Southwest Chase Credit Card
For frequent travelers who prefer flying with Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Chase credit card offers a range of benefits that make every trip more rewarding. From earning Rapid Rewards points on everyday purchases to receiving valuable travel perks, this co-branded credit card is designed for those who want to maximize their travel experience. It stands out for its simplicity, flexibility, and customer-friendly reward structure, making it a solid choice for loyal Southwest customers and savvy travelers alike.
Overview of the Southwest Chase Credit Card
Types of Southwest Credit Cards by Chase
Chase offers several Southwest credit card options to cater to different needs and spending habits. These include:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Each card offers varying levels of benefits, annual fees, and earning potentials, allowing cardholders to choose based on their travel goals and financial preferences.
Annual Fees Comparison
The annual fees differ among the Southwest Chase credit card types:
- Plus Card: $69
- Premier Card: $99
- Priority Card: $149
- Business Cards: $99 to $199
While higher-tier cards charge more annually, they also provide additional benefits such as travel credits, upgraded boardings, and more Rapid Rewards points on anniversary dates.
Rapid Rewards Earning Potential
Points for Every Purchase
The Southwest Chase credit cards allow cardholders to earn Rapid Rewards points on a wide range of purchases:
- 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases
- 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Some premium cards also offer bonus points for spending on select categories like internet, cable, phone services, and social media advertising (for business cards).
Bonus Offers and Welcome Incentives
New cardholders are often eligible for generous sign-up bonuses, which typically require meeting a minimum spending threshold within the first few months. These bonuses can significantly boost your points balance and bring you closer to earning free flights or the coveted Companion Pass.
Travel Benefits and Perks
No Foreign Transaction Fees
For travelers heading overseas, the Premier and Priority cards come with no foreign transaction fees, saving money on international purchases. This feature adds value for global travelers who want to continue earning points abroad without extra charges.
Free Checked Bags
One of Southwest’s signature perks two free checked bags extends to cardholders without needing to reach elite status. While this is a benefit of flying Southwest in general, having the card ensures easier tracking of benefits and a smoother travel experience.
Travel and Purchase Protections
The Southwest Chase cards offer a variety of protections, including:
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Purchase protection and extended warranty
These benefits provide peace of mind, especially when booking flights or making large purchases.
Anniversary Bonus Points
Each year, cardholders receive bonus Rapid Rewards points as a thank-you for renewing their card:
- Plus Card: 3,000 points
- Premier Card: 6,000 points
- Priority Card: 7,500 points
These points have real value and can be used to book award flights or redeemed through Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program.
Companion Pass Qualification
What is the Companion Pass?
The Companion Pass is one of the most attractive features of Southwest Airlines. It allows you to designate a companion who flies with you free of charge (except for taxes and fees) every time you fly on Southwest, whether the ticket was purchased with cash or points.
How the Card Helps You Earn It
Chase Southwest credit cardholders earn qualifying points through both spending and the card’s sign-up bonus. These points count toward the Companion Pass, which requires:
- 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year
- Or, 100 qualifying flights
For frequent flyers or strategic spenders, the Companion Pass can save thousands of dollars on flights, making the card a valuable tool in earning it faster.
Redemption Options and Value
Using Rapid Rewards Points
Points earned through the Southwest Chase credit card can be redeemed for a variety of travel-related services, including:
- Flights on Southwest Airlines
- Hotel stays
- Car rentals
- Gift cards and merchandise
The best value is generally found when redeeming for Southwest flights, where point values often average around 1.4 to 1.6 cents per point, depending on demand and route.
No Blackout Dates
One of the biggest advantages of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program is the lack of blackout dates. As long as a flight is available, you can use your points to book it. This makes the rewards program more flexible compared to other airline programs that restrict award availability.
Who Should Get the Southwest Chase Credit Card?
Frequent Southwest Travelers
If you regularly fly with Southwest, the card is almost a no-brainer. The combination of free checked bags, points for travel, and anniversary bonuses make it ideal for Southwest loyalists.
Families and Group Travelers
Families who travel together can maximize the benefits of the Companion Pass. Earning points through the card helps unlock this powerful feature, potentially doubling the value of your travel.
Business Owners
The business versions of the Southwest Chase card offer tailored benefits for small business owners who want to earn rewards while managing company expenses. The Performance Business Card even offers bonus points for digital advertising and office purchases.
Important Considerations
Annual Fee vs. Value
Before choosing a card, assess whether the annual fee is justified by your travel frequency and spending habits. Higher-tier cards offer more perks, but only if you use them regularly.
Not Ideal for Non-Southwest Flyers
If you rarely fly Southwest, this card may not be the best fit. Other travel cards offer more general rewards and flexibility with different airlines or hotels.
No Direct Airport Lounge Access
Unlike some premium travel cards, the Southwest Chase credit cards do not offer airport lounge access. This may be a drawback for those seeking luxury travel experiences.
The Southwest Chase credit card is a valuable tool for travelers who want to earn rewards, access special travel perks, and potentially unlock the powerful Companion Pass. With multiple card options tailored to personal and business users, it provides flexible benefits based on your spending style and travel frequency. Whether you’re flying domestically or building up points for a family vacation, this credit card can help you get the most out of every trip with Southwest Airlines.