Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Review

Travel enthusiasts, frequent flyers, and savvy consumers often seek credit cards that offer substantial rewards and perks tailored to their lifestyle. The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is an exceptional choice for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines and appreciate the value of Rapid Rewards points. With a comprehensive suite of benefits and a competitive rewards structure, this card is designed to enhance your travel experience while maximizing the return on your spending. In this detailed review, we’ll explore the card’s features, advantages, and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your wallet.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Review

The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card stands out for its robust rewards program and travel-related perks. Cardholders earn 2x points for every dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, making it an excellent choice for loyal Southwest customers. Additionally, the card offers 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, as well as 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming subscriptions. For all other purchases, cardholders earn 1x point per dollar spent.
The card’s standout feature is the opportunity to earn a Companion Pass®, a highly coveted benefit among frequent Southwest flyers. New cardholders can earn Companion Pass® through 2/28/2025 plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. The Companion Pass allows a designated companion to fly with the cardholder for free (excluding taxes and fees) whenever the cardholder books a flight with points or cash.
With an annual fee of $69, the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is competitively priced for the benefits it offers. However, potential cardholders should be aware of the variable APR, which ranges from 21.49% to 28.49%, and the absence of an introductory APR offer for purchases or balance transfers.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Key Takeaways

– Rewards Structure:
– 2x points on Southwest Airlines purchases
– 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
– 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
– 1x point on all other purchases
– Welcome Offer:
– Earn Companion Pass® through 2/28/2025 plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
– Annual Fee:
– $69 annually
– APR:
– Variable APR ranging from 21.49% to 28.49%
– Key Benefits:
– Companion Pass®, 2 EarlyBird Check-In® reimbursements per year, 25% back on inflight purchases
– Credit Score Requirement:
– Good to Excellent (670-799)

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Generous Welcome Offer:
– The Companion Pass® and 30,000 bonus points offer is a compelling incentive for new cardholders. The Companion Pass® alone can provide significant value for those who frequently travel with a companion.
2. Strong Earning Potential:
– The card’s 2x points on Southwest Airlines purchases, local transit, and select utilities and streaming services allow cardholders to accumulate points quickly.
3. Travel Perks:
– The card offers valuable travel-related benefits, including two EarlyBird Check-In® reimbursements per year and 25% back on inflight purchases.
4. No Blackout Dates:
– Cardholders can book flights with points without worrying about blackout dates, providing greater flexibility and convenience.
5. Bags Fly Free:
– Southwest Airlines’ policy of allowing two free checked bags is a significant cost-saving benefit for travelers.

Cons

1. Annual Fee:
– While the $69 annual fee is relatively modest, it may be a consideration for some potential cardholders.
2. High APR:
– The variable APR ranging from 21.49% to 28.49% can result in substantial interest charges for cardholders who carry a balance.
3. No Introductory APR:
– The absence of an introductory APR offer for purchases or balance transfers may be a drawback for those seeking to finance large purchases or transfer existing balances.
4. Foreign Transaction Fee:
– Unlike some travel-focused credit cards, the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card charges a foreign transaction fee, making it less ideal for international travel.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Benefits

Travel Rewards and Companion Pass®

The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card shines in its travel rewards category. Earning 2x points on Southwest Airlines purchases means that every dollar spent on flights, in-flight purchases, and other Southwest-related expenses will yield double the points, accelerating your ability to redeem for future travel. The Companion Pass® benefit is particularly noteworthy. By earning this pass, cardholders can designate a companion to fly with them for free (excluding taxes and fees) on both points and cash bookings. This benefit alone can offer substantial savings, especially for frequent travelers.

Local Transit and Commuting

In addition to its travel-centric rewards, the card also offers 2x points on local transit and commuting expenses, including rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. This feature makes the card versatile for everyday use, ensuring that you earn rewards on common spending categories beyond travel.

Utilities and Streaming Services

The card further extends its earning potential by offering 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming subscriptions. As these are recurring monthly expenses for many households, the ability to earn double points on these categories can significantly boost your rewards accumulation over time.

Anniversary Bonus and Inflight Discounts

Each cardmember anniversary, you will receive a reimbursement for up to two EarlyBird Check-In® purchases made with your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card. This benefit ensures that you can enjoy priority boarding on Southwest flights each year. Additionally, cardholders receive 25% back on inflight purchases, including drinks and Wi-Fi, providing further value during your travels.

Travel Flexibility and No Blackout Dates

One of the standout features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program is the absence of blackout dates. Cardholders can use their points to book any available seat on a Southwest flight, providing unmatched flexibility and convenience. This feature enhances the overall value of the card, as you can utilize your points without worrying about restricted travel dates.

Conclusion

The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers and those who value the flexibility and benefits of the Rapid Rewards program. With a strong earning potential across various spending categories and valuable travel-related perks, the card offers substantial value for its $69 annual fee. The Companion Pass® benefit, in particular, can provide significant savings for those who frequently travel with a companion.
However, potential cardholders should be mindful of the variable APR and the absence of an introductory APR offer for purchases or balance transfers. Additionally, the foreign transaction fee may be a consideration for those who frequently travel internationally.
Overall, the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is a robust offering for Southwest loyalists and travel enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive suite of benefits and rewards tailored to enhance your travel experience. If you frequently fly with Southwest Airlines and can leverage the card’s rewards and perks, it can be a valuable addition to your wallet.