southwest travel credit $75

UponArriving

$75 Southwest Priority Credit Guide [2021]

Travel credits are an easy and efficient way to cut down the annual fee of a credit card. The Southwest Priority Card offers a special $75 travel credit that can help accomplish the task of offsetting your fee to basically nothing.

But there are some rules and limitations that you need to know about with this credit, and in this article I will tell you everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

What is the $75 Southwest Priority credit?

The $75 Southwest Priority credit is a special perk offered by the Southwest Priority Credit Card that you can use to cover the cost of Southwest tickets and fees but there are some exceptions.

Keep reading below to find out more!

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Southwest Priority Credit Card

First, here’s the entire rundown of highlights for the Southwest Priority Credit Card.

• 2X Rapid Rewards on Southwest purchases
• 2X Rapid Rewards on hotel and car rental partner purchases.
• 1X Rapid Rewards on all other purchases
• $75 Southwest annual travel credit
• 7,500 anniversary points each year
• Four Upgraded Boardings per year when available.
• 20% back on in-flight drinks, WiFi, messaging, and movies
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earn tier qualifying points towards A-list Status
• $149 annual fee applied to your first billing statement

The great thing about the $75 credit is that it is such an easy way to come out on top in value with his card.

The $149 annual fee can be offset a few different ways. Based on a Rapid Rewards valuation of 1.46 cents per point , the 7,500 anniversary points are worth ~$110.

When you add on the $75 travel credit, all of a sudden you’ve got $185 worth of value coming your way each year which is over $30 more than the annual fee!

And that is without factoring in other benefits like the upgraded boarding , savings on in-flight drinks, etc.

So for somebody who is truly interested in flying with Southwest Airlines, this card has an amazing long-term value proposition.

How to use the credit

The $75 travel credit will be automatically applied to your account after you use it. There is no need to register or to enroll.

The credit should appear on your statement as soon as you purchase posts according to the terms and conditions:

“Statement credit(s) will post to your account the same day your Southwest Airlines purchase posts to your account and will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles.”

Be careful about cutting it close when it comes to using your credit at the end of the anniversary year.

That is because the credit will be issued for the year in which the transaction posts to your account.

So if you make a purchase on the last day of the anniversary year and that purchase does not post until a couple of days later, the purchase would be allocated towards the following year’s $75 credit.

Anniversary year 

According to Chase, “Anniversary year means the year beginning with your account open date through the first statement date after your account open date anniversary, and the 12 monthly billing cycles after that each year.”

This means that if you opened up the card on June 1, 2021 and your 12th statement closed on June 20, 2022, your next credit should reset June 20, 2023.

If you have switched to the card then the account open date is going to be the date that the switch is official within the Chase system.

So let’s say you had the Southwest Plus card originally opened on June 1, 2019. But let’s say that you switched from the Southwest Plus card to the Priority Card on July 15, 2021.

That would mean that the renewal date for the credit is going to be July 15, 2022

If you are unclear on what your anniversary date is, my recommendation would be to call Chase.

Uses for the credits?

Below are different ways that you might think about using your credit. Some of these are permitted while others are not.

Upgraded boardings to Business Select are excluded in the terms and conditions. If you’re not familiar, Southwest does not have a true business class cabin. Instead, they have a type of “business” ticket that offers following perks:

• Guaranteed A1-A15 boarding
• Fly By lane access
• Free premium drink
• 12 Rapid Rewards per dollar spent
• Fully refundable fare

While you cannot use your credit for upgraded boarding, the card does come with four upgraded boardings per year.

In-flight purchases

In-flight purchases are purchases like alcoholic beverages and Wi-Fi.

Keep in mind that Southwest will give you free snacks and drinks on many flights so there would be no need to use your credit in some cases.

Related: How to get a free drink coupon on Southwest

When you use Rapid Rewards to book a Southwest flight, you will always be subject to fees. These fees can range from $5.60 all the way up to $100 or more if you are flying to certain international destinations .

There are multiple reports of people using their credit to cover these fees so it seems like a commonly accepted way to cash out on your credit.

Many people have had success using the credit on gift card purchases. Personally, I would recommend going with an e-gift card.

Using travel credits on gift cards is not always a guaranteed successful outcome so always be prepared for the possibility that your credit may not trigger after a gift card purchase.

Southwest EarlyBird

Southwest EarlyBird automatically checks you in 36 hours prior to your departure.

It is a great way to ensure that you will get a good seat, such as a window or aisle seat. However, it will not guarantee you a boarding position in the group a boarding.

According to multiple reports online, the credit can successfully be used for Southwest EarlyBird.

The $75 credit is issued on an anniversary year basis.

According to the terms and conditions, purchases made for upgraded boardings are excluded.

Yes, many people have reported success when using the credit to cover a Southwest EarlyBird purchase.

Yes, many people have had success using the credit for gift cards.

The Southwest Priority $75 travel credit is a great perk because it is easy to use and can be used on a wide variety of expenses that go even beyond airfare. Together with the other perks like the anniversary points and upgraded boarding passes, you can quickly offset the annual fee for this credit card.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

Hi Daniel. Unless Chase screwed up, I believe the $75.00 annual travel credit is per calendar year based on my recent experience. The reason being is my annual membership renewed on Oct 1, 2022, and I received a $75 travel credit on Oct 20 for a flight booked on Oct 12. And today (Feb 16, 2023) I received a second $75 travel credit for a flight booked on Feb 9.

If have a Premier card and want to update to priority, can we keep the same account number?

Can the annual $75 credit be carried forward to the next year? Let’s say by booking a flight worth $100 and cancelling it to get a Southwest voucher?

Comments are closed.

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Consumer Card Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Here’s how your Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority, Premier, or Plus Credit Card points add up: footnote reference *

• 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases as a Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority or Premier Cardmember
• 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases as a Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Cardmember
• 2 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases
• 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
• 2 points per $1 spent internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming
• 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases made with your card

Not a Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier, or Plus Credit Cardmember? Call 1-800-792-0001 1-800-792-0001 to confirm the points earned for your card.

Points earned on purchases appear in your Rapid Rewards account up to 30 days after your statement cycle date.

Log in to your Rapid Rewards account at opens overlay Southwest.com ® to see the points you've earned.

opens overlay See a list of partner(s).

Use your card and book directly with our partner(s) or through opens overlay Southwest.com ® to earn 2 points per $1 spent. footnote reference *

The number of points needed for a reward flight depends on the fare. Just like fares, reward flight pricing can vary based on destination, time, day of travel, demand, fare class, point redemption rate, and other factors and is subject to change.

In addition to being awarded with flights, you can use your points for international flights, hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, and more. View all your redemption options opens overlay here .

