Best Southwest Cards for Earning Rapid Rewards

Southwest has become a favorite airline loyalty program in the U.S. due to its often generous welcome offers and its lucrative companion pass. Even their most premium card doesn't have a scary annual fee, making the program and its cards very approachable for all travelers. Plus, any card that you see on this list that isn't a Southwest card will transfer its point to the Southwest program for continued travel benefits.

🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card

Annual Fee: $69

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$400 statement credit + 40k
Bonus Points
LAST CALL
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. Offer ends 1/7/25 at 8AM CST.
$400 statement credit + 40k
Bonus Points
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. Offer ends 1/7/25 at 8AM CST.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, enjoy benefits like an annual bonus, and provides a convenient way to save on Southwest Airlines flights, making it a solid choice for those who frequently travel with this airline.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists

Annual Fee: $149

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$400 statement credit + 40k
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. Offer ends 1/7/25 at 8AM CST.
$400 statement credit + 40k
Bonus Points
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. Offer ends 1/7/25 at 8AM CST.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers various travel benefits, including opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, an annual travel credit, and elevated loyalty status benefits, making it a top choice for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Annual Fee: $199

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
80,000
Bonus Points
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
80,000
Bonus Points
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for businesses and Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers various travel benefits, such as Rapid Rewards points for business spending, anniversary bonus points, and in-flight savings, making it a valuable choice for businesses that frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Annual Fee: $99

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for business owners and Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers a range of benefits, including opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on business purchases, annual anniversary points, and in-flight savings, making it a valuable choice for businesses that frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

Best Southwest Cards for Earning Rapid Rewards

Southwest has become a favorite airline loyalty program in the U.S. due to its often generous welcome offers and its lucrative companion pass. Even their most premium card doesn't have a scary annual fee, making the program and its cards very approachable for all travelers. Plus, any card that you see on this list that isn't a Southwest card will transfer its point to the Southwest program for continued travel benefits.

Read our ultimate guide to
Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
here
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Find current Transfer Partners for
Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
here
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What's on this page
Best Southwest Cards for Earning Rapid Rewards
Best credit cards for business
Best credit cards for personal
Cards That Transfer to
Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Which Card is Right For You?
Other Ways to Earn
Pros & Cons
Related Videos
Related Ranked Lists
Browse Other Categories of Cards
FAQs

🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card

Annual Fee: $69

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$400 statement credit + 40k
Bonus Points
LAST CALL
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. Offer ends 1/7/25 at 8AM CST.
$400 statement credit + 40k
Bonus Points
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. Offer ends 1/7/25 at 8AM CST.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, enjoy benefits like an annual bonus, and provides a convenient way to save on Southwest Airlines flights, making it a solid choice for those who frequently travel with this airline.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

🏆 Best for Southwest loyalists

Annual Fee: $149

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
$400 statement credit + 40k
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. Offer ends 1/7/25 at 8AM CST.
$400 statement credit + 40k
Bonus Points
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. Offer ends 1/7/25 at 8AM CST.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers various travel benefits, including opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, an annual travel credit, and elevated loyalty status benefits, making it a top choice for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Annual Fee: $199

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
80,000
Bonus Points
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
80,000
Bonus Points
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for businesses and Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers various travel benefits, such as Rapid Rewards points for business spending, anniversary bonus points, and in-flight savings, making it a valuable choice for businesses that frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Annual Fee: $99

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is a co-branded airline credit card designed for business owners and Southwest Airlines enthusiasts. It offers a range of benefits, including opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points on business purchases, annual anniversary points, and in-flight savings, making it a valuable choice for businesses that frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

Personal Cards

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Business Cards

No items found.

🏆 Daily Drop's Most Popular Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

🏆 Daily Drop's Most Popular Card

Annual Fee: $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its excellent earning potential—we love it at Daily Drop! Cardholders can redeem their points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or transfer them to various airline and hotel loyalty programs for added flexibility.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Best for travel credits

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

🏆 Best for travel credits

Annual Fee: $550

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000
Bonus Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent travelers seeking luxury perks and rewards. With a focus on travel benefits, this card offers a generous welcome offer, airport lounge access, travel statement credits, and valuable rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, making it an excellent choice for travelers.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

🏆 Best Chase Welcome Offer

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

🏆 Best Chase Welcome Offer

Annual Fee: $95

Rates & Fees
|
Terms Apply
90,000
Bonus Points
Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
90,000
Bonus Points
Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a premier choice for small business owners seeking rewards and travel benefits. This card offers generous points on business expenses, including travel and advertising, and provides other valuable perks such as flexible redemption options, making it a top pick for those looking to maximize their business spending.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
🚀 Learn How to Apply
👀 Read Our Take

Which Card is Right for You?

Southwest credit cards are perfect for anyone who loves to fly Southwest, especially if you want a shot at earning the Southwest Companion Pass. From cards with no annual fees to more premium options with anniversary bonuses, you can choose the card that fits your travel style and helps you earn points fast.

‍

Other Ways to Earn

Beyond just flying, Southwest credit cards give you points on purchases like dining and Southwest bookings. Maximize your points through Southwest’s Rapid Rewards Shopping and Dining portals. And if you’ve got Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can transfer them to Southwest, too.

‍

Pros and Cons

Pros

[.pro] No blackout dates or change fees on award flights [.pro]

‍

[.pro] Earn points toward the Southwest Companion Pass [.pro]

‍

[.pro] Anniversary point bonuses and flexible cancellation policies [.pro]

Cons

[.con] No premium lounge access [.con]

‍

[.con] Limited international destinations [.con]

FAQs

Can I earn the Southwest Companion Pass with a Southwest credit card?

Yes! Points earned through a Southwest credit card count toward the Companion Pass, which lets you bring a friend for just the cost of taxes and fees.

‍

How do I redeem Southwest points for flights?

Redeem your points directly on Southwest.com. There are no blackout dates, and every seat can be booked with points if available.

‍

Do Southwest credit cards come with travel insurance?

Certain Southwest cards include travel protections like trip delay reimbursement and baggage delay insurance.

‍

What bonus categories do Southwest credit cards offer?

They typically offer bonus points on Southwest purchases, local transit, commuting, and select streaming services.

‍

Do I get any free flights with a Southwest credit card?

While Southwest cards don’t offer outright free flights, most cards give you anniversary points that can be redeemed for flights.

‍

Authors

Written by: McKay Moffitt

Content Specialist

‍

Edited by: Tiffany Eastham

Writer & Editor 

‍

🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card
Learn more
What's on this page
Best Southwest Cards for Earning Rapid Rewards
Best credit cards for business
Best credit cards for personal
Cards That Transfer to
Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Which Card is Right For You?
Other Ways to Earn
Pros & Cons
Related Videos
Related Ranked Lists
Browse Other Categories of Cards
FAQs