Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is designed for travelers who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, offering a range of benefits to enhance the travel experience. With a $99 annual fee, this card provides opportunities to earn points and enjoy travel-related perks.
Key Features:
• Rewards Structure:
• 3X Points on Southwest Purchases: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases made directly with Southwest Airlines.
• 2X Points on Select Categories: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, local transit and commuting (including rideshare services), internet, cable, and 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® good through February 28, 2026, plus 30,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Annual Fee: $99.
Additional Benefits:
• Anniversary Bonus: Receive 6,000 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.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card internationally without incurring additional fees.
Pros:
• Generous Rewards on Southwest Purchases: Earning 3X points per dollar spent directly with Southwest Airlines accelerates point accumulation for future travel.
• Valuable Anniversary Bonus: The 6,000-point anniversary bonus helps offset the annual fee and adds value for ongoing card membership.
• Inflight Discounts: The 25% back on inflight purchases provides savings for frequent flyers.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, as it eliminates additional charges on purchases made abroad.
Cons:
• Annual Fee: The $99 fee may be a consideration for some, though it can be offset by utilizing the card’s benefits.
• Limited Elite Status Benefits: Unlike some higher-tier Southwest cards, this card does not earn tier qualifying points toward A-List status.
Considerations:
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier 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 desire more comprehensive benefits, including higher anniversary bonuses and additional travel perks, exploring other Southwest credit card options like the Priority version may be beneficial.