As a Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmember, you can now keep track of all the points you've earned so far this year with your card. You can also see the benefits and perks that come with your card.

Find your Rewards Dashboard by viewing your Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card account on Chase.com:

Illustrative Example Only

Tier qualifying points (TQPs) are earned from revenue flights or through the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority and Premier Credit Cards from Chase.

Cardmembers can earn 1,500 TQPs toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent in purchases annually—with no limit on the amount of TQPs you can earn. footnote reference *

Points earned via Rapid Rewards partner(s)–with the exception of the Rapid Rewards Priority and Premier Credit Cards from Chase-purchased points, bonus points, or points earned via a promotion are not tier qualifying points and do not count toward tier qualification.

You need 35,000 tier qualifying points or 20 one-way qualifying flights per calendar year to qualify for A-List status. A-List Members enjoy:

• Priority boarding
• Priority check-in and security lane access footnote reference *
• 25% more Rapid Rewards points earned on each flight
• Same-day standby footnote reference *
• Dedicated A-List Members phone line

Companion Pass is the benefit that allows you to choose one person to fly with you, free of airline charges (does not include taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way) every time you purchase or redeem points for a flight. All points earned with your Rapid Rewards Credit Card count toward Companion Pass.

Remember, as an exclusive benefit, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points every year.

Your December statement closing date is the cutoff for purchases made with your Rapid Rewards Credit Card to count towards a Companion Pass for that calendar year.

For example, if your December statement closes on December 16, points for purchases posted to your statements made after that date will not count toward qualifying points for the year.

Yes, it's easy to pay your bills online and set up one-time or recurring payments footnote reference * . opens in a new window Log in to your account to get started.

No, but letting Chase know when you're on the go—domestically or abroad—can help us identify the transactions as yours. Consumer Cardmembers can opens in a new window set travel notifications online.

You can call the number on the back of your card to learn more about requesting a credit line increase to help you enjoy more purchasing power.

To upgrade to a Rapid Rewards Premier or Priority Credit Card, call 1-800-792-0001 1-800-792-0001 .

The Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card comes with a $99 annual fee; but it also includes 6,000 anniversary bonus points, 2 EarlyBird Check-In per year, and 25% back on inflight purchases.

The Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card comes with a $149 annual fee; but it also includes 7,500 anniversary points, $75 Southwest annual travel credit, 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available, and 25% back on inflight purchases.

You’ll receive a letter explaining the new annual fee and when it will apply, as well as your right to reject the change to your product and the associated annual fee.

It may take up to four business days for your upgrade request to be approved and new benefits to take effect. As long as you continue to meet our credit criteria, your new card will arrive within 7 to 12 business days after the upgrade is approved. You will also receive new cards for any authorized users on this account within 7 to 12 business days.

Yes, for your convenience your credit card account number will not change; but the expiration date and CVV/security code on the back of your card may change. So you should double-check any automatic payments to make sure they are set up correctly.

Of course! Any points you've earned to date will transfer automatically to your newly upgraded account. You will not lose any points as a result of this upgrade.

Business Card Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Here’s how your Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Performance Business Card points add up: footnote reference *

• 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases
• 3 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases
• 2 points for each $1 spent on purchases in the following rewards categories: advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines; internet, cable, and phone services

If you’re a Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier or Plus Business Cardmember, here’s how your points add up: footnote reference *

• 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases as a Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Cardmember
• 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases as a Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Business Cardmember

Not a Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance or Premier Business Credit Card Cardmember? Call 1-800-792-0001 1-800-792-0001 to confirm the points earned for your card.

For more information about Chase rewards categories, see opens in a new window chase.com/RewardsCategoryFAQs

Tier qualifying points (TQPs) are earned from revenue flights or through the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business and Performance Business Credit Cards from Chase.

Points earned via Rapid Rewards partner(s)–with the exception of the Rapid Rewards Premier Business and Performance Business Credit Cards from Chase-purchased points, bonus points, or points earned via a promotion are not tier qualifying points and do not count toward tier qualification.

Yes, it's easy to pay your bills online and set up one-time or recurring payments. footnote reference * opens in a new window Log in to your account to get started.

You, as the Authorizing Officer of the account can add employee cards by opens in a new window logging in online . footnote reference *

You can call the number on the back of your card to learn more about requesting a credit line increase to help you enjoy more purchasing power for your business.

To upgrade your Rapid Rewards Business Credit Card, call 1-800-346-5538 1-800-346-5538 .

The Rapid Rewards business credit cards come with varying fees. If you are upgrading to the Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, your fee will increase to $99 ; but it also includes 6,000 anniversary points, 2 EarlyBird Check-In per year, $500 fee credit for points transfers per year, and 25% back on inflight purchases.

If you are upgrading to the Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card, your fee will increase to $199 ; but it also includes 9,000 anniversary points, 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® fee credit, Inflight WiFi Credits, and $500 fee credit for points transfers per year.

* TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Earning Points: See your Card Rewards Program Agreement for more details.

Tier Qualifying Points For Consumer Cards: Tier qualifying points (TQPs) are earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest Airlines ® or when you, or an authorized user, use the eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Credit Card from Chase to make purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds. (You’ll earn 1,500 for each $5,000 in purchases annually. “Annually” means the year beginning with your account open date through the first December statement date of that same year, and each 12 billing cycles starting after your December statement date through the following December statement date.) TQPs earned during a billing cycle on a eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Credit Card from Chase are not available for qualification for benefits such as A-List and A-List Preferred status until they are posted to your Rapid Rewards ® account. The following will not count toward qualification for A-List or A-List Preferred status: Rapid Rewards program enrollment points; Rapid Rewards reward flights; Rapid Rewards Companion Pass ® travel; Rapid Rewards partner points except for TQPs earned on the eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Credit Card from Chase; Rapid Rewards bonus points, unless specifically designated as such; non-revenue travel, unless specifically designated as eligible; stops at intermediate cities on connecting or through flights; and charter flights. TQPs are not redeemable for travel on Southwest ® or through the “More Rewards” site. Eligible credit cards: Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Credit Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card.

Tier Qualifying Points For Business Cards: Tier qualifying points (TQPs) are earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest Airlines ® or when you, or an employee, use the eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Credit Card from Chase to make purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds. (You’ll earn 1,500 for each $5,000 in purchases annually. “Annually” means the year beginning with your account open date through the first December statement date of that same year, and each 12 billing cycles starting after your December statement date through the following December statement date.) TQPs earned during a billing cycle on a eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Credit Card from Chase are not available for qualification for benefits such as A-List and A-List Preferred status until they are posted to your Rapid Rewards ® account. The following will not count toward qualification for A-List or A-List Preferred status: Rapid Rewards program enrollment points; Rapid Rewards reward flights; Rapid Rewards Companion Pass ® travel; Rapid Rewards partner points except for TQPs earned on the eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Credit Card from Chase; Rapid Rewards bonus points, unless specifically designated as such; non-revenue travel, unless specifically designated as eligible; stops at intermediate cities on connecting or through flights; and charter flights. TQPs are not redeemable for travel on Southwest ® or through the “More Rewards” site. Eligible credit cards: Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Business Credit Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Performance Business Credit Card.

