Page Contents<\/p>
- Southwest\u2019s Portfolio of Chase-Issued Credit Cards Is Getting Revamped<\/a>
- Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card<\/a><\/li>
- Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Premier Credit Card<\/a><\/li>
- Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Priority Credit Card<\/a><\/li>
- Southwest\u00ae<\/sup> Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Premier Business Credit Card<\/a><\/li>
- Southwest\u00ae<\/sup> Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Performance Business Credit Card<\/a><\/li>
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Business Credit Card<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- When These Changes Impact Current Southwest Credit Card Holders<\/a><\/li>
- Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n
Southwest\u2019s Portfolio of Chase-Issued Credit Cards Is Getting Revamped<\/span><\/h2>\n
After committing to a major operational and reputational overhaul last year, Southwest Airlines has been rolling out changes left and right<\/a>\u00a0to reflect its new direction. Next on the agenda is a revamp of its credit card lineup, and there\u2019s a lot to unpack.<\/p>\n
To make things easier, we\u2019ll go card by card to break down what\u2019s changing \u2014 both in terms of benefits and what\u2019s happening under the hood. Some of these perks were first introduced back in May<\/a>, but plenty of others are new.<\/p>\n
That said, these \u201cnew and enhanced benefits\u201d come with a cost. Each card is getting an annual fee increase. And if the combo of new perks and a higher fee sounds a lot like the recipe for hard-to-use, coupon-book-style credits, we\u2019re happy to report that\u2019s not the case with this card portfolio overhaul.<\/p>\n
Now, let\u2019s get into what\u2019s new (and what\u2019s on its way out) with Southwest\u2019s credit card lineup<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"Southwest](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\")
Credit: Reed Naliboff\/Unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card<\/span><\/h3>\n
The Southwest Plus Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>) has the lowest annual fee of any personal Rapid Rewards credit card, though these changes make it a bit heavier on the hip pocket. The annual fee is increasing from $69 to $99. Here\u2019s what\u2019s changing on the benefits side:<\/p>\n
- \n
- First checked bag free for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation. For a group of four, that\u2019s savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag each way<\/a>).<\/li>\n
- Earn 2X points on the first $5,000 in combined spending at gas stations and grocery stores each anniversary year. These are brand-new bonus categories.<\/li>\n
- Standard seat selection available within 48 hours of departure for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026).<\/li>\n
- Earlier boarding for the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, with access to Group 5.<\/li>\n
- One promotional code for a 10% discount on a flight each anniversary year (excluding Basic fares).<\/li>\n
- No foreign transaction fees<\/a>. Previously, you\u2019d pay 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As with all Southwest cards in this revamp, some bonus categories will be discontinued after December 31, 2025<\/strong>. These include 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, Southwest Cruises, local transit, commuting, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services.<\/p>\n
Cardmembers will also continue to have access to their two EarlyBird Check-Ins<\/a> for flights operating in 2025.<\/p>\n
Related: Southwest Airlines Checked Bag Fees: What You\u2019ll Pay \u2014 and How to Avoid Them<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Premier Credit Card<\/span><\/h3>\n
The string of changes to the Southwest Premier Card<\/a> will make it look and feel more like a true mid-tier airline credit card. Its annual fee is increasing to $149 (up from $99), and it now comes with these new benefits:<\/p>\n
- \n
- First checked bag free for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation.<\/li>\n
- Earn 2X points on the first $8,000 in combined spending at grocery stores and restaurants each anniversary year (then 1X). These are brand-new bonus categories.<\/li>\n
- Standard or Preferred seat selection available within 48 hours of departure for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026).<\/li>\n
- Earlier boarding for the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, with access to Group 5.<\/li>\n
- One promotional code for a 15% discount on a flight each anniversary year (excluding Basic fares).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Through December 31, 2025<\/strong>, you\u2019ll earn 3X on Southwest Cruises purchases and 2X on purchases with Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, plus on local transit, commuting, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services.<\/p>\n
Cardmembers will also continue to have access to their two EarlyBird Check-Ins<\/a> for flights operating in 2025.<\/p>\n
Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Priority Credit Card<\/span><\/h3>\n
Southwest\u2019s top-tier personal credit card is the Southwest Priority Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>), and while its new $229 annual fee (up from $149) doesn\u2019t quite rival other premium airline rewards cards<\/a>, it does come with several new benefits that can make your travels on the \u201cnew Southwest\u201d a bit more bearable.<\/p>\n
- \n
- First checked bag free for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation.<\/li>\n
- Earn 4X points on eligible Southwest Airlines purchases (previously 3X), and 2X points at gas stations and restaurants with no annual cap.<\/li>\n
- Standard or Preferred seat selection at booking, when available, for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026).<\/li>\n
- Unlimited upgrades to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours of departure, when available and at no additional charge, for the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.<\/li>\n
