Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Earn 55,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in the first 3 months from account opening.
Current Welcome Offer
55,000 points
Spend $1,500 in 90 days
Card Offers
public
55,000 points
Spend $1,500 in 90 days
Earning Rates
first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
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 |
Card Benefits
3 benefits
Travel Credits
Elite Status
Statement Credits
Coverage Tier Legend
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card?
What is the current welcome offer for this card?
How many points do I earn on Southwest Airlines purchases?
Does the card earn bonus points on groceries and dining?
Does the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card have foreign transaction fees?
What is the first checked bag benefit and who does it cover?
What are the anniversary bonus points and when are they awarded?
What credit score is needed to apply for this card?
What is the purchase APR for this card?
What rewards program does this card use?
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.
Earn 3X points on Southwest Airlines purchases, 2X points on first $8,000 in combined purchases at grocery stores and restaurants per year, and 1 point on all other purchases. First checked bag free, 6,000 anniversary points each year, and 15% Flight Discount on your Cardmember anniversary.
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
55,000 points with a $149 annual fee.
Spend $1,500 in 90 days
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Sources & Methodology
Sources & Methodology
We collect card details from official issuer pages, then verify them through editorial review.
Last updated:
Pending editorial review.
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