Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card Review: Is It Worth the Perks?

Explore the Best Benefits of Southwest® Credit Card

For frequent travelers, especially those loyal to Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers an array of valuable benefits. With generous rewards, travel protections, and exclusive perks, this card is a solid option for those looking to enhance their travel experience and maximize their rewards with Southwest® Credit Card benefits.

In this comprehensive Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card review, we’ll explore all the features, from the annual Fee to bonus point opportunities, and highlight how the card can benefit frequent flyers. This review will help you decide if the Southwest Priority credit card rewards are worth the investment.

What is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a premium travel credit card from Chase Southwest designed to reward frequent Southwest Airlines customers. With the card, you can earn bonus points on purchases made with Southwest and its partners, access travel perks, and enjoy a host of benefits that enhance your flying experience.

Card highlights

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
• $75 Southwest® travel credit each year to use toward purchases on Southwest Airlines.
• Earn 3X points for every $1 spent on Southwest purchases, including flights and baggage.
• Receive 2X points on purchases with Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
• Earn 2X points on the internet, cable, and select streaming services.
• Get 1X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• 7,500 bonus points on your card member anniversary every year.
• Earn up to 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points annually.
• Unlimited Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for A-List status, with 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent.
• Enjoy a 25% discount on in-flight purchases like snacks and drinks.
• There are no foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.
• Purchase protection covers eligible items for 120 days against damage or theft.
• Baggage Delay Insurance reimburses up to $100 per day for up to 3 days if luggage is delayed.
• Lost luggage reimbursement covers up to $3,000 for lost or damaged luggage.
• Extended warranty protection adds one extra year to eligible warranties.
• Contactless payments for quick, secure checkout with Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay.
• Instant card access with a digital wallet for immediate use after approval.
• Enjoy flexible payment plans with Chase Pay over Time on eligible purchases over $100.

These highlights illustrate the valuable benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, making it a strong choice for frequent travelers.

Rates and Fees of Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $149, billed on the first statement after account opening.
• APR for Purchases: 20.49%–27.49% Variable APR, based on creditworthiness.
• APR for Cash Advances: 29.99% Variable APR.
• APR for Balance Transfers: 20.49%–27.49% Variable APR.
• Cash Advance Fee: $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater.
• Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None – no additional fees on international purchases.
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $39, depending on the overdue balance.
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $39 for returned payments.
• Credit Card Payment: The minimum payment due is the greater of $25 or 1% of the balance plus interest and fees.

These rates and fees should be carefully considered when deciding whether the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card fits your financial needs. The card offers numerous benefits, but understanding the cost structure is key to managing your finances effectively.

See Full Rates and Fee

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card Benefits

1. Earning Bonus Points

One of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card’s standout features is the generous bonus points it offers.

1. 50,000 Bonus Points

• You can earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first three months. These points can be used for flights, hotel stays, or even car rentals through Southwest Rapid Rewards
• The 50,000 bonus points offer is ideal for individuals who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. Depending on your destination, you can use them to book flights within the United States or internationally.

2. 3X Points on Southwest Purchases
   
   

• With the Southwest Priority credit card, you earn 3X points on Southwest purchases. Whether it’s booking a flight, paying for checked bags, or purchasing food onboard, you’ll accumulate more points for every dollar spent.
• This means that the more you fly with Southwest® Airlines, the more rewards you can earn, which will bring you closer to free flights and upgrades.

3. 2X Points on Rapid Rewards® Partners

• You also earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners, meaning you’ll get double the points every time you book a hotel room or rent a car with a Southwest partner.
  
• Additionally, 2X points are awarded for internet, cable, and streaming services, giving you the opportunity to earn while managing everyday expenses.
• This flexibility makes the Southwest® Credit Card an excellent choice for those who regularly use Southwest’s travel partners for hotels, car rentals, or other services.

4. 1X Points on Other Purchases

• You earn 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases not associated with Southwest Airlines or its partners.
• While the rate is lower, this still allows you to accumulate points for everyday purchases, adding value to your regular spending.

2. Travel Protection Benefits

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers rewards as well as valuable travel protection benefits that make your travels safer and more convenient.

1. Lost Luggage Reimbursement

• This benefit offers up to $3,000 per covered traveler for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage.
• If your luggage is lost during a covered trip, this reimbursement can help replace or repair your items, giving you peace of mind while travelling.

2. Baggage Delay Insurance

• If your checked luggage is delayed for more than six hours, the Southwest card reimburses you up to $100 per day for up to three days for essential purchases, such as clothing, toiletries, and other necessary items.
• This benefit ensures you’re covered in case of baggage issues, minimizing any inconvenience during your trip.

3. Extended Warranty Protection

• For eligible items purchased with your Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, you can enjoy extended warranty protection. This benefit extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible items, giving you more time for returns or repairs.

4. Purchase Protection
   
   

• If an item purchased with your card is damaged or stolen, the card offers purchase protection for up to 120 days from the purchase date, with a maximum reimbursement of $500 per item.
• This feature can help you recover losses from unfortunate incidents like theft or accidents.

3. Special Southwest Card member Benefits

In addition to the standard rewards and protection benefits, the Southwest® Credit Card also provides exclusive card member benefits that further enhance its value.

