Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card Right for You?
Do you fly Southwest a few times a year and want to earn free flights faster? The southwest airlines rapid rewards plus card is the airline's entry-level travel card, and it can be a simple way to rack up Rapid Rewards points.
This review covers who issues the card, what it earns, what it costs, and who it actually fits. We will also look at what to do first if you are still building your credit, since this is a card that usually rewards good credit. If you are weighing the full lineup, our broader Southwest Airlines credit card overview compares the options side by side.
Who Issues the Card and What You Earn
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card is issued by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It earns Rapid Rewards points, which you redeem for Southwest flights.
On rewards, you typically earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. Updated benefits also include 2 points per dollar at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year, then 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Cardholders usually receive 3,000 anniversary bonus points each year. Welcome bonuses change often, with recent limited-time offers reaching as high as 80,000 points after meeting a spending requirement. Check Chase's site for the current welcome offer. If you want more travel perks, the step-up Rapid Rewards Premier card earns more anniversary points for a higher annual fee.
What the Plus Card Costs
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card carries a $99 annual fee. That is the lowest annual fee in Southwest's consumer card lineup, which is why it is the entry-level pick.
Like most rewards travel cards, the ongoing APR is variable and tends to be on the higher side, so this card is best for people who pay their balance in full each month. If you carry a balance, interest charges can quickly outweigh the value of the points you earn. APRs vary by creditworthiness, so check Chase for current terms.
Keep in mind that Chase typically approves these cards for applicants with good to excellent credit. If your score is still growing, approval may be a stretch right now.
Build Credit First If You Are Not Approved Yet
A travel rewards card like this one is a goal worth working toward, not usually a starting point. If your credit is thin or rebuilding, the smart play is to strengthen your score first, then apply.
A good comparison while you build is the Aspire Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. It is designed for people with less-than-perfect credit, reports to the major bureaus, and earns cash back, so you are rewarded while you raise your score toward travel-card territory.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn Rewards While You Establish History
You do not have to wait for excellent credit to start earning value on your spending. Some starter-friendly products combine credit building with everyday perks, and several of the best credit building apps pair tracking tools with real spending power.
One to compare is Perpay. Perpay lets you shop and pay over time through payroll deductions, and its credit card option helps you build payment history without a large upfront deposit. For someone planning ahead to a travel card, it can be a steady stepping stone.
Perpay Credit Card
Perpay Credit Card
Meet the only card powered by your paycheck. With automatic transfers from your paycheck, you can manage payments stress-free and build credit with ease.
Fee
$9/month plus $9 account opening fee
APR
Marketplace: 0% / Credit Card: 27.74% to 29.99% depending on your creditworthiness.
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
2% reward on purchases made in Perpay Marketplace
Benefit
2% rewards, no security deposit
Watch Your Score Before You Apply for Travel Cards
Before you apply for a card like the Southwest Plus, it pays to know exactly where your score stands. A free monitoring tool like Creditship.ai helps you track your number and time your application when approval odds are strongest. Knowing what counts as a good credit score makes it easier to judge when you are ready.
If you want spending tied to broader money tools while you build, Robinhood is another option to compare. Its credit card connects to an investing and cash management platform, which can suit people who like everything in one app.
Robinhood
Robinhood
Robinhood is a trading platform that brings stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, crypto, and retirement accounts together in one app.
Standout feature
One platform for stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, and crypto
Fees
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options.
Pros
Zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
Cons
Best perks (high APY, lower margin rates) require Gold subscription ($5/month)
Who the Southwest Plus Card Fits Best
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card fits casual Southwest flyers who want a low annual fee and a simple way to earn points toward flights. If you take a couple of Southwest trips a year and pay your balance in full, the rewards and anniversary points can outpace the $99 fee.
It is less ideal if you rarely fly Southwest, carry a balance, or are still building credit. In those cases, a no-fee rewards card or one of the travel cards for fair credit may serve you better right now.
Terms and conditions apply to every card mentioned here, and APRs vary by creditworthiness. This is general information, not financial advice, so review each card's details before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card?
The card is issued by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. You earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points that can be redeemed for Southwest flights.
What is the annual fee on the Southwest Plus card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card has a $99 annual fee. It is the lowest annual fee among Southwest's consumer credit cards, which makes it the entry-level option.
What credit score do you need for the Southwest Plus card?
Chase generally approves these cards for applicants with good to excellent credit. If your credit is still building, you may want to strengthen your score with a starter card before applying.
Is the Southwest Plus card worth it?
It can be worth it if you fly Southwest a few times a year and pay your balance in full. The points, anniversary bonus, and travel perks can outweigh the $99 fee for regular Southwest flyers.