Priority Check In And Security Lane Access: For a complete list of available Fly By ® locations, visit opens overlay Southwest.com/flyby .

Same-Day Standby: If there’s an open seat on a different flight that departs on the same calendar day as your original flight and it’s between the same cities, A-List and A-List Preferred Members can get a seat on the new flight free of airline charges. If there isn’t an open seat on this different flight, you can ask a Southwest Gate Agent to add you to the same-day standby list for a flight between the same city pairs that departs on the same calendar day prior to your originally scheduled flight, and you will receive a message if you are cleared on the flight. For both the same-day change and same-day standby benefits, you must change your flight or request to be added to the same-day standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight or the no-show policy will apply. Based on the flight status contact preference selected during booking, the message regarding your standby status will be an email or text message with a link to access the boarding pass via the Southwest app, mobile web, or you can visit a Southwest Gate Agent to print off the boarding pass. If there are any government taxes and fees associated with these itinerary changes, you will be required to pay those. Your original boarding position is not guaranteed. Important: These benefits are available only by seeing a Southwest Gate Agent or calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA ® . If you change your flight through any other channel or to a flight that does not meet the requirements outlined above, you will be responsible for the difference in price. If an A-List or A-List Preferred Member is traveling on a multiple-Passenger reservation, same-day standby and same-day change will not be provided for non-A-List or non-A-List Preferred Members in the same reservation. For A-List and A-List Preferred Members who have also qualified for a Companion Pass ® , A-List, and A-List Preferred benefits are not available to the Companion unless the Companion is also an A-List or A-List Preferred Member.

Companion Pass Qualifying Points: Companion Pass ® qualifying points are earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest ® , points earned on Rapid Rewards ® Credit Cards, and base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners. The following do not count as Companion Pass qualifying points: purchased points; points transferred between Members; points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, e-Rewards ® , Valued Opinions, and Diners Club ® ; points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment, tier bonus points; flight bonus points; and partner bonus points (with the exception of the Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase). No points nor tier or Companion Pass qualifying points will be awarded for flights taken by the Companion when flying on a Companion Pass reservation. Points earned during a billing cycle on a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card from Chase are not available for redemption or qualification for Companion Pass status until they are posted on your billing statement and posted to your Rapid Rewards account. Only points posted on your billing statements and posted to your Rapid Rewards account during the same calendar year are available for qualification for Companion Pass status. For example, if you make a purchase after your December billing statement cycle date, the points on those purchases will not count toward Companion Pass status in the year the purchase was made; they will appear on your January billing statement and post to your Rapid Rewards account in January. Companion Pass Qualifying Points Boost: As a Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmember, you will earn one boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year. The boost will be deposited into your eligible Rapid Rewards account by January 31st each calendar year or up to 30 days after account opening. To receive Companion Pass qualifying points boost your credit card account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. Only one credit card account per Southwest Rapid Rewards Member (Rapid Rewards Member must be the primary Cardmember on that account), is eligible for one boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points per calendar year. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services.

Paying Bills Online And Automatic Payments: Please contact your service merchant for details on any fees that may be associated with paying your bill using a credit card.

Adding An Employee Card: If any employees are allowed to use the account, they will be authorized users and will have equal charging privileges unless individual spending limits are established for them. You, as the Authorizing Officer, together with the business are responsible for any use of the account by you, an authorized user or anyone else permitted to use the account. You, together with the business, are responsible for repaying all balances on the account. All correspondence, including statements and notifications, will be sent to you as the Authorizing Officer. By requesting to add an employee cardholder to the account, you represent all information provided is accurate and is for persons with which the business has a relationship. You also represent that the business has permission to provide the employee information to Chase and to add the employee as a cardholder. If Chase determines any information provided is fraudulent, Chase has the right to close the account.

SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS ® PROGRAM INFORMATION The Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card is brought to you by Southwest Airlines ® and Chase. Southwest Airlines is responsible for the redemption of Rapid Rewards points toward benefits and services. The number of points needed for a particular Southwest flight is set by Southwest ® and will vary depending on destination, time, day of travel, demand, fare type, point redemption rate, and other factors, and are subject to change at any time until the booking is confirmed. Rapid Rewards points can only be transferred to the primary Cardmember’s Rapid Rewards account. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at opens overlay Southwest.com/rrterms . Southwest reserves the right to amend, suspend, or change the program and/or program rules at any time without notice. Rapid Rewards Members do not acquire property rights in accrued points.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

BEST FOR SOUTHWEST LOYALISTS

The Rapid Rewards Priority Card earns 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases, 2 points per dollar spent on transit and commuting (including rideshares) and 2 points per dollar spent on internet, phone services, cable and select streaming services. It is Southwest’s most premium personal credit card and makes earning points on Southwest flights hassle-free. (Partner Offer)

At a glance

• 3X Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2X Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• 2X Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2X Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
• 1X Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 7,500 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Member FDIC

TPG Editor's Rating

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card is Southwest’s most premium option and offers up to 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases plus an anniversary bonus of 7,500 points. With an array of perks like a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, four upgraded boardings per year, 25% inflight savings and the ability to earn Tier Qualifying Points with spending, loyal Southwest flyers should have the Priority card in their wallet.

• $75 annual Southwest travel credit
• Four upgraded boardings every year
• 7,500 points on each cardmember anniversary
• 25% inflight discount on food, drinks and WiFi
• Ability to earn A-List status faster by spending on this card
• Travel and purchase protections through Chase
• $149 annual fee

Who is this card good for?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card is best for regular Southwest flyers who will benefit from the travel credit, upgraded boarding and elite status boosts. It’s especially good for anyone aiming for A-List status and can provide great value for anyone living near a Southwest hub.

Earning Rewards

You’ll earn your rewards in the form of Rapid Rewards points. Earn 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases, 2 points per dollar spent on transit and commuting (including rideshares) and 2 points per dollar spent on internet, phone services, cable and select streaming services, 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, as well as 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

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3 Perks I’d Love To See With the Potential Southwest Card Changes

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Table of Contents

Overview of southwest credit cards, what could change about southwest credit cards, what’s on my southwest credit card wishlist, final thoughts.

