Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is designed for travelers who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, offering a range of benefits to enhance the flying experience. With a modest annual fee of $69, this card provides opportunities to earn points and enjoy travel-related perks.

Key Features:

• Rewards Structure:

• 2X Points on Southwest Purchases: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on purchases made directly with Southwest Airlines.

• 2X Points on Partner Purchases: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases.

• 2X Points on Transit and Commuting: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services.

• 2X Points on Select Services: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services.

• 1X Point on Other Purchases: Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

• Welcome Offer: Earn Companion Pass® plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 

• Annual Fee: $69. 

Additional Benefits:

• Anniversary Bonus: Receive 3,000 points each year after your Cardmember anniversary. 

• EarlyBird Check-In®: Enjoy 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year, which automatically checks you in for your flight and assigns your boarding position before general boarding positions become available. 

• Inflight Discounts: Get 25% back on inflight purchases, including drinks and Wi-Fi, when you use your card. 

• Companion Pass® Qualifying Points Boost: Receive a 10,000-point boost toward earning the Companion Pass® each year. 

Pros:

• Affordable Annual Fee: At $69, the annual fee is relatively low compared to other airline credit cards.

• Anniversary Points: The 3,000-point anniversary bonus helps offset the annual fee.

• Inflight Discounts: The 25% back on inflight purchases adds value for frequent flyers.

Cons:

• Foreign Transaction Fees: The card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it less ideal for international travel. 

• Limited Elite Status Benefits: Unlike some higher-tier Southwest cards, this card does not earn tier qualifying points toward A-List status. 

• Lower Anniversary Bonus: The 3,000-point anniversary bonus is lower compared to other Southwest cards, such as the Premier and Priority versions. 

Considerations:

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is suitable for travelers who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines and seek to earn rewards without a high annual fee. However, for those who travel internationally or desire more comprehensive benefits, including higher anniversary bonuses and no foreign transaction fees, exploring other Southwest credit card options like the Premier or Priority versions may be beneficial.