Verdict · Updated April 2026
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card for Travel
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is workable for travel but not the strongest fit — ranked #30 of 54 eligible cards. Several cards listed in alternatives outperform it for this specific use case.
Rank #30 of 5445th percentileWorkable but not optimal
Reviewed by CardCompare Editorial Board
|Data-driven ranking|Updated April 2026
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Chase · $149 annual fee
The best Southwest card for frequent flyers. The $75 travel credit plus 7,500 anniversary points (worth ~$100) effectively make this a money-maker on a $149 fee. Key card for earning the Companion Pass — fly a companion free for up to 2 years.
Full card review
Earn math — Travel profile
Based on typical travel spending of $25,200/year across the categories below.
Annual rewards
$378
Annual fee
$149
Net value
$229
Transfer partnersLounge accessNo foreign transaction feeTrip protection
Where the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card wins for travel
- 3x on travel — top-tier earning for this use case
Where it falls short
- 3% foreign transaction fee — erodes rewards on international purchases
- No intro 0% APR and a high regular APR (28.49%) — carrying a balance is expensive
Top 3 alternatives for travel
Cards that rank higher than or close to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card on our travel scoring model.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card a good card for travel?⌄
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is workable for travel but not the strongest fit — ranked #30 of 54 eligible cards. Several cards listed in alternatives outperform it for this specific use case.
How much can I earn with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card on travel spending?⌄
At the typical travel spending profile of $25,200/year, this card earns approximately $378 in rewards — net $229 after the $149 annual fee.
What are better alternatives to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card for travel?⌄
Our top 3 alternatives are IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, Citi Strata Premier Card, American Express Platinum. Each ranks higher on our use-case scoring model for travel.
What credit score do I need for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card?⌄
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card typically requires good credit. Approval also depends on income, existing debt, and application history — a score in the stated range doesn't guarantee approval.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card's annual fee worth it for this use case?⌄
The $149 annual fee breaks even when you earn $149 in rewards. At the typical travel profile ($25,200/year), this card earns $378 — net positive after the fee.
Want the full card review?
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