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If there’s one thing that divides travelers, it’s whether or not they like the Southwest Airlines boarding process. I’ve been on both sides of the spectrum. Open seating was great when my daughter was young, but now that I have American Airlines elite status and have gotten used to priority boarding and sitting in the front, I’m not a fan.

Ultimately, though, this debate no longer matters. Southwest recently announced that it will switch to assigned seats and add premium extended legroom seats, blurring the lines between them and legacy carriers like American and United.

So, what does this have to do with Southwest credit cards? A lot, actually. As it stands, some of the most useful perks on these cards include upgraded boarding and EarlyBird check-in credits. Since these will be eliminated, it’s reasonable to expect that Southwest will also take this opportunity to overhaul other aspects of the cards.

Let’s review what we know so far and speculate about what changes might be coming.

Southwest Airlines offers a mix of 5 credit cards — 3 consumer and 2 business cards. Here’s a quick look at those offerings, along with each card’s most valuable benefits:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Plus Credit Card : 3,000 anniversary points, 2 EarlyBird check-ins
• Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Credit Card : 6,000 anniversary points, 2 EarlyBird check-ins
• Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card : 7,500 anniversary points, $75 annual Southwest travel credit, 4 upgraded boardings
• Southwest ®  Rapid Rewards ®  Premier Business Credit Card : 6,000 anniversary points, 2 EarlyBird check-ins
• Southwest ®  Rapid Rewards ®  Performance Business Credit Card : 9,000 anniversary points, 4 upgraded boardings, 365 Wi-Fi credits per year, earn 4x points on Southwest flights

All Southwest credit cards have a 10,000-point Companion Pass qualifying points boost. This means that if you have any Southwest card, you only need to earn 125,000 points to get a Companion Pass instead of 135,000 points. This 10,000-point boost is applied once yearly regardless of how many Southwest cards you have, and these aren’t redeemable Rapid Rewards points .

Currently, frequent and even occasional Southwest flyers can find value by having 1 or more Southwest credit cards in their wallet.

However, some of these perks, including complimentary EarlyBird check-In and upgraded boarding will be obsolete once the airline introduces its new boarding process and assigned seating . That means changes are definitely coming to Southwest credit cards to ensure that the perks are worthwhile.

It has also been reported that Southwest has even sent out surveys to select cardholders with some possible changes. Here are some of the ideas included in that survey:

• Increase the annual fees
• Eliminate anniversary points
• Add a discount on point redemptions
• Add an early boarding or seat upgrade benefit

Obviously, I don’t want to see higher annual fees. However, it wouldn’t necessarily be a surprising move as many issuers have increased their annual fees over recent years.

That said, the possibility of eliminating anniversary points is bad news for consumers. These points, which are awarded each year after the card’s anniversary, offer automatic value and makes it easier to justify annual fees year after year. Plus, they do count toward earning the Southwest Companion Pass , which is a nice little bonus.

Eliminating the anniversary points would make it easier for many customers (including me) to cancel the card when the annual fee is due.

Discount on Award Flights: Good or Bad?

Offering point redemption discounts to credit card customers isn’t a new idea. Most Delta credit cards offer a 15% savings on award redemptions , and United cardholders often have access to more award inventory.

It could be possible that a discount on point redemptions would replace the anniversary points. Depending on the discount, this perk could easily be worth more than the anniversary points, but it would require you to actually redeem your points to get value. That won’t be a problem for many frequent Southwest flyers, but I prefer the ease of getting anniversary points.

So far, in 2024, I’ve redeemed about 63,000 Southwest points. A 15% rebate would be worth 9,450 points. However, with the current anniversary points perk, I earn 16,500 points per year (9,000 from the Southwest Performance Business card and 7,500 from the Southwest Priority card), so a 15% points discount would work out to be less valuable for me.

Of course, depending on how the Southwest cards are changed, I might not keep 2 credit cards long-term, so a possible award redemption discount could be a decent value going forward.

1. Premium Seat Coupons

Since the EarlyBird check-in and upgraded boarding perks will soon become futile, I’d love to see them replaced with premium seat credits. I’d happily take 4 premium legroom seat credits per year rather than upgraded boarding credits per year.

Whether or not this is realistic is anyone’s guess. Other airline credit cards don’t offer seat upgrade coupons, so this would be a unique perk that could really add value to Southwest credit cards. However it’s probably more realistic that access to these seats will be added as a perk of holding Southwest elite status .

2. Upgraded Boarding Group

Other airline credit cards offer some type of priority boarding for cardholders, and I hope Southwest adds this perk. I like being able to get on the plane early so I don’t have to worry about overhead bin space. I’m sure priority boarding will be added as a perk of Southwest elite status, but I’d also love to see this introduced as a credit card benefit.

3. Better Earning Categories

The current bonus categories on Southwest credit cards are underwhelming, so I’d love to see them revamped. The consumer cards earn 2 points per dollar spent on categories like Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental purchases, local transit and commuting, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Yawn.

Most people probably don’t spend big money in these categories, so points don’t add up quickly . Now, change that 2x category (or better yet, 3x) to groceries and restaurants, and you have my attention. I don’t think this is unreasonable, either.

Earlier this year, I was targeted for a promotion to earn 3x points per dollar spent on gas stations, grocery stores, and dining for the rest of the year on the Southwest Priority card.

That made spending on Southwest cards much more appealing — earning 3x points while finishing my Companion Pass qualification earlier this year was great.

The official Southwest credit card changes haven’t been announced yet. However, we can expect to see card updates once Southwest’s new assigned seating system is implemented.

Southwest Airlines recently announced changes to its longstanding open seating policy, switching to assigned seats and adding extra legroom seats. This will undoubtedly lead to changes for Southwest credit cards since they currently offer upgraded boarding and EarlyBird check-in perks.

While we don’t know yet what these changes will be, it’s fun to imagine what might be coming. While I’d love to see 8x points per dollar on all purchases, automatic elite status, and a 50% award redemption discount, that’s likely not going to happen. More realistically, we’ll probably see annual fee adjustments, some type of priority boarding group, and maybe even preferred seat coupons.

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card Review: High Rewards and All the Southwest Perks

It lets you earn high rewards on Southwest flights, a generous sign up bonus and anniversary points. It’s a solid card, but if you’re already a Southwest loyalist, consider upgrading to its pricier version.

Doug Milnes, CFA

Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.

Updated: September 3, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

• Detailed Review
• Points Earning and Redemption
• How the Card Compares
• Pairing with Other Cards
• Should You Get It?

MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies .

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is great for frequent Southwest travelers looking to maximize rewards from their flights. It offers high rewards on Southwest and other travel-related purchases, a generous welcome bonus and anniversary points. It also lets you earn points towards Southwest’s elite status, including the highly-coveted Companion Pass (that allows your companion to fly for free, excluding taxes).

