Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$69/yr
Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
4.3
(1,876 reviews)travel
Reviewed by CardCompare Editorial Board
|CFP-reviewed|Updated April 2026Southwest's entry-level airline card is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Every dollar spent contributes to the coveted Southwest Companion Pass — once earned, you can bring a companion on every flight for just taxes. Southwest's bag-flies-free policy already makes flying cheaper, and this card amplifies those savings.
Annual Fee
$69
Purchase APR
21.49% – 28.49%
Rewards
1x base rate
Sign-Up Bonus
$500 value
Credit Score
Good (670-749)
Foreign Txn Fee
None
Who Should Get This Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus is best suited for established credit users who budget southwest airlines frequent flyers. The $69 annual fee pays for itself if you spend $6,900+/year on this card.
This card is great if you…
- Bags fly free on Southwest
- Lowest-fee Southwest card at $69
- Companion Pass contribution
- Budget Southwest Airlines frequent flyers
Consider another card if you…
- Only 1x on non-Southwest spending
- Points only work on Southwest/WestJet
- No lounge access
Rewards Breakdown
2x Southwest & Rapid Rewards partners, 2x local transit, 1x everything else
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | 2x |
| Rapid Rewards partners | 2x |
| Local transit & commuting | 2x |
| Everything else | 1x |
Rewards Distribution
2x
top rate
Southwest Airlines2x29%
Rapid Rewards partners2x29%
Local transit & commuting2x29%
Everything else1x14%
Sign-Up Bonus
50,000 points after spending $1,000 in 3 months
Fees & APR
| Annual Fee | $69 |
| Purchase APR | 21.49% – 28.49% |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 5% |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Late Fee | Up to $40 |
Pros & Cons
Bags fly free on Southwest
Lowest-fee Southwest card at $69
Companion Pass contribution
50K point sign-up bonus
No change fees
Only 1x on non-Southwest spending
Points only work on Southwest/WestJet
No lounge access
The Bottom Line
The Good: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus stands out for its bags fly free on southwest. The welcome bonus worth $500 adds significant first-year value. No foreign transaction fees make it a strong pick for international spending.
The Not So Good: Only 1x on non-Southwest spending. The $69 annual fee means you need to use the card actively to justify the cost.
Our Verdict: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus scores 7/10 — a solid option for budget southwest airlines frequent flyers. Make sure you'll earn at least $69 in value annually to justify the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?▾
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus has a $69 annual fee. Consider whether the rewards and perks you'll use offset this cost.
What is the sign-up bonus for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?▾
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus currently offers a sign-up bonus worth approximately $500. 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in 3 months Terms apply — always verify the current offer directly with the issuer.
How do the rewards work on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?▾
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus earns 1x points on all purchases, and up to 2x points in select bonus categories. Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more.
What credit score do I need for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?▾
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus is recommended for applicants with good (670-749) credit. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on your full credit profile.
Does the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus charge a foreign transaction fee?▾
No — the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus has no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for international purchases and travel abroad.
What is the APR on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?▾
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus has a variable purchase APR of 21.49% – 28.49%. If you carry a balance, interest charges can quickly outweigh any rewards earned.
Who is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus best for?▾
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus is best for Budget Southwest Airlines frequent flyers. A key advantage: bags fly free on southwest.
Annual Fee Break-Even
$1,000/mo
$100/mo$5,000/mo
Annual rewards earned: $180Annual fee: $69
Card pays for itself! You earn $111 more than the annual fee at this spend level.
Based on 1x base rewards rate @ 1.5¢ per point. Bonus category spending may reduce your break-even point.
Customer Reviews
4.3
1,876 reviews
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