$229
Annual fee
See the card
Card reviewChase
Updated Aug 6, 2026 · research
ChaseSouthwest Rapid Rewards
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Earn 55,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Mid TierPersonal
Visa
Credit profile: excellent$149
Annual fee
3x pts lyft purchases
Top rate
None
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating
Current Welcome Offer
Earn 55,000 points
Spend $1,500 in 90 days
Verifiedwebsite
Card Offers
public
Earn 55,000 points
Spend $1,500 in 90 days
website
Earning Rates
Lyft purchases
3xpoints
On qualifying Lyft products and services purchased through the Lyft mobile application through 12/31/2027.
Southwest Airlines purchases
3xpoints
Earn 3 points for each $1 spent on purchases made directly with Southwest Airlines, including flight, inflight, Southwest gift cards, and Getaways by Southwest packages.
grocery stores and restaurants
2xpoints
On the first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year.
all other purchases
1xpoints
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong 3X points per dollar on all Southwest Airlines purchases
- 2X points on grocery stores and restaurants on up to $8,000 in combined spending per anniversary year
- 6,000 bonus points every year on the card anniversary, helping offset the annual fee
- First checked bag free for the cardmember and up to 8 passengers on the same reservation
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $149 annual fee is not waived in the first year
- Bonus earning on groceries and restaurants is capped at $8,000 combined per anniversary year
- Points are locked into the Southwest Rapid Rewards ecosystem, limiting flexibility
- No premium perks such as lounge access or travel credits beyond the checked bag benefit
- 1X earning rate on non-bonus spending is low compared to general travel cards
Key Takeaways
- Earns 3X points on Southwest purchases and 2X on groceries and restaurants (up to $8,000 combined per year)
- The 55,000-point welcome bonus is worth an estimated $825 after spending $1,500 in the first 3 months
- 6,000 anniversary points each year provide recurring value that partially offsets the $149 annual fee
- First checked bag free covers the cardmember and up to 8 passengers on the same reservation
- No foreign transaction fees make it usable abroad, though the card is optimized for Southwest loyalty
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $149 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
APR Information
- Purchase APR
- 19.24% - 27.74%
APRs shown are variable and may change based on the Prime Rate. Your actual APR will be determined based on your creditworthiness.
Card Benefits
3 benefits (2 strong or better)
Elite Status
Lifestyle Benefits
Coverage Tier Legend
Best in ClassIndustry-leading coverage
StrongAbove average
StandardTypical coverage
LimitedBelow average
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card?
The annual fee is $149. It is not waived for the first year, so cardmembers are charged upon account opening. The 6,000 anniversary bonus points awarded each year help offset this cost.
How many points do I earn on Southwest Airlines purchases?
Cardmembers earn 3 points per dollar on Southwest Airlines purchases. This is the highest earning tier on the card and applies to all Southwest flight bookings and related purchases.
Does the card earn bonus points on groceries and dining?
Yes, the card earns 2X points per dollar at grocery stores and restaurants. This rate applies to the first $8,000 in combined purchases across both categories per anniversary year, after which spending earns 1X point per dollar.
Does the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card have foreign transaction fees?
No, the card charges no foreign transaction fees. This makes it a reasonable option for international travel purchases, though the card is most useful for Southwest Airlines routes.
What is the first checked bag benefit and who does it cover?
The cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers on the same reservation are eligible for a first checked bag free on Southwest flights. All passengers must be listed on the same reservation as the cardmember to receive the benefit.
What are the anniversary bonus points and when are they awarded?
Cardmembers receive 6,000 bonus points each year on their card anniversary date. The account must be in good standing to receive the points.
What credit score is needed to apply for this card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card requires good credit for approval. Applicants should generally have a well-established credit history before applying.
What is the purchase APR for this card?
The purchase APR ranges from 19.24% to 27.74% depending on creditworthiness. The balance transfer APR falls within the same range of 19.24% to 27.74%.
What rewards program does this card use?
The card earns points in the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. Points can be used for Southwest flights and other redemptions available within the Rapid Rewards program.
About This Card
This card is best for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers who want to accelerate Rapid Rewards point earning and value perks like free checked bags. It also suits cardmembers who regularly spend at grocery stores and restaurants and want those purchases to contribute toward Southwest flights.
With the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, earn points on your daily purchases, get anniversary points each year, enjoy flight discounts, and experience your first checked bag free on Southwest Airlines.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card stands out among airline co-branded mid-tier cards by extending its free checked bag benefit to up to 8 passengers on the same reservation, a group-friendly perk that most competitor cards do not offer at this price point.
Ready to Decide?
Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Earn 55,000 points with a $149 annual fee.
Spend $1,500 in 90 days
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Sources & Methodology
Sources & Methodology
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- 3 of 3 benefits rated high confidence
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- 1 of 1 offer verified
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