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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card Overview

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card

An in-depth look at the top-tier card for Southwest loyalists.

Author: Shannon Lopez
|
Reviewed by: Taevann Calloway
|
Benefits Accurate as of: Sep 25, 2025

PREMIUM TRAVEL CARD

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card
Apply now

at the issuer's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply.

Why we love this card: This card is a must-have for frequent Southwest flyers, offering an annual points bonus and valuable perks that help you earn elite status and the Companion Pass faster.

Estimated First-Year Value: $1,400+, plus points on your spend

- Includes a 50,000-point sign-up bonus (worth ~$500).

Annual Fee

$229

 

Sign-Up Bonus

50,000 points

 

Est. Annual Value

$105+

Includes anniversary points

Rewards Rates
4x Points 2x Points 1x Point
On Southwest® purchases. At gas stations and restaurants. On all other purchases.

Why you may want the Southwest Priority Card

  • 7,500 Anniversary Points: Get 7,500 bonus points every year after your cardmember anniversary.
  • 10,000 Companion Pass® Qualifying Points Boost: Get a 10,000-point boost toward the Companion Pass each year.
  • One Free Checked Bag: Your first checked bag is free for you and up to 8 companions on your reservation (weight and size limits apply).
  • Group 5 Boarding: Receive Group 5 boarding for you and all passengers on your reservation at the gate.
  • Complimentary Preferred Seat: Select a preferred seat at booking, when available.
  • Extra Legroom Upgrades: Receive a statement credit for the purchase of up to two extra legroom seats per year, when available.
  • Earn A-List Status Faster: Earn 2,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) for every $5,000 you spend on the card.

Redeeming Rapid Rewards Points

Southwest Rapid Rewards is one of the most straightforward loyalty programs:

  • No Blackout Dates: If a seat is available for sale, you can book it with points. The number of points required is tied to the cash fare.
  • Companion Pass: All points earned from the card, including the sign-up bonus and the 10,000-point annual boost, count towards the legendary Southwest Companion Pass®, which lets a designated companion fly with you for almost free.
  • More Than Flights: You can also redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, hotel stays, rental cars, and international flights on other carriers.

Southwest Priority Card Alternatives

For simple, high-value travel rewards and lounge access...

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is an excellent premium travel card with a $395 annual fee. Its straightforward annual credits ($300 for travel booked through the portal and 10,000 anniversary miles) make it easy to justify the cost. It also offers a superior lounge access experience for the cardholder and authorized users.

  • Why you might prefer it: You want a simple way to earn flexible rewards and value a premium lounge experience for your whole family.
  • Why you might stick with the Priority Card: The Southwest-specific benefits and the direct path to the Companion Pass are more valuable to you than flexible points and lounge access.

For powerful rewards on travel portal bookings...

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is a strong competitor for travelers who book through online portals. It offers an incredible 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through the Citi Travel portal, along with a suite of valuable travel protections for its $495 annual fee.

  • Why you might prefer it: You are a travel portal power-user and can maximize the 10x and 5x bonus categories to earn a huge number of points.
  • Why you might stick with the Priority Card: You prefer booking directly with Southwest and value the tangible, airline-specific benefits over the higher earning potential of a travel portal card.

Want to find the perfect travel credit card, just for you? Visit our Credit Card Finder to get your best match.

Final Thoughts

For any regular Southwest Airlines flyer, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the top choice in the airline's co-branded card lineup. The combination of the 7,500 anniversary points and the annual 10,000-point boost toward the Companion Pass provides a strong foundation of value. When you add in perks like Group 5 boarding and preferred seating, the card is a clear winner for loyalists.

Bottom Line: If you're a Southwest loyalist, this card's benefits are tailor-made for you and provide excellent value, especially if you're chasing the Companion Pass.

Apply for the Southwest Priority Card

at the issuer's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply.

PREMIUM TRAVEL CARD

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card

Apply now
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Now that you have a good handle on goals and the available savings products out there, you’re ready for Savings 102 where it’s time to choose the right product to meet your specific savings goal.