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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card Overview

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

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

Author: Shannon Lopez
|
Reviewed by: Taevann Calloway
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Benefits Accurate as of: August 3, 2026
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The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

PREMIUM TRAVEL CARD

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
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at our secure partner's 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.

Annual Fee

$229

 

Sign-Up Bonus

60,000 points

After spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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

Why you may want the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit 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 up to 8 companions on your reservation at the gate.
  • Complimentary Preferred Seat: Select a preferred seat at booking, when available.
  • Extra Legroom Upgrades: Receive unlimited complimentary upgrades within 48 hours when available for the cardmember and up to eight companions.
  • Earn A-List Status Faster: Earn 2,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) for every $5,000 you spend on the card.
  • DoorDash Benefits: 12 months complimentary DashPass membership.

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.

Alternatives to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

For flexible rewards and broad airport\ lounge access...

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card with a $395 annual fee. It offers a $300 annual credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary, beginning with the first anniversary. These recurring benefits can substantially offset the annual fee for travelers who use Capital One Travel. The primary cardholder also receives access to Capital One Lounges and participating Priority Pass lounges after enrollment.

  • Why you might prefer it: You want flexible miles, a straightforward 2X earning rate on everyday purchases, and access to a broader network of airport lounges.
  • Why you might stick with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: You regularly fly Southwest and place greater value on benefits such as a free first checked bag, seat-selection privileges, anniversary points, and points that count toward Companion Pass qualification.

For powerful rewards on travel portal bookings...

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is a premium travel card with a $595 annual fee. It earns 12X ThankYou Points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel, plus 6X points on air travel booked through Citi Travel. It also includes travel protections, a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, four Admirals Club passes each calendar year, and several annual statement-credit benefits.

  • Why you might prefer it: You frequently book travel through Citi Travel and can take advantage of the card’s elevated portal earning rates, lounge benefits, and annual credits.
  • Why you might stick with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: You prefer booking directly with Southwest and value airline-specific benefits more than portal-based rewards and premium travel credits.

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.

Learn More

at our secure partner's site. Terms & restrictions apply.

Editorial Disclaimer Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Whereas the details of the cards benefits have been reviewed and are accurate as of the date noted, the site's content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

PREMIUM TRAVEL CARD

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Learn More
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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.