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The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (Rates & Fees) is one of three personal Southwest credit cards offered by Chase. Despite charging the lowest annual fee in the Southwest lineup, the card occasionally offers a sign-up bonus comparable to that of more expensive options.
Currently, cardholders of the Southwest Plus Card can earn Southwest points, in addition to bonus points each account anniversary, in-flight purchase discounts, and no foreign transaction fees.
While the cards keep costs low, it lacks some of the richer perks found on higher-tier Southwest cards — such as anniversary tier-qualifying points boosts — so it’s smart to compare features before applying.
Let's take a closer look at the Southwest Plus Card to help you determine if it is the right fit for you.
- 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 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases
- Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost.
- Select a Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Member FDIC
- 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases
- 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Page Contents
Southwest Plus Card Pros
- Receive 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year.
- Get 3,000 anniversary points each year.
- 25% back on in-flight purchases, including Wi-Fi.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Southwest Plus Card Cons
- $99 annual fee.
- Only 1X base earning rate.
- It's the only Southwest card that doesn't earn Tier Qualifying Points toward elite status through credit card spending.
Southwest Plus Card Welcome Offer
New Southwest Plus Card applicants can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Southwest redemptions roughly equate to the cash cost of the flight — typically between 1.25 and 1.54 cents per point. AwardWallet users are pretty savvy, typically redeeming Rapid Rewards points for 1.52¢ apiece.
Based on the average redemption, the points from Southwest Plus Card‘s welcome offer are worth around $760 toward travel on Southwest.
Historically, Southwest credit card offers that bundle points with a Companion Pass tend to appear only once a year, making it smart to jump on them while they’re available. They provide a rare opportunity to fast-track your way to this coveted travel benefit.
Southwest Plus Card Benefits
Cardholders enjoy a coveted suite of benefits, including:
Companion Pass Boost
If you plan to earn Southwest's iconic Companion Pass, the Southwest Plus Card can help you get there. Just for carrying the card, you'll gain 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year. These points are deposited into your account up to 30 days after opening your account — and by January 31st of each calendar year thereafter.
3,000 bonus points each year
The Southwest Plus Card offers 3,000 bonus Rapid Rewards points each year you keep your card and pay the annual fee. Based on AwardWallet user redemptions, these points are worth about $45 — covering a good chunk of the card's annual fee. And, yes, that's enough for a free flight on select routes during Southwest fare sales.
25% discount on in-flight purchases
If you use your Southwest Plus Card to pay for in-flight Southwest Airlines purchases, you'll get 25% back as a statement credit. Note that this doesn't apply to other Southwest purchases like airfare, EarlyBird Check-In, or excess luggage.
10% Flight Discount
In addition to a inflight discount, cardmembers can also get a a 10% promo code each year on your cardmember anniversary (note that this code excludes basic fare). Higher-tier cards might have larger promo codes (e.g., 15%), but this benefit is still one of the advantages of the Southwest Plus.
Priority Boarding
While it doesn't offer a vast array of upgrade boarding benefits, the Southwest Plus Card offers earlier boarding for the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation, with access to Group 5.
Seat Selection Benefits
Select a Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation. When available, this benefit is valued, on average, at $50 round trip.
First Free Checked Bag
First checked bag free is also available for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation at no additional cost, a save up of at least $70 round trip.
Purchase and travel protections
Using your Southwest Plus Card for purchases can give you extra security through the following benefits:
- Lost luggage reimbursement: Up to $3,000 per passenger when luggage is lost or damaged by the carrier.
- Baggage delay insurance: Up to $100 per day for up to three days when purchasing essentials while waiting for bags that are delayed by 6+ hours.
- Extended warranty protection: Adds a year to a U.S. manufacturer's warranty of three years or less.
- Purchase protection: Covers eligible new purchases for 120 days from the date of purchase against damage or theft up to $500 per item.
Southwest Plus Card Earning Rates
The Southwest Plus Card‘s earning structure breaks down as follows:
- 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases
- 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases
One of the downsides of the Southwest Plus Card is that you can't earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) toward A-List or A-List Preferred status through spending on this card, despite the ability to do so with other Southwest credit cards.
Despite these increased earning rates, there may be better ways to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points.
For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards Points transfer to Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. This means you could earn the equivalent of 4x Rapid Rewards points on flights booked directly with partner airlines (including Southwest). Even better, you can earn up to 8x points on travel by booking it through the Chase Travel℠ portal.
Then, you could transfer those Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest for future award redemptions. Plus, you have the flexibility to transfer your points to all of Chase's 14 transfer partners, including United Airlines, Air Canada, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and more.
The downside: Points transferred to Rapid Rewards from other programs do not count towards the Companion Pass. That means it can still make sense to get the Southwest Plus Card when chasing the Companion Pass — or if you want the 25% discount on in-flight purchases, anniversary bonus points, and the card's other unique perks.