It’s mid-tier among the carrier’s co-branded cards, and it used to stand out for having an outsized sign-up bonus. However, due to recent changes that leveled the welcome bonus of all Southwest cards to 50,000 points, the Rapid Rewards Premier lost its primary appeal. Although the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the best option for frequent travelers, this card can still be a good choice for Southwest loyalists.

If you frequently fly Southwest, the Rapid Rewards Premier offers several benefits. It comes with a generous welcome bonus, high rewards on Southwest purchases and the ability to earn Companion Pass and elite status points. However, it comes with an annual fee, and its pricier version may provide better value.

• High rewards on Southwest purchases
• Generous welcome bonus
• No foreign transaction fees
• Anniversary bonus points
• Earns points towards elite status
• With annual fee
• Limited bonus categories
• Non-transferrable points
• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 6,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points every year.
• Earn 1,500 Total Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent in purchases, which goes towards your A-list status.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Member FDIC

Rapid Rewards Premier Detailed Review

The Rapid Rewards Premier card is a solid choice if you’re a frequent Southwest flier looking to get the most rewards from your purchases. With a generous 50,000-point welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months and 3X points on Southwest purchases (plus other travel categories), it offers great value for regular travelers.

This card also helps you earn qualifying points for Southwest’s elite status, including the Companion Pass. Plus, it includes perks like anniversary points, EarlyBird Check-Ins and no foreign transaction fees. However, it comes with a $99 annual fee.

Since the sign-up bonus dropped from 85,000 points to 50,000 points, the Rapid Rewards Premier is somewhat overshadowed by the more expensive Rapid Rewards Priority card. The Priority card offers a yearly travel credit and more anniversary points, which can offset its higher annual fee. Nonetheless, the Rapid Rewards Premier is a great option if you want to maximize Southwest benefits but aren’t sure you’ll fully use the Rapid Rewards Priority’s yearly travel credit.

Rapid Rewards Points Earning and Redemption

The Rapid Rewards Premier’s rewards program is tailored for frequent Southwest flyers. You can earn points on Southwest flights and various travel-related categories, making it a versatile option for travelers.

Here’s the rewards rate you get for various spending categories:

• Southwest purchases : 3X points
• Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners : 2X points
• Local transit and commuting (including rideshare) : 2X points
• Internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming : 2X points
• All other purchases : 1X points

Your Southwest points are most valuable when you redeem them for Southwest flights, giving you 1.4 cents per point . While you can also use them for gift cards, merchandise, car rentals and hotel stays, these options don’t offer as much value as flights do. Southwest points aren’t transferable to other airline and hotel loyalty programs.

When you fly Southwest, you automatically earn Rapid Rewards points on your ticket. The points you earn range from 6x to 24x of the fare price, depending on the type of ticket you book and status level you may have. The points you earn with a Southwest credit card are added on top of those points.

Does It Earn Companion Pass and A-List Status Points?

The Rapid Rewards Premier lets you earn qualifying points for Southwest’s elite programs.

Companion Pass

Earning points for Companion Pass is simple, since all the points you earn with the Rapid Rewards Premier count toward this total. This includes the card’s 50,000 bonus points (after spending $1,000 in three months) and the 6,000 Companion Pass points boost you earn yearly.

The Companion Pass is Southwest's most-coveted perk, allowing you to bring a designated person along for free (excluding taxes and fees) whenever you book a Southwest flight with cash or points. To qualify, you need to earn 135,000 points or take 100 one-way flights in a calendar year. Once earned, the Companion Pass is valid for the rest of the year and the entire following year.

A-List and A-List Preferred

You earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) for every $5,000 you spend with the Rapid Rewards Premier. These TQPs go towards your eligibility for either an A-List Status or an A-List Preferred. Here are the benefits you can expect from these programs:

• A-List Status : A-List status gives you perks like priority boarding, priority check-in, access to expedited security lanes, dedicated customer service contacts and a 25% bonus on points earned from each flight. To qualify, you need to fly 25 one-way flights or earn 35,000 TQPs in a year.
• A-List Preferred : A-List Preferred offers everything in A-List plus extras like free in-flight WiFi and a 100% bonus on points earned from flights. To reach this status, you need to fly 50 one-way flights or earn 70,000 TQPs in a year. This status is perfect for those who travel regularly with Southwest and want to get the most out of their flights.

Benefits and Perks

The Rapid Rewards Premier offers several valuable perks for frequent Southwest flyers.

Generous Welcome Bonus . The card offers a substantial welcome bonus of 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. This is worth $700 if redeemed for Southwest flights and a huge boost towards your Companion Pass requirements.

High Rewards . Booking Southwest flights using the card lets you earn 3X points. Meanwhile, you get 2X points on local transit, internet, phone services, select streaming and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. These are the same bonus categories as the pricier Rapid Rewards Priority.

Anniversary Bonus Points . Each year, you earn 6,000 points during your card’s anniversary. These points are worth $84 if used for Southwest flights, which can nearly offset the card’s $99 annual fee. You also earn 10,000 bonus Companion Pass points annually, which can help make attaining that high-value perk.

No Foreign Transaction Fees . You can use the card internationally without worrying about additional fees.

Earns Points Towards Elite Status . The card allows you to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 you spend. These TQPs count toward your eligibility for A-List and A-List Preferred, Southwest’s elite status programs. If you're a frequent Southwest traveler, these benefits can make your journeys smoother and more rewarding.

Travel Perks . The card comes with two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year, which ensures priority boarding and a better chance at securing your preferred seat. It also gives you 25% back on inflight purchases. Notably, it comes with a free lost luggage reimbursement and baggage delay insurance, providing financial protection and peace of mind in case of travel mishaps.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Before applying for the Rapid Rewards Premier, keep these drawbacks in mind:

Annual Fee . The card has a $99 annual fee. While your rewards can help offset this cost, it’s still an upfront expense to consider. If you want to earn Southwest points with a lower fee, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card might be a better fit.

Limited Bonus Categories . Purchases outside the card’s bonus categories only earn 1X points. While it offers strong rewards on Southwest flights and other travel-related expenses, it falls short in everyday categories like dining and groceries. If you prefer a travel card that also rewards common spending, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is worth considering.

Non-Transferable Points . The Rapid Rewards points earned with this card can’t be transferred to other airline or hotel loyalty programs. This limits your options if you want to use your points to book flights with other carriers, especially for international travel to destinations like Tokyo or Paris.

How Rapid Rewards Premier Compares To Other Cards

We break down the differences between the Rapid Rewards Premier and other Southwest cards to help you pick which works best for your needs.

