In the world of travel credit cards, it’s common to encounter high rewards paired with hefty annual fees. But the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card presents a more accessible alternative for those who frequently fly Southwest Airlines. With a modest $69 annual fee, this card strikes a balance between affordability and valuable perks, making it appealing for casual travelers. Let’s delve into the card’s features, benefits, and explore whether it aligns with your travel aspirations and budget.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is the entry-level option in Southwest’s lineup of personal credit cards. It offers a competitive welcome bonus of 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. Based on The Points Guy’s September 2024 valuation, this bonus is worth approximately $1,190, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious flyers seeking to maximize their travel rewards.
Despite its lower annual fee, the card comes equipped with solid perks, including baggage delay insurance, car rental waivers, and reimbursement for two EarlyBird check-ins annually. These features provide peace of mind and convenience for travelers, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable journey.
For Southwest loyalists, this card acts as a gateway to accumulating additional Rapid Rewards points, bringing you closer to earning the coveted Southwest Companion Pass. This coveted perk allows you to bring a companion along on your Southwest flights for free, making it a significant benefit for frequent travelers. To earn the Companion Pass, you need to accumulate 135,000 points within a calendar year. The Southwest Plus card can help you reach this goal faster.
Earning Points with the Southwest Plus Card
With the Southwest Plus card, you can earn:
*
2 points per $1 spent
on Southwest Airlines purchases*
1 point per $1 spent
on all other eligible purchasesWhile these earning rates are competitive for a co-branded card, the 2-point-per-dollar rate on Southwest purchases is less rewarding compared to the 3 points per dollar offered by the more premium Southwest cards. To maximize the value of your points, redeem them for Southwest flights.
Redeeming Your Points
The Rapid Rewards program uses a dynamic pricing model, meaning the number of points required for a flight fluctuates based on the cash price of the ticket. This approach ensures flexibility, as there are no blackout dates, but it also means the value of your points can vary based on demand. Generally, Southwest’s point system values 1 point at approximately 1.4 cents, translating to 10,000 points being worth $140 towards a flight.
Other redemption options include hotel stays, rental cars, and gift cards, but these alternatives often offer less value than using points for flights. It’s generally recommended to prioritize using your points for flights to maximize their worth.
Additional Perks
Beyond the welcome bonus and point-earning potential, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card offers additional benefits that enhance its overall value:
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Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit
: The card provides a statement credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. This perk saves you money and streamlines your airport experience.*
Primary rental car insurance
: When you use the card to pay for a rental car, you’re covered with primary insurance, eliminating the need for additional coverage from the rental company.These added perks can make a significant difference for frequent travelers, providing peace of mind and extra protection during your travels.
Comparing to Higher-Tier Options
While the Southwest Plus card is the most affordable option in Southwest’s lineup, travelers seeking more robust benefits might consider the Southwest Premier or Priority cards. These cards offer higher earning rates, more travel protections, and additional perks like airport lounge access. However, they come with higher annual fees.
For travelers seeking even greater flexibility with their rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card presents a compelling alternative. This card allows you to transfer points to Southwest and other airlines, offers broader travel protections, and has no foreign transaction fees.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is an excellent choice for casual Southwest flyers seeking to earn rewards and benefits without committing to a high annual fee. While it lacks the premium features of its higher-tier siblings, it offers solid value for its cost, especially when you leverage the sign-up bonus and annual perks like EarlyBird check-ins and baggage delay insurance. However, if you are a frequent Southwest traveler or someone who prioritizes maximizing points on Southwest purchases, one of the more premium Southwest cards might offer better long-term value. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card delivers good value for its $69 annual fee, making it an accessible option for Southwest fans. While it may not have the highest earning rates or perks, it compensates with a sizable welcome bonus and useful benefits for domestic travelers. If you are loyal to Southwest and fly occasionally, this card is worth considering for its affordability and rewards potential.
