Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Review
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!
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-In 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 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-In 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 travelling.
- 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, $50,000 per year).
Rate and Fee
- Regular APR (Variable): 21.49% – 28.49% (based on your creditworthiness).
- Intro Purchase APR: N/A
- Intro Balance APR: N/A
Other Fees
- Annually Fee: 99$
- 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 $40.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: N/A
Rewards Redemption
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card permission 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: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Review eligibility and card details: Before applying, make sure you meet the credit score and income requirements as 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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Specification: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card Review
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