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Card has an annual fee of $69. If you'd prefer no annual fee, another card may be a better fit for your wallet.
• Foreign transaction fee: This card comes with a 3% foreign transaction fee. If you travel outside of the U.S. frequently, this card may not be the best option for you.
• Limited perks: If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, you may get more value from the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card. While that card comes with a higher annual fee of $149, it also offers no foreign transaction fees, a $75 annual Southwest credit, and tier qualifying points that can help you achieve Southwest A-List status. 

Earning & redeeming Southwest Rapid Rewards points

Potential earnings in years one and two

Here's a look at how your points can add up with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card. To calculate these values, we used a point valuation of $0.014.

Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.

Year one earnings: $1,324

Year two earnings: $666

These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model, which takes a look at points earned via spending, the sign-up bonus, and the annual fee.

The values above reflect general travel spending and do not take spending with Southwest into account. Your yearly earnings could be much higher by taking advantage of the 2X rewards rate on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; and on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. 

Best ways to earn

You’ll earn 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners; on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; and on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming, such as flights, in-flight WiFi, or in-flight snacks. Southwest’s partners include big names, such as:

• Best Western Hotels & Resorts
• Marriott Rewards
• Starwood Preferred Guest
• Alamo
• Avis
• Hertz
• Budget

You’ll earn 1X points per $1 spent on all other purchases. To build up rewards quickly, use your Rapid Rewards Plus Card for all your travel purchases.

If you want to earn more Rapid Rewards points, it may be worth looking into another credit card, such as the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card. The Priority Card gives you 7,500 points on your cardmember anniversary, four upgraded boardings per year, and 25% back on in-flight purchases. It does have an annual fee of $149, but it has no foreign transaction fees, making it a smart choice for international travelers.

Maximizing your redemptions

The value of your points is dependent on how you redeem them. With the Rapid Rewards Plus Card, there are several different redemption options, including flights, gift cards, merchandise, and hotel stays. Depending on which option you choose, your points can be worth one cent to 1.5 cents each.

Redeeming your points for Southwest flights is the quickest and easiest redemption method, and you’ll likely be able to get the most value for your points. Best of all, there are no blackout dates or travel restrictions. If a seat is available on a flight, you can book it using your points. If you earn enough points to qualify for a Southwest Companion Pass, you can choose one person to fly with you, free of charge — you just have to pay the taxes and fees.

Gift cards and merchandise offer the least value of the redemption methods, with points worth just one cent each.

Redeeming your points is easy. Just log into your Rapid Rewards account, and book your travel through the site with Southwest or Southwest partners.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card FAQs

Other cards to consider

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card is a decent option for Southwest fans. However, if you prefer to shop around and fly with different airlines, it may not be a good choice for you. Instead of a co-branded airline card, consider a general travel rewards card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. 

With these credit cards, you’ll earn a higher rewards rate on your purchases and have the option to transfer your points to several airline and hotel partners. If you're looking for flexibility, both of these credit card rewards programs provide that.

Generous Welcome Bonus

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Apply Now

Why We Like It

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

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See how these cards compare:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 25% more value when redeeming rewards for travel through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary point bonus each year
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Chase Travel℠
• Premium travel protection benefits

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
• Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
• No foreign transaction fees
• 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) purchase APR
• Rates and fees