1. 7,500 Anniversary Points

• On your card member anniversary each year, you’ll receive 7,500 bonus points. These points are added to your balance and can be used for flights, hotel stays, or car rentals.
• The anniversary points are a great way to continue accumulating rewards, even without making additional purchases.

2. Companion Pass® Qualifying Points

• Every year, you’ll earn 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points as a cardholder. This pass lets you bring a companion along for free on Southwest flights, excluding taxes and fees.
• Earning Companion Pass® points is a major perk, significantly enhancing the value of this card for families or anyone who regularly travels with a companion.

3. Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)

• For every $5,000 you spend on the card, you’ll earn 1,500 TQPs toward A-List status, with unlimited TQPs A-list status provides benefits such as priority boarding, faster check-in, and access to special discounts.
• These points are valuable if you plan to achieve A-List status and want to enjoy premium Southwest perks.

4. Foreign Transaction Fees and Contactless Payments

• Foreign Transaction Fees: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers no foreign transaction fees, which is a significant advantage for international travelers. You can use your card abroad without worrying about paying extra fees for every purchase.
• Contactless Payments: The card also supports contactless payments with Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Pay, making it easier to pay securely with a tap of your card.

5. Instant Card Access and Chase Pay Over Time

• Instant Card Access: Once approved for the Southwest Chase card, you can immediately add it to a digital wallet (like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay). This allows you to start using the card right away, even before the physical card arrives in the mail.
• Chase Pay Over Time: For eligible purchases of $100 or more, you can use the Chase Pay Over Time This feature allows you to break up payments into smaller, budget-friendly instalments over a fixed duration, ranging from 3 to 24 months. It offers flexibility in how you manage larger purchases.

How to Earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for A-List Status?

To earn TQPs toward A-List status, spend $5,000 on the Southwest® Credit Card. For each $5,000 spent, you will earn 1,500 TQPs. There’s no limit on how many TQPs you can earn, making it possible to reach A-List status more quickly by spending more on your card.

Why Should You Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a strong contender for travelers loyal to Southwest Airlines. While the annual Fee is higher than some other cards, the value provided in the form of bonus points, travel credits, and companion pass qualifying points can make it worthwhile. If you fly frequently with Southwest, the rewards you earn with this card can quickly add up, giving you the opportunity for free flights, upgrades, and other travel benefits.

Comparison of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier, and Chase Sapphire Reserve®

When choosing a Southwest credit card, it’s important to understand the differences in their benefits and fees. Below is a comparison of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier, and Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit cards. Each has unique features and rewards suited for different travel needs.

Comparison of Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Comparison Analysis

1. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority: Offers the most benefits, with a $75 Southwest® travel credit, 7,500-anniversary points, and 3X points on Southwest purchases. The $149 annual fee is higher, but the added perks may justify it for frequent flyers.
2. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus: Offers lower points on Southwest purchases (2X) and a lower annual fee ($69), but it lacks additional perks like anniversary points or travel credit.
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier: Similar to the Priority card but has fewer anniversary points (6,000). Its reasonable annual Fee of $99 might be ideal for travelers who don’t need the extra perks from the Priority card.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Provides 60,000 points for a higher $550 annual fee but offers better travel rewards like 5X points on flights and 10X on hotels. However, it doesn’t provide Southwest-specific benefits.

Related: Detailed Comparison of Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs. Premier vs. Preferred Credit Card

Which Card is Worth Buying?

If you frequent Southwest Travel, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the best choice due to its generous points, anniversary bonuses, and travel credit. For those looking for lower fees, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers a more budget-friendly option with fewer perks.

Why You Might Think About A Different Credit Card than Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card?

While the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is an excellent option for frequent flyers with Southwest, it may not always be the best fit for everyone. Depending on your travel preferences, spending habits, and reward goals, you might want to explore other credit cards that offer a wider variety of benefits or better rewards in specific categories.

Reasons to Consider Other Credit Cards

1. Higher Annual Fee: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card comes with a $149 annual fee, which may be too steep for those who don’t fly Southwest frequently enough to justify the cost.
2. Limited Airline Loyalty: If you prefer flying with other airlines, such as American Airlines or Delta, you may find more value in credit cards that offer points or miles redeemable on multiple carriers.
3. Higher Earning Potential on Other Purchases: If your spending habits involve significant purchases in categories like dining, travel, or groceries, other cards offer more points per dollar spent in those categories.

Best Alternatives to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: With 2X points on travel and dining and a solid bonus offer of 60,000 points after spending $4,000, this card is great for general travelers who want flexible rewards. It also has a lower $95 annual fee.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: If you prefer more flexibility in your travel rewards, the Capital One Venture card offers 2X miles on every purchase. It also has a great sign-up bonus and a lower annual fee of $95.
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card offers high rewards for luxury travelers who want premium benefits, including access to airport lounges, 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and numerous travel protections. However, it has a hefty annual fee of $695.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

If you’re not loyal to Southwest, there are a variety of credit cards that offer better overall travel rewards or suit different spending habits. Before making your decision, consider your travel goals, annual fee tolerance, and preferred airlines.