To help you decide if the Rapid Rewards Premier is a good fit, we compare it with another airline card.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers more versatile rewards, with 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining and online groceries and 2x points on other travel purchases. It earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can transfer to many popular airline and hotel loyalty programs, including Southwest. With a slightly lower annual fee of $94 and greater flexibility for travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a strong alternative to the Rapid Rewards Premier.

Cards You Can Pair with Rapid Rewards Premier

Pairing with the blue cash everyday® card.

Pairing the Rapid Rewards Premier with a no-annual-fee cash back card can be a smart way to maximize your rewards. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a great option, offering 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, online retail purchases and gas stations. By using the Blue Cash Everyday for your everyday spending and the Rapid Rewards Premier for travel-related expenses, you can optimize both your cash back and travel rewards. This strategy allows you to make the most of your purchases without having to juggle multiple annual fees, giving you the best of both worlds in rewards and savings.

Is Rapid Rewards Premier Worth Getting?

The Rapid Rewards Premier is a great option for Southwest loyalists who want to earn strong rewards on their flights. It offers valuable access and boosts toward the Companion Pass and the airline’s elite status programs, along with a 3x rewards rate on Southwest purchases.

However, if you’re confident you can use the yearly $75 Southwest travel credit, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card might be a better fit. It offers enhanced benefits and perks, and the travel credit can help offset the $50 increase in the annual fee, making it a more attractive option for frequent travelers. Choosing between these cards depends on how much value you can extract from those extra perks.

Rapid Rewards Premier Card Details

How we evaluated rapid rewards premier.

We evaluated the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card by reviewing 20 cards and focusing on key features. The evaluation criteria and their weights are as follows:

• Expected Value to Traveler (40%): Measures the expected monetary value of rewards and perks minus the annual fees for a frequent traveler.
• Airline Scope (20%): Rates the number of destinations the airline flies to, which is crucial for frequent travelers.
• Offer ROI (15%): Evaluates the return on investment from the introductory bonus offers.
• Foreign Transaction Fees (5%): Rates the absence of foreign transaction fees, beneficial for international travelers.
• Issuer Satisfaction (5%): Based on JD Power issuer satisfaction study, reflecting customer satisfaction with the card issuer.
• Recommended Credit (5%): Indicates the credit score range required for approval, with higher scores being more inclusive.

About Doug Milnes, CFA

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.

• American Express . " Blue Cash Everyday® Card ." Accessed August 15, 2024 .
• Chase . " Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card ." Accessed August 15, 2024 .
• Chase . " Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card ." Accessed August 15, 2024 .
• Chase . " Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card ." Accessed August 15, 2024 .
• Chase . " Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card ." Accessed August 15, 2024 .
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• Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card Review
• Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card Rewards
• Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card Benefits
• Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card The fine print
• Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card Drawbacks

How Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card compares

Should you get the southwest rapid rewards ® priority credit card, southwest rapid rewards ® priority credit card: faqs.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card: Strong Perks for Southwest Loyalists

• What we think: The Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card is a strong pick for Southwest Airlines loyalists who were already going to book regardless of card-related incentives. While an annual fee and lackluster transfer partners detract slightly from its shine, the card offers straightforward point accumulation and redemption.
• Cardholders can enjoy a $75 annual Southwest ® travel credit, a benefit that offsets over half of the annual fee.
• Save money in the air with 25% back on inflight purchases.
• There are no foreign transaction fees with the Rapid Rewards Priority card.
• For every $5,000 you spend per year, you can earn 1,500 TQPs (tier qualifying points), boosting you toward achieving A-List status.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card is Southwest’s most elite personal card. Ideal for frequent Southwest flyers, it offers cap-free rewards and a generous sign-on bonus. Points are fairly easy to earn and manage with this card. However, a higher fee than many of its peer cards makes it less attractive than a general travel credit card if you’re not a Southwest loyalist already.

Keep reading for an in-depth review of the Southwest Priority Card to discover how you’ll earn reward miles, what cashing in your points looks like and all of the benefits to see if this is the best credit card for you.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card: Review

Is the southwest priority card worth it.

If you’re already locked in with Southwest and fly frequently, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card can definitely be worth it. However, if you currently fly with other airlines regularly, you’ll need to become a Southwest convert to make this card worth it. 

Ultimately, whether this airline credit card is a good choice comes down to how often you fly with Southwest, how frequently you travel and if you can utilize the benefits. The Rapid Rewards Priority card also has an annual fee of $149. That means you’ll need to earn more than $150 in points to actually see the value.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card: Highlights

Here’s a rundown of Rapid Rewards Priority’s key points:

• Annual fee: $149 per year.
• Reward rate: 3X per dollar spent on Southwest purchases, 2X per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, 2X per dollar on transit and commuting (includes ride-share), 2X per dollar on tech (internet, phone, cable and select streaming services) and 1X back on all other purchases.
• Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months.
• Key perks: Other perks include $75 annual Southwest credit, 25% back on in-flight Southwest purchases, the ability to earn a free Companion Pass, a 7,500-point anniversary bonus and availability-based credit for up to four upgraded boardings per year.
• Drawbacks: The annual fee of $149 and perks that only matter if you fly with Southwest frequently.

Who is the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card best for?

The Southwest Priority card is for Southwest loyalists with frequent-to-heavy travel habits, as they can benefit the most from the 3X points on Southwest purchases, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and generous cash back on in-flight purchases.

Frequent spenders can also get on the fast track to A-List status in the Rapid Rewards loyalty program by earning 1,500 tier-qualifying points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent per year. 

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card: Rewards

Earning rewards.

Earning rewards with this Chase credit card is pretty straightforward:

• 3X points on Southwest purchases: Get 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, including flights, inflight purchases, gift cards and vacation packages.
• 2X points on Rapid Reward hotel and car rentals: Perfect for trips away, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals.
• 2X points on local transit and commuting: This includes rideshare, trains, buses, taxis, tolls and parking - ideal for local commuters.
• 2X points on internet, cable and phone services: You’ll get double points on your digital services and select streaming services.
• 1X points on all other purchases: You’ll earn points at a 1:1 ratio for everything else not listed above.

Redeeming rewards

With this rewards credit card , there are several ways to redeem your points:

• Southwest flights: Use your points to redeem Southwest flights at a typical value of 1.3 cents per point. There are also no blackout dates, which means you can use your points whenever you want.
• Non-Southwest international flights: Although you can redeem your points with non-Southwest flights, the value of points drops significantly compared to redeeming for Southwest flights.
• Statement credits: Points can turn into statement credits by selecting qualifying transactions posted to your account within the last 90 days.
• Hotel stays and car rentals: Use your Rapid Rewards points and the Southwest travel portal to book your hotels and car rentals.
• Other purchases: You can also redeem your points for gift cards, merchandise and Rapid Rewards Access Events. However, the value of your points using these redemption options isn’t worth the most here.

