Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the premium offering among Southwest’s consumer credit cards, tailored for frequent flyers seeking enhanced benefits and rewards. With a $149 annual fee, this card provides a suite of features designed to elevate the travel experience with Southwest Airlines.
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, 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® valid through February 28, 2026, plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
• Annual Fee: $149.
Additional Benefits:
• $75 Annual Southwest® Travel Credit: Receive a $75 statement credit each year for Southwest Airlines purchases, effectively reducing the net annual fee to $74.
• 7,500 Anniversary Points: Earn 7,500 bonus points each year after your Cardmember anniversary, which can be redeemed for future travel.
• Four Upgraded Boardings per Year: Enjoy up to four upgraded boardings annually (when available), allowing you to secure positions A1-A15 for an enhanced boarding experience.
• 25% Back on Inflight Purchases: Receive a 25% statement credit on inflight purchases, including drinks and Wi-Fi, when using your card.
• Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) Toward A-List Status: Earn 1,500 TQPs toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent on the card annually, with no limit on the amount of TQPs you can earn.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card internationally without incurring additional fees, making it a suitable companion for global travelers.
Pros:
• Valuable Travel Credits and Bonuses: The combination of the $75 annual travel credit and 7,500 anniversary points can significantly offset the annual fee for frequent Southwest travelers.
• Enhanced Boarding and Inflight Savings: The four upgraded boardings and 25% back on inflight purchases add tangible value for those who fly Southwest regularly.
• Accelerated Path to A-List Status: The ability to earn unlimited TQPs through spending aids in achieving and maintaining A-List status, which offers additional travel perks.
Cons:
• Higher Annual Fee: At $149, the annual fee is higher than some other airline credit cards, which may deter infrequent travelers.
• Limited Elite Status Benefits: While the card aids in earning TQPs, it does not automatically confer A-List status; achieving this requires significant spending or flight activity.
Considerations:
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is well-suited for individuals who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines and can fully utilize the card’s array of benefits to offset the annual fee. However, those who travel less frequently or do not anticipate leveraging the travel credits and bonuses may find greater value in other credit cards with lower annual fees.