Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Review

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a generous limited-time welcome bonus and 3X points on all Southwest® purchases, helping you rack up points for free flights faster. Elevate your travel experience with exclusive perks like 2 early bird check-ins per year and 25% back on in-flight purchases. Plus, earn tier qualifying points with no limit and get to coveted A-List status 2X faster. Enjoy 1X points on all other purchases. The $99 annual fee if it aligns with your spending habits and travel frequency.

Quick Highlights

3X points on all Southwest purchases (flights, inflight, etc.)
2X points on local transit & commuting (including rideshare!)
2X points on internet, cable, phone, & select streaming services.
1x points on all other purchases.
Six thousand bonus points every year on your card anniversary.
Skip the lines: Enjoy 2 Early Bird Check-Ins annually.
Treat yourself on flights: Get 25% back on inflight purchases.
Travel internationally fee-free: no foreign transaction fees.
Member FDIC for added security.
A $99 annual fee applies. Consider if it aligns with your spending and travel habits.
Points are best redeemed for Southwest travel and may not be ideal for general expenditures.

Rewards and Benefits

Rewards

3X points: Earn on all Southwest® purchases (flights, inflight, Southwest Vacations packages, etc.)
2X points: Earn on local transit and commuting, including rideshares.
2X points: Earn on the internet, cable, phone, and select streaming services.
1x points on all other purchases.
Six thousand anniversary points: Get a bonus on your card anniversary each year.
Enjoy 1X points each year.

Redeeming Points

Redeem for Southwest flights: Use your points for free flights with no blackout dates.
Transfer to Rapid Rewards partners: Use points for hotels, car rentals, and more.

Benefits

Companion Pass®: Earn the Companion Pass® and bring a friend for free on most flights (limited-time offer).
2 Early Bird Check-In per year: Board earlier and secure overhead bin space.
25% back on inflight purchases: Treat yourself to drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi on board.
No foreign transaction fees: travel internationally without hidden costs.
Annual Bonus Bonanza: Get a generous 6,000 points every year on your card anniversary, giving your points balance a welcome boost.
Early Bird Gets the Overhead Bin: Enjoy 2 Early Bird Check-Ins each year, allowing you to board before the crowd and snag that coveted overhead bin space.
Fast Track to A-List: Earn unlimited tier-qualifying points (TQPs) with every purchase, racking up 1,500 points for every $10,000 spent. This means reaching coveted A-List or A-List Preferred status twice as fast, unlocking valuable perks like priority boarding and waived checked bag fees.
Member FDIC: Enjoy added security and peace of mind.

Other Benefits

No foreign transaction fees: Say goodbye to hidden costs when you use your card abroad.
Auto rental collision damage waiver: Relax knowing theft or damage is covered (secondary to your insurance).
Baggage delay and loss insurance: Get reimbursed for unexpected clothing and toiletry expenses or lost luggage.
Roadside dispatch: Get help with towing, flat tires, and other roadside emergencies.
Travel accident insurance: Receive up to $500,000 coverage for covered accidents while traveling.
Travel and emergency assistance: Access medical and emergency professionals worldwide.
Extended warranty: Double the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases (up to 3 years).
Purchase protection: Get reimbursed for damaged or stolen items (up to $500 per claim, $50,000 per year).

Rate and Fee

Regular APR (variable): – 28.49% (based on your creditworthiness).
Intro Purchase APR: N/A
Intro Balance APR: N/A

Other Fees

Annually Fee: 99$
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of every transfer
Cash Advance Fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction
Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.
Returned Payment Fee: Up to
Foreign Transaction Fee: N/A

Rewards Redemption

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card allows you to redeem your points in several ways, making it flexible for different travel preferences:

Redemption for Southwest Travel

Southwest Flights: This is the most straightforward option. Use your points for free flights on any Southwest flight without blackout dates or seat restrictions. Redeem online, through the app, or by phone.
Southwest Vacations Packages: Book entire vacation packages, including flights, hotels, and activities, using a combination of cash and points.
Rapid Rewards Partners: Transfer your points to airline partners and hotel chains for flights and stays beyond Southwest’s network.