Application Restrictions and Strategy
As with all of Chase’s Southwest cards, the Southwest Plus Card is subject to Chase's 5/24 policy. This policy generally prevents new cardholders from getting a new Chase card if they've opened five or more credit card accounts (based on what's visible on your credit report) in the previous 24 months.
Also, you're ineligible for the welcome offer if you currently have another personal Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card. Additionally, you aren't eligible for this sign-up bonus if you have received a new card bonus on a Southwest card within the past 24 months.
“The product is not available to either (i) current Cardmembers of any Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card, or (ii) previous Cardmembers of any Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card who received a new Cardmember bonus within the last 24 months. This does not apply to Cardmembers of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Card and Employee Credit Card products.”
Luckily, this restriction doesn't apply if you have one of the small business Southwest cards, as small business credit cards typically don't show up on a personal credit report.
Another rule to note: Chase doesn't generally approve applicants for more than two credit cards in a 30-day period.
Related: Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions
Cards That Compete With the Southwest Plus Card
Unsure if the Southwest Plus Card is right for you? Here are three more options to consider:
- If you're a more frequent flyer of Southwest, consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card. It has a $149 annual fee but provides 6,000 anniversary bonus points, TQPs toward A-List and A-List Preferred through credit card spending. Plus, you'll still enjoy 25% back on in-flight purchases and 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in your account each year as a cardholder.
- If you want to max out your perks on Southwest, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (Rates & Fees) is the top choice. This card has a $229 annual fee, but those who can use the benefits may find the card is essentially paying them to hold it year after year. You'll get 7,500 anniversary bonus points, 4X points on Southwest purchases, a 25% in-flight purchase discount, and earn TQPs from spending.
- If you want points you can use with Southwest and other travel programs, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees) is a solid option. It levies a $95 annual fee but offers great bonus category spending and 5X when booking travel through Chase Travel. We consider this card to be the best beginner's travel rewards card.
$149
- 3X points per $1 spent on all Southwest® purchases
- 2X points per $1 spent at grocery stores and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases
$229Rates & Fees
- 4X points per $1 spent on all Southwest® purchases
- 2X points per $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants
- 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases
$95Rates & Fees
- 5X points on Lyft rides through September 2027
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide
- 3X points on eligible streaming services
- 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 2X points on all other travel
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Bottom Line
The Southwest Plus Card is a great entry-level card for the infrequent Southwest flyer. While it won't help you earn your way toward A-List status, you'll get several built-in travel protections, anniversary bonus points, and a discount on in-flight purchases to stay connected in the air. But if you're a more frequent Southwest flyer and value earning Tier Qualifying Points toward elite status, you might find more value in another Southwest Rapid Rewards card that carries a higher annual fee.
- 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 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases
- Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost.
- Select a Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Member FDIC
- 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases
- 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (Rates & Fees), and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees)
I’ve had the SW card which I cancelled early 2018. My husband had SW in 15/16. We are looking to get the SW with the companion pass offer, but my question is if it is in my husbands name does he have to be the traveler and I would be the companion or can I as a card holder on his account be the main traveler and my sister be the companion pass holder? Just working thru the wording in the details.
No. If he receives the Companion Pass via SW card signup it is in his name and he nominates the companion.
A quick question regarding the Southwest Companion pass and when the points will post to my Southwest account. SW branded cards bonus points are currently at 60,000 points right now, and the bonus expires on 10/4/17 . I would like to have the points hit my Southwest account January 2018 so that I have get the companion pass for Jan 2018 through Dec 2019.
If I applied for two Southwest cards (either both personal or one personal and one business) on 10/3/17 which in 90 days from that date would be 1/1/18. My statements would end 11/3/17, 12/3/17 and 1/3/18. If I made sure to meet the minimum spend in the statement beginning 12/4/17 and before 1/1/18 those points that I would earn from the spend during that statement as well as the bonus for hitting the minimum spend requirements would post to my account on or after 1/3/18 which I think would be the statement close date.
Is that correct?
Thank you for your help
As long as your statements close on those dates and you meet the spend in those timelines, yes, that is correct.
I would definitely not recommend getting this card, they falsely promised the 60k reward points when you spend $2,000 in three months on the offer i signed up for. I spent the required amount of money and then when i did not receive the points and called to ask what happened they tell me “oh there was two offers at that time one for the 50k points and one for 10k points for spending $500 and you must have selected the wrong ad when you signed up.” First off there was no “option to choose an offer” and if there was why would i have selected the one for less!? They then tell me since 90 days have past since i signed up they cannot change it…..of course 90 days have past the time frame for spending was three billing cycles. I would have not know anything was incorrect before 90 days because i had to wait that long for the offer. I have emailed and called customer service and they refuse to do anything about it. I really like the points for spending and the amount of rewards points compared to what you flights you can redeem for but this whole thing has put such a sour taste in my mouth i will be closing this card after i pay it off and collect on flights for the points that i do have. Completely false advertising and terrible customer service. Pretty much they have my money now, they are going to collect their interest on it, and they don’t care if they lost a customer.
