Top Reasons to Get This Card
Great Rewards
No one can deny that the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card benefits are good.
It allows you to earn 3 points for each dollar you spend on Southwest purchases, 2 points for each dollar you spend on local transit and commuting (rideshare included), 2 points for each dollar you spend on Rapid Rewards car rental and hotel-related purchases, and 2 points for each dollar you spend on the internet, select streaming, cable, and phone services.
In addition to that, you also get 1 point for each dollar you spend on all other types of purchases.
Mesmerizing Welcome Offer
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A Generous Annual Anniversary Bonus
The card gets you a 7,500-point anniversary bonus (annually), $75 annual Southwest travel credit, and credit for up to four upgraded boardings each year (depending on availability). You also get 25% back on in-flight purchases.
Make Travel Stress-Free
The answer to does Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card credit card have travel insurance is yes, as the card gives you access to baggage delay insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, roadside dispatch, travel accident insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement.
No Foreign Transaction Fee
The answer to does Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card credit card have an annual fee is no. So, your international trips can be a lot cheaper. It also gives you access to Southwest More Rewards platform.
Other Benefits
You get an extended warranty and purchase protection, which is great news for frequent shoppers.
You also get a head start on Companion Pass and A-List status. You need to earn 135,000 qualifying points in a year for the former and 35,000 “tier-qualifying points” in a calendar year for the latter.
The card also lets you earn an A-List Preferred status. For that, you need to earn 70,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year.
You can also earn 1,500 tier qualifying points every time you spend $10,000 in purchases (no limits applicable).
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Enjoy perks like upgraded boarding, free checked bags, an annual $75 Southwest travel credit, and 7,500 bonus points on every card member’s anniversary.
- Your accumulated points can help you achieve the coveted Southwest Companion Pass, allowing a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees.
- Earn 3x points on Southwest purchases and 2x on local transit, hotel & rental car partners, select streaming services, and service providers like internet & cable.
Cons
- It has limited redemption options for travelers who prefer other carriers, as the rewards are tied exclusively to Southwest Airlines.
- While the card provides valuable perks, it comes with an annual fee that may not be ideal for occasional Southwest flyers.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card the Right Card for You?
For frequent Southwest fliers, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card presents a lucrative opportunity to accumulate rewards for substantial savings and enjoy value-added perks. It provides 3x points for Southwest purchases and 2x on other bonus categories, such as hotels & rental cars, local transit, internet, etc.
Additionally, individuals get annual Southwest travel credit, a sign-up bonus of bonus_miles_full, and enjoy no change fees or blackout dates. If you often find yourself booking flights with Southwest and a few of its many benefits like- four upgraded boarding and 7,500 anniversary points, this card is for you!
This Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card‘s rewards and perks, including free checked bags, no foreign transaction fee, 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points, and travel & purchase coverage, can easily compensate for its annual fee of $149, making it a smart choice for enhancing your travel experience with the airline.
However, if you are not loyal to Southwest Airlines or seek broader rewards, alternative airline cards or general travel credit cards may offer more appealing reward structures and flexibility in redemption options.
FAQs
How much is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card comes with an annual fee of $149 that can easily be offset with its substantial rewards and exclusive perks, such as free checked bags, 7,500 anniversary bonus points, upgraded boarding, and a $75 Southwest Annual Travel Credit.
What are Southwest Airlines’ hotel partners and car rental partners?
Southwest Airlines has several hotels and car rental partners, including major brands like Marriott Bonvoy, Hyatt, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Alamo, Aviz, Budget, Dollar, and Hertz.
Does Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card cover TSA PreCheck?
No, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card does not reimburse application fees for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
How do I become a priority on Southwest?
You can use the Priority Lane on Southwest by achieving A-List Status by flying 25 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier-qualifying, or A-List Preferred Status by completing 50 qualifying one-way flights or earning 70,000 tier-qualifying points within a calendar year.
How much is 60,000 Rapid Rewards points worth?
The 60,000 Rapid Rewards are typically worth $804 when redeemed for Southwest flights. The points can vary depending on factors like the fare class, destination, and time of booking.
How many Southwest points for a free flight?
The number of Southwest points required to book a free flight usually depends on factors like the fare class, destination, and time of booking, but it typically ranges from 5,000 to 70,000 points for a one-way ticket.
How do I use my $75 Southwest annual travel credit?
You can use the $75 Southwest annual travel credit while booking your flight online and applying for the flight credit at the payment. Simply enter your Southwest flight credit confirmation number to utilize it.
Do Southwest credit card holders get priority boarding?
YES! Southwest credit card holders, including those with the Priority card enjoy priority boarding privileges, allowing them to board the aircraft before general boarding.
What credit score is needed for Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card?
You typically need a good to excellent credit score of 670 or higher to qualify for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card.
Should I upgrade to Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card?
The answer to this would depend on your travel habits, how much value you can derive from the Southwest Priority card’s benefits, and whether the annual fee justifies the rewards and perks offered.
You should consider upgrading to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card if you frequently fly with Southwest Airlines and can leverage its rewards structure and perks, such as priority boarding, anniversary points, and annual travel credit.
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