Predict Your Annual Spend In Bonus Categories
For flights paid for in cash , youll not only earn points by flying, but also by spending. When you use your Southwest credit card, youll earn bonus points on every Southwest purchase.
While most Southwest cards earn 3x on these purchases, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card earns 4x on Southwest purchases, as well as 3x on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners.
Being realistic about how much you fly Southwest can help you determine whether the card will be worth it for you.
Why Capital One Venture X Stands Out
This top-of-the-line travel rewards card offers extensive perks and benefits that you can use with virtually any airlines. You can also transfer points to other travel partners.
You can redeem your rewards when you make online purchases at PayPal. The Capital One online shopping tolls can help you ensure youre getting the lowest prices on all your purchases by automatically applying coupon codes at checkout.
How Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards Work
When you apply for a Southwest credit card, your card will be attached to your Southwest Rapid Rewards loyalty number. If you don’t already have one, a new member number will be created for you.
You’ll earn a welcome bonus if you meet the minimum spending requirements as a new cardholder. All of your purchases will earn points as well. Depending on which card you applied for, you’ll receive more points for spending in certain categories, like dining or Southwest purchases.
All of the points you earn with your Southwest credit card are redeemable for any seat on any Southwest flight.
Each Southwest Rapid Rewards point is worth about 1.4 cents on average, according to NerdWallets most recent valuations. The number of points required to book a flight depends on the cash price of the flight and which ticket type you buy . Taxes and fees are extra and must be paid in cash.
Southwest points never expire as long as your loyalty account remains open. If you close your credit card, all points already transferred to Southwest are yours to keep.
» Learn more:How does a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card work
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Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Overview
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is an ideal choice for Southwest flyers looking for an entry-level Southwest Airlines credit card. Although it comes with fewer perks than Southwests higher-tier airline credit cards, it also charges a lower annual fee and carries the same solid welcome bonus. And while youll have to put up a $69 annual fee, the cards annual benefits can easily cover the cost.
That said, frequent Southwest flyers on the hunt for better perks may be happier paying a higher annual fee and getting more perks with a higher-tier Southwest card or opting for a premium general-purpose travel credit card that offers both more perks and rewards flexibility.
What Is The Easiest Gas Credit Card To Get
Here are some of the best easy approval gas credit cards: Discover it® Secured Credit Card: $0 annual fee. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit: Annual fee of $75 intro 1st yr, $99 after. Walmart® Store Card: $0 annual fee. Shell Gas Card: $0 annual fee. Chevron and Texaco Gas Card: $0 annual fee.
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Southwest Priority Card Review: Pay More Get More
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Different Southwest Credit Cards
There are three personal and two small business credit cards to choose from. Each one has a different annual fee and benefit tiers. The options can feel perplexing as only Delta Air Lines seems to have more options.
Here are the personal and business cards you should consider first.
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Airline Reward Credit Cards
If you have a credit score in the 600s, airlines reward credit cards are your best bet. Some of the elite cards still require good or excellent credit, but, others have an average credit score in the 600 range.
Airline credit cards often require a lower credit score.
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Required Credit Score: Fair to Excellent Average Credit Score: 670Typical Low Score: 607
Either of the Southwest credit cards is a great option if you have a credit score in the 600s. For a limited tim you can earn a sign-up bonus of up to 60,000 Rapid Rewards points and earn 2 miles per $1 on Southwest and travel partner purchases. Each year, you can also earn a 6,000 point anniversary bonus with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier and a 3,000 point bonus with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card. And, all the purchase rewards points earned count for the annual Southwest Companion Pass as well!
United MileagePlus Explorer
Required Credit Score: Good or Excellent Average Credit Score: 714Typical Low Score: 633
The United Mileage Plus Explorer Card from Chase is another good option. With domestic reward fares starting at 10,000 miles, United has respectable award ticket prices and many destination options. Plus they are a 1:1 travel partner with the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Several of the card benefits include 2 miles per $1 on United purchases, first bag is checked free, priority boarding, and two one-time passes to the United Explorer lounge every year.
Should You Get The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
If you travel frequently with Southwest, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card could earn you a pile of valuable rewards and save you some serious money. And its perks, while not as fancy as those found on other travel cards, can still make up for its annual fee.
But if you’re not devoted to the airline or you have multiple options when it comes to flying, other co-branded airline credit cards can offer richer ongoing rewards structures, better perks and cheaper annual fees.
And if you’re seeking more rewards flexibility, you’re better off with a general travel credit card that offers more freedom in how and where you redeem your points.
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Are Airline Credit Cards Hard To Get
In general, co-brand airline credit cards are some of the easiest credit cards to get. For most cards, you need a credit score in the mid 600s, but 670 or above is best. Even if your score is only above 600 but not quite 670, you still have good approval odds for cards that dont have an annual fee.
How To Maximize Your Rewards
You can increase your return on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Visa credit card in multiple ways. To do that, you need to spend $1,000, on any purchases, within the first three months after account approval. That earns you 50,000 points, worth $750 when used to buy flights.
Also, to take advantage of the airline’s frequent fare sales, be sure to sign up for Southwest’s mailing list to get notifications when it runs fare deals. To start receiving emails, click on “Special Offers” at the top of any page on the airline’s website and click the “Sign me up” button.
If you didn’t book your ticket during a fare sale, no problem. Southwest offers free cancellations on award tickets, so check now and then to see if the price has dropped. If it has, you simply cancel your flight and book it again to save the difference.
Another way to earn points with the card is to refer your friends and family members. You’ll receive 20,000 bonus points for each friend or business you refer that applies and gets approved for a qualifying Southwest credit card. You can earn up to 100,000 points each year through referrals.