Ashley, I’d highly recommend you reach out to Chase and ask to speak to a member of the customer service management team. If you met the spend requirement of an offer that was otherwise publicly available I think you stand a reasonable chance to have something honored.
If it means writing a letter to Chase’s Executive Office to state your case, I’d highly recommend doing that. Don’t let the frustration of an experience with a customer service over the phone/email stop you. If over the phone you can’t make progress, simply ask for proper contact information for their Executive Offices (I’ve seen the email executive.office@chase.com float around).
Your experience has nothing to do specifically with this card, but rather a technology issue on your side, Chase’s side or a combination of both, tied with a frustrating customer service experience — don’t take it out on a great 60k offer.
Good luck and I hope you get the points you expect!
Howie,
I have reached out via phone, via email, and via their in website messaging system, all to no avail. I have yet to write a letter or email to the executive office so thank you for that info which I will try but to be honest I do not have high hopes at all. I think that it could be a great card and a great rewards program if they didn’t pull bait and switch advertising. I will update here if I am ever able to get a resolution.
Ashley, just be sure to take a step back with a clear head before you write anything.
At the same time keep in mind the person receiving your letter is likely to have a healthy amount of skepticism — heck, my gut reaction to reading your response was “well, she probably clicked something” — but that is because I am a cynic with just about everything in life.
State your case, the facts, and what you’re looking for. You’ll get further with sugar/honey all day, every day. Good luck!!!
I am going round and arohnd with the same issue. Have moved cross country but when I find my ad from signing up they and southwest fordoing business with Chase will be hearing from me till they fix it.
Living in a southwest hub makes this a needed card, great bonus, best ticket and bag policy, and now flights to mexico and Caribbean.
I wish they offered a credit card with no annual fee, instead of the initial 50,000 points. Some airline cards waive the annual fee for the first year.
If I had someone else open up a rapid rewards card and earn the 50k miles would it be possible to transfer them to my account and would they count towards the 110K that gives you the buddy pass?
Lev, this is not possible.
Sadly Chase enforces 5/24 on WN CCs.
Unless you’re looking for last minute points towards qualifying for the Companion Pass, I see no reason to get the Plus card vs. the Premier card. The extra $30 in annual fees is made up for by the extra anniversary points and, perhaps more importantly depending on your situation, the lack of foreign transaction fees.
Excellent points (no pun intented) Robert.
Def valuable towards companion pass. My experience with SWA is if your not near a hub it is like a greyhound bus with too many stops.
Should have mentioned 5/24 here! It’s one of the limited cards.
darn that Chase 5/24 rule!
It must be interesting for Southwest frequent flyers otherwise I think it’s better a programme like membership rewards which allows more flexibility on redemption of points.
I assume this is subject to Chase 5/24 rule?
Yes, it is.
Is the Plus Card even publicly available anymore? I never see it on Chase’s website directly anymore, just the Premier. For people with any of the other SWA cards, you could always product change to this Plus card though.
It is indeed available — the links in this post are live.
Have to admit, I’ve always overlooked SWA in favor of the legacy carriers, so it’s good to be reminded that the card/program do offer some excellent value.
Plus Southwest tends to be pretty competitive in prices for domestic flights with legacy carriers
Is this card subject to the 5/24 rule?
Yes, it is.
My husband and I moved to PHX recently from FL and it’s time we considered flying Southwest and personally experience their product. The low minimum spend on this offer has a certain appeal and it may just be time to apply.
Good catch on the time sensitive nature of the companion pass. I had missed that the first time around, and was looking at the card/hotel point option.
does anyone know if this card is subject to the 5/24 rule with Chase?
It is.
What is the 5/24 rule?
For some card products, Chase will take into consideration the amount of new credit card products that show up on your credit report. The magic number appears to be 5 or more new accounts within the past 24 months could be a reason for not being approved for a card. More details here: https://awardwallet.com/credit-cards/chase-5-24-rule/
Argh anothing Visa! lol! I’m looking for a Mastercard with no annual fee that would benefit traveling. I have so many Visas. I’ve been looking around but nothing has popped yet.
This does look interesting. However, I hate, hate that Southwest only leaves from Dallas Love Field. I hate driving downtown and I know I could get a taxi, etc but ugh still. I want to fly them just to see what it’s all about though. That DAL just gets me everytime. I like going out of the international airport. Maybe I’ll have to look into another trip rather than one that starts in Dallas.
Normally do their miles expire every year or as long as I have activity they stay? Sorry! Couldn’t find it on their website…possibly user error but do I really want to admit that? lol! ;o)
There’s the Upromise Mastercard offering some bonus cash back on dining and travel, but not as comprehensive as an airline card.