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Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card card art
Chase · southwest

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

3.9 / 5
Southwest Rapid Rewards points · Personal card

The entry Southwest card got more valuable when bags stopped being free. If you fly Southwest twice a year with a checked bag, the math works.

At a glance

Issuer terms
Welcome bonus
80,000 points
Spend $1,000 in 3 months
Annual fee
$99
Year-one and ongoing
Purchase APR
See terms
No intro APR
FX fee
None
Rates accurate as of
Editorial

Our take

The entry Southwest card got more valuable when bags stopped being free. If you fly Southwest twice a year with a checked bag, the math works.

Verdict

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Free checked bag benefit
  • Group 5 boarding
  • No more foreign transaction fee

Cons

  • 1x outside small bonus categories
  • $99 fee on an entry card
Earnings

Earn rates

CategoryRateNotes
Southwest purchases2x points
Gas stations2x pointsCombined with grocery stores, on the first $5,000 per year.·cap $5,000
Groceries2x pointsCombined with gas stations, on the first $5,000 per year.·cap $5,000
All other purchases1x points
Benefits

Key benefits

Free first checked bag

For you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation, now that Southwest charges for bags.

3,000 anniversary points

Plus a 10,000-point Companion Pass qualifying boost each year.

Fit

Who this is best for

  • Occasional Southwest flyers who check bags
  • Companion Pass chasers starting out
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the Southwest Plus welcome bonus?
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Does the Southwest Plus charge an annual fee?
Yes. The annual fee is $99 every year.
Does the Southwest Plus have a foreign transaction fee?
No. The Southwest Plus charges no foreign transaction fee, so it works well for international purchases.
What APR does the Southwest Plus charge?
The purchase APR is See terms variable.
Who is the Southwest Plus best for?
Occasional Southwest flyers who check bags. Companion Pass chasers starting out.
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Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

Spend $1,000 in 3 months

Rates accurate as of June 10, 2026. Issuer terms.