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What Is The Credit Score Needed To Apply For Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Want to apply for a new travel rewards credit card but not sure if your credit score is high enough? As long as you have good or excellent credit, you will most likely qualify for standard travel credit cards. Even if you have a fair credit score in the 600s, you can still qualify for many cards. Let’s find out the credit score needed to apply for travel rewards credit cards.
Before we take a look at the various travel rewards credit cards, let’s first clarify the difference between fair, good, and excellent credit below.
- Fair Credit: 600-699
- Good Credit: 700-799
- Excellent Credit: 800+
As you will find out, many travel rewards cards require good or excellent credit. Although you can still qualify for many cards if your score is at least 650 and have a sound credit history. Even if you have a score in the 600s, you can still qualify for several rewards card, especially airline rewards credit cards.
Here are the factors that make up your credit score.
Bonuses & Rewards Explained
There is no cap in earning points. Points accumulated on the card have no expiration. With Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, you can earn an equivalent of 2 points for purchases made from Southwest Airlines and Southwest Airlines partners. Earn 1 point for every dollar spent on other merchants.
Earn points
You can earn points by flying Southwest Airlines, through the airlines shopping portal and dining program.
Straightforward rewards redemption program
Points can be exchanged for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, access to exclusive events and merchandise.
Different ways to earn bonus points
This includes the welcome offer of 40,000 points for $1,000 in purchases in the first three months, 3,000 bonus points after a year, 3x points on dining in the first year.
Accumulate 125,000 points for the ultimate perk
All accumulated points count towards the Companion Pass, which allows cardholders to bring a companion on their next trip for free, except for taxes and other boarding fees.
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Southwest Business Credit Cards
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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card : Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card : Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. You’ll also earn a 9,000-point bonus each year on your card anniversary.
Knowing which card is right for you takes a little digging. Consider which card has benefits that meet your needs, if that card fits your budget, and if redeeming its perks feels manageable.
» Learn more: Which Southwest credit card should I choose?
Pros & Cons Explained
Before you apply for a Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, take a good look at whether the pros outweigh the cons to determine if this is the best card that allows you to earn the most points for the greatest benefits.
Pros
- Description
- Lowest Annual Fee for basic reward benefitsWhile we rate Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus as having an average annual fee, it charges the lowest fee with the same basic benefits as other co-branded Chase and Southwest credit cards.
- Earn unlimited points with no expirationEach dollar spent has an equivalent point. Points have equivalent value convertible to discounts on flights to more than 90 destinations, hotel stays or car rentals. You can even get gift cards and merchandise. Get maximum points as long as you purchase these products and services through the Rapid Rewards shopping portal.
- Additional travel perksAside from the two free checked bags, youll be able to get reimbursed up to $3,000 in case there is any luggage lost or damaged by the carrier. In case of flight delays, the Baggage Delay Insurance perk insures $100 per day, up to 3 days.
Cons
When youre on the lookout for your first or a new credit card, know that there are different types of credit cards that work for specific needs. While the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus has great travel benefits, you might want to check out our list of the best travel credit cards to see the top options.
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Try For The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Instead
If your score is near or above 670, you can also consider trying for the mid-tier Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card. This card has a $99 annual fee and has a 6,000-point anniversary bonus. The other card benefits are similar to the Plus card. You will need to decide if the extra 3,000 points are worth the additional $30 fee.
One data point for the Premier from November 2019 states an application was approved with a 660 credit score. Their initial card limit was $9,500.
How Does Lendingtree Get Paid
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LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site . LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
- Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- MORE REWARDS: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 1X is earned for other purchases. **
- **4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
- AIRLINE BONUS: Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*
- PAY OVER TIME OPTION: Decide whether you want to pay eligible purchases in full each monthor pay over time with interest.*
- *Terms Apply
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Ihg Rewards Club Premier Card: 670+ Credit Score Needed
The Intercontinental Hotels Group partners with Chase to bring you the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card, where you earn rewards at more than a dozen different hotel chains. Approval appears to require a minimum credit score of 670.
- Earn 10 points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels and Resorts
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- $89 annual fee
Cardholders will also receive one free night on their account anniversary each year and a fourth night free when points are redeemed for a stay of four or more nights, among other elite perks.
How Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Compares To Other Cards
Out of the three co-branded Chase and Southwest Airlines personal credit cards, the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus has the cheapest annual fee. However, if youre looking to make purchases overseas, its higher-end counterparts, the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier and Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority may be better options. These two are especially great when youre looking to get on priority boardings.
In-Depth Credit Card Comparisons:
- Welcome Offer: 20,000 bonus miles after a $500 purchase on the first three months
- Rewards Rate: 1.25 Miles per $1
- 15.49% to 25.49%
- 0% for new purchases on the first 12 months
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Best For: People who want a travel rewards cards that has no annual and foreign transaction fees
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Southwest Airlines Credit Card Eligibility Explained
- Ben Schlappig
Chase and Southwest have five co-branded credit cards, and it can be tough to keep track of the eligibility requirements of these cards. At the moment all five cards are offering excellent bonuses the personal cards have a solid standard offer, while the business cards consistently have excellent bonuses. So I wanted to cover the basics of what you need to know if youre looking to get approved for these cards.
In this post:
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What Is The Best Southwest Credit Card
There are three personal and two small business versions of the Southwest Airlines credit card.
The best personal option is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card. This card has a $149 annual fee which can seem expensive at first. However, this card has these valuable perks:
- $75 annual Southwest travel credit
- 4 Upgraded Bookings per year
- 7,500 bonus Rapid Rewards on each card anniversary
- No foreign transaction fee
- 25% back on inflight purchases
As this is the flagship Southwest credit card, it has a few more perks than the other personal credit cards.
Cardholders earn unlimited:
- 3x points on Southwest® purchases
- 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshares
- 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming purchases
New Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.