Welcome offer

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card sign-on bonus offers 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months. 

Among welcome offers, this is a very “doable” one. While not a jaw-dropping bonus amount, you’ll probably find the relief of not having to stretch spending to meet a goal satisfying.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card: Benefits

Travel benefits.

• Annual travel credit: Get a $75 annual Southwest travel credit to be applied however you like (excludes boarding upgrades and in-flight purchases).
• Discount on in-flight purchases: Cardholders get 25% off drinks, food, internet and other in-flight purchases on Southwest flights.
• Upgraded boarding passes: Cardholders get annual credits for up to four upgraded boardings.
• Travel accident insurance: Depending on if you’re approved for the Visa Signature or Visa Platinum, you could receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $500,000. 
• Lost luggage reimbursement: Have peace of mind if your luggage or the luggage of an immediate family member is damaged or lost by the carrier, as you’re covered up to $3,000.
• Baggage delay insurance: If your baggage is delayed by over six hours, you’ll be reimbursed for any essential purchases made up to $100 a day for three days.
• Travel and emergency assistance: A benefit only included if you’re approved for the Visa Signature - if you have an issue away from home, you can call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical assistance. You will need to pay the cost of any goods or services obtained, however.
• Auto rental collision damage waiver: Decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the cost to your card to be covered.
• Roadside dispatch: 24/7 roadside assistance to help with anything from flat tyres to vehicle lockouts. You will have to pay a fee for this service.

Shopping benefits

• Extended warranty protection: Get an extra year of warranty on eligible warranties of three years or less. 
• Purchase protection: Use your card to buy an eligible item and get coverage for 120 days against damage or theft of the item up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Anniversary bonus: Cardholders get 7,500 points every account anniversary.

Other perks

• Southwest A-List status 2X faster: Earn 1,500 tier-qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent in purchases each year with no annual limits.
• Companion status boost:  Get 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points every year that can be applied toward free travel for a guest.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card: The fine print

• Annual fee: $149 per year
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Late payment fee: Up to $40
• Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater

Interest rates

• Regular APR: 21.49% - 28.49% variable APR
• Cash advance APR: 29.99% variable APR
• Intro APR offer: None

Credit limit

The Rapid Rewards Priority card has a starting credit limit of $2,000. However, that can increase based on a cardholder’s creditworthiness. Having a lower ceiling on this card can make it difficult to accrue the points necessary for the big selling point, which is Companion Pass eligibility. You’ll need 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year to qualify for the Companion Pass.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card: Drawbacks

Higher annual fee.

The Rapid Rewards Priority card has a higher annual fee than peers offering similar points. While $149 doesn’t put this card in the same space as premium credit cards with $300+ annual fees, you must earn $149 in perks before this card becomes worthwhile. 

Lacks direct dining perks

While some travel cards have special categories for dining or groceries, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority doesn’t. However, cardholders can link this card with a Rapid Rewards Dining membership for free to earn 3 points per dollar if they opt-in for email communication.

No lounge access

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority is not a card with airport lounge access . This is disappointing for a card molded specifically for Southwest “super travelers.” As the most premium Southwest card, Priority would have been the only hope for lounge access. While there are some rumors that Priority Pass perks are coming in the future, nothing has been confirmed.

No special travel perks

For a card that caters to frequent Southwest passengers, Rapid Rewards Priority holds back on convenience-adding perks for travelers. There are no statement credits or discounts for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry . 

The lack of airline transfer partners is also disappointing. While you can transfer points to hotel loyalty programs, the list is limited to Choice Hotels, Best Western, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and MGM Rewards.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Plus Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Plus Credit Card is the lowest-tier card in the Rapid Rewards roster. For a $69 annual fee, you’re keeping all of the rewards earned with the Southwest Priority apart from the 3X rewards on Southwest purchases, which are downgraded to 2X. 

Early boarding passes, 25% off in-flight purchases and 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually are also included with the Rapid Rewards Plus. However, the Rapid Rewards bonus anniversary points drop from 7,500 to 3,000 with this card. 

Another major downfall is that the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Plus also tacks on a 3% foreign transaction fee, compared to the Rapid Rewards Priority, which has no foreign transaction fees. 

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The annual fee for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is only $95, which is low considering the perks it offers and cheaper than the Rapid Rewards Priority. 

You get 2X miles per dollar on most purchases and don’t have to worry about spending categories. You also get double the points for everyday purchases compared to Rapid Rewards Priority. However, that boost does come at the expense of bringing 5X points on airfare down to just 2X.

Another area where the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card falls short is the absence of anniversary reward points. You need to upgrade to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card to get 10,000 bonus miles every anniversary. 

However, the Venture Rewards card still pulls its weight as a travel card by offering 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. There’s also up to a $100 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit every four years.

You should get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card if you already like flying with Southwest and do some moderate-to-heavy leisure travel. You must also be willing to live without “flashy” imagery. 

Unlike some travel cards, this one doesn’t offer lounge access, free dining perks or fancy seat upgrades. However, the practical perks of cash back on commuting purchases and fast track to A-List status make it a “quietly” premium credit card for patient and practical travelers.

If you’re trying to come to this card as a convert from something like a Delta SkyMiles card , the lack of lounge access and elite travel perks will leave you disappointed. 

However, suppose you’re looking for your first airline-branded travel credit card. In that case, Rapid Rewards Priority can be a refreshing option that starts to make the travel you’re already doing pay you back.

How do you apply for the Southwest Priority credit card?

For new customers, you can learn more about the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card on the Chase website as a guest. For current Chase cardholders, you can log in to your account and start a new application from your user dashboard.

The credit score needed to be approved for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is typically 700 or above. However, Chase looks at income and other financial details when determining eligibility.

What are the benefits of having a Southwest Priority credit card?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers 3X back on travel booked through Southwest, 25% off in-flight purchases, 2X points for commuting purchases and 1X back on all other purchases. 

Cardholders are also eligible for 10,000 qualifying points for a highly coveted Companion Pass and fast-track access to A-List status with Southwest’s loyalty program.

Does the Southwest Priority credit card charge foreign transaction fees?

The Southwest Priority is a no-foreign transaction fee card , meaning it doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees.

Can I use a Southwest credit card in Europe?

Yes, Southwest credit cards are accepted in 200 countries worldwide.

Does the Southwest Priority card offer lounge access?

No, lounge access is not included with this card, even though it is the highest-tier Southwest credit card.

Does the Southwest Priority card reimburse for Global Entry?

No, the Southwest Priority credit card does not offer reimbursements or statement credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or any other programs.