Other Redemption Options

Merchandise and Gift Cards: Redeem points for various merchandise and gift cards from popular brands.
Statement Credits: Use your points to offset travel-related purchases made on your card.
Donations: Contribute your points to charitable organizations.

Important Points to Remember

Points have no expiration date.
This value of your points can vary depending on the redemption method. Generally, Southwest flights offer the best point value.
Award fees and taxes may apply to certain redemptions, even with free flights.

For Students

Limited Benefits for Students: The card’s perks are geared more towards frequent travelers who spend heavily on Southwest flights and other travel expenses. Students may only utilize some of the benefits to justify the annual fee.
Alternative Options for Students: Several student-specific credit cards are available with lower fees, rewards programs tailored to student spending habits, and benefits like purchase protection and extended warranties.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, you must meet the following criteria:

Basic Eligibility

Be 18 years or older.
Have a valid US address and Social Security number.
Be a US citizen or permanent resident.

Minimum Credit Score

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card typically requires good or excellent credit (670-850 (Good to Excellent)). However, specific requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Application and Approval Process

Visit the official application page: The application form is directly on the Chase.
Review the eligibility criteria and card details: Ensure you meet the credit score and income requirements before applying. Carefully review the annual fee, interest rates, and other terms and conditions to make an informed decision.
Gather required information: Make your personal, income, and employment information readily available for application.
Please submit your application: Carefully review your application before submitting it. You will receive a decision within a few minutes.

Required Information

To apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, you’ll need to provide the following information:

Personal Information

Full name
Date of birth
Social Security number
Contact information (address, phone number, email)

Financial Information

Employment information (employer, income, years of employment)
Housing information (rent/mortgage payment)
Other sources of income (if any)

Additional Information

Driver’s license number or other valid government-issued ID
Citizenship and residency status
Desired credit limit (optional)

How to Apply

Visit the official application page: You can find the application form directly on the Southwest Airlines website: West Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Review eligibility and card details: Before applying, make sure you meet the credit score and income requirements mentioned on the website. It’s crucial to understand the annual fee, interest rates, and other terms and conditions associated with the card.
Gather required information: Be prepared with your personal information, income details, and employment information for the application process.
Submit your application: Carefully review all information before submitting the application. You will typically receive a decision within a few minutes.

Customer Service

1-800-792-0001 (available 24/7)

Official Website: Chase

Conclusion

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a compelling mix of benefits for frequent Southwest Airlines® flyers who value earning points quickly and enjoying exclusive travel perks. However, the $99 annual fee and specific benefits require careful consideration before applying. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card sits comfortably in the middle of the pack, offering a sweet spot between value and affordability for frequent Southwest flyers.

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What are the credit score requirements?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card does not publicly disclose specific credit score requirements. However, based on general reports and industry standards, you’ll likely need good or excellent credit, which typically translates to a score of 670 or above. Some data points even suggest you might need a score closer to 740 (excellent) for a higher chance of approval.

Check your credit score: Knowing your score beforehand helps manage expectations and potentially improve it before applying.
Maintain a low debt-to-income ratio: This shows lenders you can responsibly manage credit.
Limit recent credit inquiries: Frequent applications can negatively impact your score.
Consider Chase’s 5/24 rule: Chase may deny applications if you’ve opened 5 or more credit cards in the past 24 months (regardless of issuer).
Explore pre-qualification tools: These tools provide a non-binding estimate of your approval odds without impacting your credit score.

Does the card offer travel insurance?

Auto rental collision damage waiver: This covers damage or theft to a rental car if you pay the entire cost with the card. However, this is secondary insurance, meaning it only kicks in after your auto insurance coverage is exhausted.
Baggage delay insurance: Reimburses up to $100 daily for three days if you checked baggage is delayed, covering essential items like toiletries and clothing.
Lost luggage insurance: Provides up to $3,000 per passenger if the carrier loses or damages your luggage.