- Earlier boarding for the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, with access to Group 5.<\/li>\n
- Earn 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually. Previously, you could earn only 1,500 TQPs per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Through December 31, 2025<\/strong>, you\u2019ll earn 4X on Southwest Cruises purchases and 2X on purchases with Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, plus on local transit, commuting, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services.<\/p>\n
Upgraded Boardings<\/a> will still be available for flights operating in 2025.<\/p>\n
Credit: Karsten Winegeart\/Unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n Southwest\u00ae<\/sup> Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Premier Business Credit Card<\/span><\/h3>\n
For business owners who value extra perks when flying Southwest, the Southwest Premier Business Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>) has become a little more indispensable. The card\u2019s annual fee will increase from $99 to $149, but it now comes with these additional benefits:<\/p>\n
- \n
- First checked bag free for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation.<\/li>\n
- Earn 2X points on the first $8,000 in combined spending at gas stations and restaurants each anniversary year (then 1X). These are brand-new bonus categories.<\/li>\n
- Standard or Preferred seat selection available within 48 hours of departure for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026).<\/li>\n
- Earlier boarding for the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, with access to Group 5.<\/li>\n
- One promotional code for a 15% discount on a flight each anniversary year (excluding Basic fares).<\/li>\n
- Earn 2,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually. Previously, you could earn only 1,500 TQPs per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Through December 31, 2025<\/strong>, you\u2019ll earn 3X on Southwest Cruises purchases and 2X on purchases with Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, plus on local transit and commuting.<\/p>\n
Upgraded Boardings will still be available for flights operating in 2025.<\/p>\n
Southwest\u00ae<\/sup> Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Performance Business Credit Card<\/span><\/h3>\n
The cream of Southwest\u2019s business credit card crop is the Southwest Performance Business Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>). It underwent the most changes and saw the biggest annual fee increase. You\u2019ll now pay $299 per year, up from $199, to enjoy its existing benefits along with these new additions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- First checked bag free for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation.<\/li>\n
- Earn 2X points on spending at gas stations and restaurants with no annual cap, 2X points on all hotel purchases, and 2X points on local transit, rideshare, and commuting.<\/li>\n
- Standard or Preferred seat selection at booking, when available, for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026).<\/li>\n
- Unlimited upgrades to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours of departure, when available and at no additional charge, for the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.<\/li>\n
- Earlier boarding for the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, with access to Group 5.<\/li>\n
- Earn 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually. Previously, you could earn only 1,500 TQPs per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Through December 31, 2025<\/strong>, you\u2019ll earn 4X on Southwest Cruises purchases, 3X on purchases with Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, and 2X on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services.<\/p>\n
Upgraded Boardings will still be available for flights operating in 2025.<\/p>\n
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Business Credit Card<\/span><\/h3>\n
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Business Credit Card<\/strong> closed to new applicants a few years ago. Although it\u2019s not being reopened for new applications, it\u2019s getting some new benefits as well. If you still have this card, here are the new perks available on your account:<\/p>\n
- \n
- First checked bag free for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation.<\/li>\n
- Earn 2X points on the first $5,000 in combined spending at gas stations and restaurants each anniversary year. These are brand-new bonus categories.<\/li>\n
- Standard seat selection available within 48 hours of departure for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026).<\/li>\n
- Earlier boarding for the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, with access to Group 5.<\/li>\n
- One promotional code for a 10% discount on a flight each anniversary year (excluding Basic fares).<\/li>\n
- No foreign transaction fees. Previously, you\u2019d pay 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When These Changes Impact Current Southwest Credit Card Holders<\/span><\/h2>\n
There are a lot of Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders out there, and if you're one of them, you might be wondering if there's any runway before you can start using the new benefits. The answer is no.<\/p>\n
All benefits take effect on July 24, 2025 —<\/strong>\u00a0except for the seating perks, which begin July 29, 2025, and the boarding perks, which kick in January 27, 2026. These two are tied to operational changes that the airline isn't quite ready to roll out.<\/p>\n
- Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Premier Credit Card<\/a><\/li>
- Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card<\/a><\/li>
![\"Southwest](\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Southwest-Airlines-Featured-Reed-Naliboff-Unsplash.png\")
![\"Southwest](\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Southwest-Airlines-Interior-Featured-Karsten-Winegeart-Unsplash.png\")
![\"Southwest](\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Southwest-Airlines-Wing-Featured-Lukas-Souza-Unsplash.png\")