Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Review
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a solid entry-level travel card for loyal Southwest flyers. With a current sign-up bonus of 50,000 points and a free first checked bag on every flight, it offers real value for regular flyers.
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What Does the Sign-Up Bonus Get You?
When you sign up for the Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card and spend $1,000 in the first 3 months, you'll earn 50,000 bonus points. Those points can be redeemed on Southwest for free flights, with flights starting at just 3,000 Rapid Rewards points. All the points you earn also count towards the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows a companion to fly free with you on every flight. More details about the Companion Pass below. With Southwest, your first checked bag is free for you and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation, and there are no hidden fees.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Worth It?
For frequent Southwest flyers the answer is yes. The sign-up bonus of 50,000 points is worth over $700 in Southwest flights. The free first checked bag alone can offset the $99 annual fee — for two people on a round trip that's $140 in savings. On top of that, the 2X earning on Southwest purchases, gas stations, and grocery stores makes it a useful everyday card. That said, if you rarely fly Southwest or prefer airlines with global networks, a more flexible travel card may serve you better.
Pros and Cons
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Who Is This Card Best For?
This card is a great fit for travelers who fly Southwest at least a few times a year and want to maximize their rewards without paying a premium annual fee. The free checked bag benefit alone can offset the $99 annual fee for a family of two on a single round trip. If you tend to fly Southwest for domestic trips and want a simple, low-cost card that earns solid rewards, this is a strong option.
Who Should Skip This Card?
If you rarely fly Southwest or prefer airlines with global networks, this card's value is limited. The $99 annual fee is hard to justify if you only fly Southwest once or twice a year. Travelers who want premium perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, or higher earn rates should consider a higher-tier card instead.
Card Perks in Detail
Sign-Up BonusThe current sign-up offer is 50,000 Rapid Rewards bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. These points can be redeemed on Southwest for free flights, starting at just 3,000 Rapid Rewards points. These points also help you on your way to earning the Companion Pass!
First Checked Bag FreeThis is a big one. Cardmembers get their first checked bag free on every Southwest flight — and so do up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation. At $35 per bag each way, that's a savings of up to $70 per person per round trip. For a family of four, that's $280 back in your pocket on a single trip.
Bonus Points on Your Card AnniversaryEvery year on your card anniversary you will earn an additional 3,000 Rapid Rewards. More points for more traveling!
10% Annual Flight DiscountEach year on your cardmember anniversary, you'll receive a 10% promo code for Southwest flights (excludes Basic fare). More savings on top of your points!
Complimentary Standard Seat SelectionSelect a complimentary Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure when available — a perk that saves you money on every flight.
Group 5 Boarding BenefitYou and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation board with Group 5, giving everyone earlier access to overhead bins.
2X Points on Southwest, Gas Stations & Grocery StoresEarn 2X points per dollar on every Southwest Airlines purchase. Plus, earn 2X points at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year. Earn 1X on all other purchases. Your points won't expire either!
25% Back on Inflight PurchasesEarn 25% back on inflight purchases like Wi-Fi, drinks, and snacks when you use your card on Southwest flights.
No Foreign Transaction FeesUse your card abroad without worrying about extra fees. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card charges no foreign transaction fees.
Travel ProtectionIf you or your immediate family members' checked or carry-on bags are damaged or lost by the carrier, you're covered up to $3,000 per passenger. Also, if you bags are ever delay you can be reimbursed you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over 6 hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for 3 days
Purchase ProtectionExtended warranty and purchase protection are also included. Extended warranty protection extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer's warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less. And purchase protection will cover your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim.
The Southwest Companion Pass
What is it?Friends fly free when you fly.
The Companion Pass is the benefit that allows you to choose one person to fly with you, free of airline charges every time you purchase or redeem points for a flight.
So, every time you fly your companion can fly free with you — you'll just cover the taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way. This can be an extremely valuable benefit for frequent flyers and families.
Example: Let's say you book a round-trip flight to Hawaii for 35,000 points worth about $500. With the Companion Pass you can bring your designated companion along for free, effectively halving the cost of a vacation for two.
You can earn the Companion Pass by earning 135,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points in the same calendar year. Once you qualify, you'll be eligible for the remainder of that year and the entire following year. Applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card and taking advantage of the 50,000 point sign-up bonus is a great head start toward earning the Companion Pass faster!
Our Verdict
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card delivers solid value for the price. The 50,000 point sign-up bonus, free checked bags, and 2X earning on everyday categories make it one of the better entry-level airline cards available. For frequent Southwest flyers the $99 annual fee is easy to recoup — the free checked bag alone saves $70 per round trip per person. If Southwest is your go-to airline, this card is well worth considering.
Quick Stats
| Annual Fee | $99 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 50,000 points |
| Spending Requirement | $1,000 in first 3 months |
| Points on Southwest | 2X per dollar |
| Points on Gas & Grocery | 2X per dollar (first $5,000/year) |
| Points on All Other Purchases | 1X per dollar |
| Best For | Frequent Southwest flyers |