Dreaming of free flights but worried your credit score is not ready for a travel card? The Southwest Airlines credit card is one of the most popular airline rewards cards in the country, yet it asks for good-to-excellent credit and now charges higher annual fees than it used to. If you are still building your credit, it helps to know exactly what this card costs and what lower-risk options can get you there first.
This review breaks down the Southwest Airlines credit card fees, APR, and rewards for 2026, then pairs it with credit-builder cards that are far easier to qualify for.
What Is the Southwest Airlines Credit Card?
The Southwest Airlines credit card is a family of travel rewards cards issued by Chase. Cardholders earn Rapid Rewards points on Southwest flights and everyday spending, and points can be redeemed for future travel. The three consumer versions are the Plus, the Premier, and the Priority.
These are co-branded airline cards, which means they reward loyalty to one airline. They typically require a credit score in the good-to-excellent range, so approval can be tough if your credit history is thin or damaged.
Southwest Airlines Credit Card Fees and APR
As of June 2026, the personal Southwest cards carry these annual fees: $99 for the Plus, $149 for the Premier, and $229 for the Priority. All three share the same variable purchase APR of 19.24% to 27.74%, depending on your creditworthiness. APRs vary by creditworthiness, and these rates apply to balances you carry month to month.
The rewards scale with the card. The Plus earns 2X points on Southwest purchases plus 3,000 anniversary points, the Premier earns 3X points plus 6,000 anniversary points, and the Priority earns 4X on Southwest, 2X at gas stations and restaurants, plus 7,500 anniversary points. All three include a first checked bag free. Check Southwest's website for current sign-up bonus offers, since those change often. Terms and conditions apply.
Who Should Consider It?
The Southwest Airlines credit card makes the most sense for frequent Southwest flyers who already have solid credit and pay their balance in full each month. The annual fee can pay for itself through anniversary points and a free checked bag if you fly often.
If you are new to credit, rebuilding after a setback, or carrying a balance, the math changes. A nearly 28% APR on travel rewards can quietly cancel out the value of those points. In that case, a simple credit-builder card is usually the smarter starting point.
The goal is to lift your score into the range airline cards want to see. One of the most popular ways to do that is the Self Visa® Credit Card, which combines a small savings plan with a secured card so you build credit and savings at the same time.
If you would rather build credit without locking up a deposit, the Current Build Card works differently. It is designed to report your everyday spending as credit-building activity, which can help your score grow with normal purchases rather than a large upfront deposit.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on eligible categories. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on eligible categories (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum
Another option that keeps things simple is the Chime Card™. It is built for people who want to establish a positive payment history without an annual fee or a hard credit pull to get started, which makes it friendly for first-timers.
Chime Card™
Chime Card™
Chime Card™ is Chime’s secured credit card and has the reliable Chime credit-building features plus 5% cash back rewards on select categories (with direct qualifying deposit) and access to cash at ATMs. [https://www.chime.com/disclosures/](link)
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
5% cash back rewards on select categories (with direct qualifying deposit)
Benefit
Overdraft up to $200 without fees for eligible members.
How These Compare
The Southwest Airlines credit card is a rewards card first and a credit tool second. The credit-builder cards above flip that order. They focus on reporting on-time payments to the major credit bureaus so your score can climb, often with no annual fee and easier approval odds.
If a travel card is your end goal, these credit-building cards are a stepping stone. Build six to twelve months of on-time history, watch your score rise, and airline cards become far more attainable. You can also explore the differences between a secured credit card and an unsecured credit card to decide which fits your situation.
Tips for Building Credit
Pay on time, every time, since payment history is the single biggest factor in your score. Keep your balance low compared to your limit, ideally under 30%. Avoid applying for several cards at once, because each application can ding your score.
It also helps to track your progress. Tools like Creditship.ai can help you monitor your credit and understand what is moving your score. If you were recently turned down, our guide on what to do after being denied walks through the next steps.
Is the Southwest Airlines Credit Card Worth It?
For a loyal Southwest flyer with strong credit, the card can deliver real value through points, anniversary bonuses, and a free checked bag. For everyone else, the annual fee and high APR make it a tough fit until your credit is ready.
If you are still building, start with a low-cost credit-builder card, grow your score, and revisit the Southwest Airlines credit card when approval is within reach. That path costs less and carries lower risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for the Southwest Airlines credit card?
Most approvals go to applicants with good-to-excellent credit, often a score of 700 or higher. If your score is lower, a credit-builder card can help you reach that range before you apply.
Does the Southwest Airlines credit card have an annual fee?
Yes. As of June 2026, the annual fees are $99 for the Plus, $149 for the Premier, and $229 for the Priority. There is no fee-free version of the personal Southwest card.
Can I build credit with a Southwest credit card?
You can, since Chase reports your activity to the credit bureaus. However, the high APR and annual fee make it an expensive way to build credit compared with a dedicated credit-builder card.
What is a good alternative to the Southwest Airlines credit card for bad credit?
Credit-builder options like the Self Visa, Current Build Card, and Chime Card are easier to qualify for and focus on raising your score. Once your credit improves, a travel card becomes a realistic goal.