What are the purchase protection and extended warranty benefits?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers both purchase protection and extended warranty benefits, but it’s essential to understand the specifics of each and their limitations:

Purchase Protection:

Covers eligible purchases made with your card against accidental damage or theft for 120 days from the purchase date.
Maximum coverage per claim is $500, with an annual limit of $50,000 per account.
This is secondary insurance, meaning it only kicks in after your primary insurance (e.g., homeowner’s insurance) pays out first.
Exclusions apply: This includes normal wear and tear, intentional damage, loss, and purchases made outside the US.

Doubles the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible US purchases with warranties of three years or less.
Coverage lasts for one additional year from the original warranty expiration date.
This is secondary insurance, meaning the manufacturer’s warranty must be honored first.
Exclusions apply: Electronics, appliances, furniture, and specific other categories.

7.9Expert Score

Rewards

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a juicy 3X boost on all Southwest purchases, from flights to inflight snacks. But the perks extend beyond the skies! Earn 2x points on your daily commute and internet bills, and select streaming services. Plus, celebrate with 6,000 bonus points every year and skip the boarding line hassle with 2 Early Bird Check-Ins. Treat yourself onboard with 25% back on inflight purchases and enjoy travel without borders, thanks to waived foreign transaction fees. All this comes with a $99 annual fee, so weigh it against your spending habits and travel dreams to see if it takes flight for you!

Rewards Rating:

8.5

Rewards Value:

8.2

Annual Percentage Rate:

8.1

Rewards Flexibility:

8.2

Features:

Issuer Customer Experience:

8.1

PROS

Rewards that last: Your points never expire, ensuring your travel dreams stay alive.
No blackout blues: Fly whenever you want, with no restrictions holding you back.
Every seat's up for grabs: Book reward flights without worrying about limited availability.
Travel beyond flights: Redeem your points for cruises, hotels, car rentals, gift cards, exclusive events, and more.
Flexibility is vital: Change your plans without penalty, thanks to waived change fees.
Book with ease: Zero booking fees keep your travel costs transparent and predictable.
One-way wonders: Enjoy the convenience of booking single-leg reward trips.

CONS

Nonstop flights only: Unlike some airlines, Southwest's reward program currently doesn't allow stopovers on flights booked with points. This means you'll need to reach your destination directly without any breaks.
Limited international options: Southwest primarily operates within the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. While they offer some international routes, the selection is less extensive than other airlines. So, if you're planning a trip further abroad, consider alternative options.
No partner airlines: Southwest doesn't have any airline partners, so you can only book reward flights on Southwest's network. This can limit your flexibility compared to programs allowing you to redeem partner airline points.

Specification: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Review

Best For:	Southwest Travel
Recommended Credit	Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Intro Offer:	Earn Companion Pass plus 30,000 pts
Rewards	Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases, Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, Earn 1X points on all other purchases., Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases.
Annual Fee:	$99
Regular APR:	21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Intro Balance Transfers APR:	N/A
Intro Purchase APR:	N/A
Intro Purchase APR Period:	N/A
Balance Transfers Fee:	Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fee	None
Cash Advance Fee	$10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee:	Up to $40
Cash Equivalent Fee	N/A
Convenience Check Fee	N/A
Returned Payment Fee:	Up to $40
Over Limit Fee:	N/A
Credit Card Limit:	from $2,000 up-to $30,000
Credit Card Type	No Foreign Transaction Fee, Travel
Credit Card Features	Airline, Auto Rental Insurance, EMV, Excellent Credit, Extended Warranty Program, Free Checked Baggage, No Foreign Transaction Fees, Purchase Protection, Rewards, Roadside Assistance, Travel, Travel Accident Insurance, Visa Card, Zero Fraud Liability