The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a cobranded airline credit card offered by Southwest Airlines. With a low annual fee of $69, this card is an affordable option for loyal Southwest customers. However, it lacks some of the perks offered by its higher-priced counterparts.
One of the standout features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is its welcome offer. New applicants can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. These points are valued at $1,050 according to TPG’s valuations, making it a great offer for those looking to earn rewards quickly.
Before applying for this card, it’s important to note two application rules. First, the Southwest Plus card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, which means that if you have opened five or more new credit card accounts in the past 24 months, you may not be approved for this card. Additionally, if you have any personal Southwest credit card or have earned a sign-up bonus on a personal Southwest card in the last 24 months, you won’t be eligible for the bonus on this card.
In terms of benefits, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card offers several perks in exchange for its annual fee. These include reimbursement for up to two EarlyBird check-ins every card anniversary, 3,000 bonus points each account anniversary year, and 25% back on inflight purchases of drinks and Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines flights. Additionally, the card provides roadside dispatch, extended warranty protection, travel accident insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and purchase protection.
When it comes to earning points, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card offers 2 points per dollar on Southwest flights and with Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners. This is a 3% return on spending. The card also earns 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting, internet, cable and phone services, and select streaming services, and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. It’s important to note that purchases made outside of the U.S. will incur a foreign transaction fee of 3%.
Redeeming points with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card is most valuable when used for Southwest flights. The number of points needed for a flight will vary based on the cash price of the ticket. Southwest offers four tiers of fares, ranging from the cheapest Wanna Get Away tickets to the more expensive Business Select option. Redemption values for gift cards, merchandise, hotel stays, rental cars, and travel experiences are generally lower.
When comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card to its competitors, such as the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, it’s important to consider the additional perks and benefits offered by these cards. If you are looking for more Southwest benefits with a modest fee, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card may be a better option. If you want the most perks and are willing to pay a higher annual fee, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a good choice. Alternatively, if you want more points that can be used with Southwest and in other ways, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is worth considering.
In conclusion, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a valuable option for loyal Southwest customers who are looking for an affordable credit card with a solid welcome offer and ongoing benefits. However, it’s important to compare it to other Southwest cards and general travel credit cards to determine which one best fits your needs and spending habits.