Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

For frequent flyers of Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is one of the most rewarding travel credit cards available. Issued by Chase Bank, this card blends robust rewards with practical benefits that make traveling not just easier, but more enjoyable.

From inflight discounts to upgraded boardings and annual travel credits, this card is a solid companion for those who take to the skies often. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the benefits extend beyond earning points, offering added comfort and convenience on every trip. It’s a card that truly rewards loyalty and provides long-term value for Southwest customers.

Benefits

This card is loaded with features that bring tangible value to frequent travelers. Here’s a breakdown of what you get:

• 30,000 bonus points plus a Companion Pass® valid through 2/28/26 after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners, local transit (including rideshare), cable, internet, phone services, and select streaming.
• 1X point on all other purchases.
• 7,500 bonus points each year on your card anniversary.
• $75 annual travel credit on Southwest Airlines purchases.
• 4 upgraded boardings per year, when available.
• 25% back on inflight purchases (drinks, Wi-Fi, etc.).
• No foreign transaction fees, making it great for international travel.
• Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs): Earn 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent, helping you reach A-List status.

All of these benefits help you save money, earn faster, and enjoy more convenience every time you fly.

Prerequisites

To apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old (or 19 depending on your state).
• Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN.
• Have a good to excellent credit score (typically FICO 670+).
• You cannot currently have another Southwest consumer credit card or have received a cardmember bonus for one in the past 24 months.

About Chase Bank

Chase Bank, part of JPMorgan Chase & Co., is one of the largest and most trusted financial institutions in the United States. With over 200 years of history, it serves over 60 million households, offering a full suite of banking services — from checking accounts to mortgages, investments, and of course, credit cards.

Chase is known for excellent customer service, innovative mobile banking tools, and a wide range of credit cards for every lifestyle, including top-tier travel rewards cards like this one.

Who is this card for?

This card is built for people who frequently fly Southwest Airlines. It’s perfect if you:

• Travel multiple times a year with Southwest.
• Want to maximize travel rewards and access perks like upgraded boarding.
• Are aiming for A-List status with Southwest.
• Enjoy the idea of a Companion Pass to fly a partner for free.
• Prefer a travel card that’s easy to use and gives consistent value.

If you’re someone who’s already loyal to Southwest, this card fits like a glove.

Rewards and Programs

The rewards system is simple but powerful. You earn points on both travel and everyday spending, and redeem them through the Southwest Rapid Rewards® program, which is known for:

• No blackout dates when booking with points.
• Easy point redemption for flights, hotels, and rental cars.
• Points that never expire as long as your account is open.

The Companion Pass is the star of the show. Once earned, you can bring a travel companion on every flight you book using points or cash — just pay the taxes and fees.

Initial Credit Limit

The initial credit limit for this card varies based on your financial profile. Chase considers your credit history, income, and existing debts to determine your limit. Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Minimum credit limit: Around $2,000
• Maximum credit limit: Can exceed $20,000 for applicants with excellent credit
• Limit increases: Often available over time with responsible use

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Ready to apply? Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to the official Chase page
2. Click on “Apply Now”
3. Fill in your personal details: name, address, income, SSN, etc.
4. Submit the application and wait for the result — approval can be instant or take a few days.
5. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7–10 business days.

TAP TO ACCESS THE CARD PAGE

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High-value welcome bonus with Companion Pass
• Great rewards on Southwest purchases and more
• Upgraded boardings + travel credit offset the annual fee
• Points never expire
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons:

• $149 annual fee (though benefits can outweigh it)
• Not as useful if you don’t fly Southwest often
• No airport lounge access
• Requires good to excellent credit

How to unlock the card

Once you receive your card in the mail:

1. Go to website
2. Log into your Chase account (or create one)
3. Find your new card and click “Activate”
4. Follow the instructions on screen

Alternatively, you can call the number printed on the card’s sticker to activate it.

Fees and Tariffs

Here’s what you need to know about costs:

• Annual fee: $149
• APR (variable): 21.49% – 28.49%, based on your credit
• Late payment fee: Up to $40
• Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% (whichever is greater)
• Foreign transaction fee: $0 (yay for travel!)
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater

There’s no introductory 0% APR, so it’s best to pay off balances in full to avoid interest charges.

How to maximize your rewards with this card

To get the most value out of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, you need more than just having the card in your wallet — you need a strategy. The card offers great benefits on the surface, but when used intentionally, it can deliver even more rewards and long-term savings.

Start by always using the card for Southwest purchases. This is where you’ll earn 3X points — whether you’re buying tickets, inflight snacks, Wi-Fi, or even checking bags. These are purchases you’ll likely make anyway, so earning bonus points here is easy and efficient.

Next, don’t forget about Southwest’s travel partners. When you book hotels or rental cars through Rapid Rewards partners, you earn 2X points. Not only that, but sometimes Southwest or Chase will run special promotions that let you earn even more — so keep an eye on your email or the Chase mobile app for limited-time offers.

Another often-overlooked strategy is using the card for everyday bills. You earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, as well as on select streaming services like Netflix or Spotify. If you set up your monthly bills to autopay with this card, you’re passively earning rewards on things you’re already paying for.

You’ll also get 2X points on commuting and transit, including rideshares like Uber and Lyft. If you live in a city or use public transportation regularly, this can add up quickly.

One of the biggest hacks to maximize this card is understanding the value of the Companion Pass®. After earning it, you can bring one companion on any flight you book — whether with cash or points — and only pay taxes and fees for their ticket. It’s easily one of the most valuable travel perks on the market, especially if you travel with a partner or family member.

Also, remember that your 7,500 annual bonus points can be strategically saved and used during peak travel seasons when Southwest fares are more expensive. Combine those points with other rewards and travel credits to score nearly free trips year after year.

Another tip: consider combining this card with other loyalty programs. If you’re booking through a Southwest hotel or car rental partner, see if you can also earn loyalty points with that brand. It’s a great way to double-dip and get more value from a single purchase.

Finally, make sure you’re redeeming your points wisely. Southwest doesn’t have blackout dates, which is amazing — but the value of your points can vary based on the cash price of the flight. Booking early or during fare sales often gives you the most bang for your points.

In short, consistency is key. Use the card for everyday expenses, travel frequently with Southwest, track your Companion Pass progress, and take advantage of partner offers. If you do that, you’ll be shocked at how fast your rewards pile up — and how many flights you can book without ever paying full price again.

Customer Service

If you ever need help with your card, here are your official support options:

• Chase Credit Card Support: 1-800-935-9935
• General Banking Support: 1-800-432-3117
• Website
• Chase Mobile App: Available for Android and iOS
• Secure message/chat: Log into your Chase account to use

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card isn’t just a tool for earning points — it’s a gateway to better travel experiences. Between the Companion Pass, the travel credit, and the upgraded boardings, the value quickly adds up, especially if you fly Southwest often.

It’s not for everyone — if you rarely fly Southwest or want lounge access, you might consider another travel card. But if you’re a Southwest loyalist looking to save money, earn free flights, and enjoy priority perks, this card could be your perfect match.