About the Author

Carrie O’Connell is a prolific writer specializing in consumer finance and credit cards. Her extensive portfolio includes content for prominent clients such as First American Bank , American Savings Bank Hawaii , Smartfinancial.com , Trustedcompanyreviews.com , United Debt Settlement , Ways to Wealth , and Investorade . 

Carrie’s writing covers a wide range of topics, from credit card reviews and approval strategies to maximizing credit card benefits and navigating credit card use during economic downturns. Her expertise helps readers make informed decisions about their personal finance and credit card choices.

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5 Best Travel Credit Cards, According to Finance Experts

If you’re someone who travels a lot , whether for business or pleasure, you may be wondering if it’s worthwhile to look into the best travel credit cards. The finance experts we spoke to agree that the right card can help with cashing in on rewards. And when it comes to choosing, it boils down to the annual fee amounts, any airline benefits, and the best options for international travel (if that’s a priority for you). Other travel perks can include elite airport lounge access, free hotel nights, and no foreign transaction fees, benefits that are sometimes even offered on cards with no annual fees. Below, experts break down what to look for in a travel card, as well as the top five picks to consider.

Your travel credit card questions, answered

What are travel credit cards, should you get a travel credit card, what to look for in a travel credit card, is a high annual fee a red flag, 1. best travel credit card for beginners: chase sapphire preferred card.

• APR: 21.49% to 28.49%
• What it offers back: Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through Chase Travel
• Annual fee: $95
• Rewards rate: 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel and Lyft purchases; 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases (not including Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases; 1 point per dollar on everything else
• Intro offer: 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
• What to note: Lower annual fee, high welcome offer, no foreign transaction fees
• Credit score needed: Not specified

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is ideal for beginners for various reasons. For starters, its $95 fee is on the low end compared with other travel cards. Perks include travel protection benefits (including trip-cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, and lost-luggage insurance), and annual hotel credit (through Chase Travel).

This card also has a welcome offer of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. For rewards, users get 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel and Lyft purchases; 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases (not including Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases; and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through Chase Travel.

2. Best Credit Card for Domestic Travel: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

• What it offers back: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming; 1 point per $1 spent on everyday purchases, and 25% back on inflight purchases (i.e. Wi-Fi and alcoholic beverages)
• Annual fee: $69
• Rewards rate: 1 to 2 points per dollar
• Intro offer : 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
• What to note : Low annual fee, generous welcome and anniversary offer, no foreign transaction fees
• Credit score needed : Not specified

This travel credit card is my card of choice, and I've held it for 10 years now. Given the ability to quickly accumulate points and a generous anniversary bonus, the card’s low annual fee has paid for itself and then some every year, since I often manage to rack up enough points for a handful of one-way flights (or at least a couple of round-trip ones). Southwest also flies to several international destinations in Central America and the Caribbean—in fact, my husband and I booked our honeymoon in Belize in 2017 entirely with points. This card also has no transaction fees, and other perks include 25% back on in-flight purchases (such as Wi-Fi and alcoholic beverages, which are $8 each) and two early bird check-ins per year.

3. Best Credit Card for International Travel: Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

• APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 statement closing dates following the opening of your account; after that, 19.24% to 29.24%
• What it offers back: 3% cash back on gas and EV charging stations, online shopping,​ cable, ​streaming, Internet, ​phone plan, dining, travel, drug store or ​pharmacy, and home improvement or ​furnishings purchases; 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; 1% cash back on all other purchases; as well as 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter
• Annual fee: None
• Rewards rate: 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases, everywhere, every time
• Intro offer: 25,000 online bonus points, a $250 travel or dining statement credit value, after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
• What to note: No annual fee, 0% intro APR, no foreign transaction fees

Bank of America’s Travel Rewards credit card is another great choice for frequent travelers, as it comes with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, which is ideal if you intend to spend a lot of time abroad. A huge added bonus is a 0% introductory APR that applies to the first 15 statement closing dates. Additional perks include 25,000 online bonus points and a $250 travel or dining statement credit value after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.

Card holders can also earn unlimited points, with 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases; points also don’t expire. Finally, this card doesn’t have any blackout dates, which means you can use it on any hotel or airline, at any time.

4. Best Travel Card With Lounge Access: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• APR: 19.99%, 26.24% or 29.99%, depending on your credit score
• What it offers back: 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, $300 annual travel credit, $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Annual fee: $395
• Rewards rate: 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars; 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel using this Rewards card account; 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases
• Intro offer: 75,000 bonus miles if you spend at least $4,000 within three months of your enrollment date
• What to note: One drawback is the high annual fee, but perks include a higher rewards rate on travel-related purchases
• Credit score needed: Excellent (800 to 850)

If you like to travel in style, one of this card’s top perks is unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests at more than 1,300 airport and travel lounges. That’s huge if you don’t like the buzzkill that comes with not being able to share the finer things with your travel companions.

It’s worth noting that this card comes with a higher annual fee than most others, and you need excellent credit to qualify. But the rewards it comes with (specifically, that annual miles bonus and travel credit) will quickly make that fee pay for itself. The benefits quickly outweigh the fee as well, and include 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, equal to $750 in travel.

The rewards rate structure includes 10 miles for every dollar spent on hotels and rental cars that were booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles for every dollar spent on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.

5. Best for Everyday Rewards: American Express Gold Card

• APR: 21.24% to 29.24%
• What it offers back: $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash, $100 travel experience credit when booking through The Hotel Collection
• Annual fee: $250
• Rewards rate: 4 points per dollar at restaurants or groceries, 3 points per dollar on flights, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
• Intro offer: 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership
• What to note: While this card does have a higher annual fee than most, it offers a generous rewards structure and welcome bonus, as well as no foreign transaction fees

This card is great for racking up dining and grocery rewards, which are things everyone uses on a regular basis, especially if your travel volume is on the lower end. So if you’re a foodie, you’ll love the incentive to dine out more often than usual.

While it does have a hefty $250 annual fee, this card also comes with an introductory offer of 60,000 membership points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. Its points-earning ability includes 4 points for each dollar spent on dining at restaurants and US supermarkets (up to the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and 3 points for every dollar spent on flights booked directly with an airline or with Amex Travel.

Other perks include a statement credit of up to $120 annual for dining, up to $120 in annual Uber Cash, and up to $100 in hotel credits, all of which would prove beneficial when using the card while traveling.

There are two main types of travel credit cards: cobranded hotel and airline cards and transferable-points bank cards. With both these cards, you’ll typically get a large sign-up bonus in the form of rewards points and perks that will offset several years’ worth of the annual fee.

Transferable-points cards allow you to earn rewards points on everyday purchases like dining and groceries, which ultimately go to your stockpile of points to eventually put toward travel.

According to Torres, key features of travel cards include sign-up bonuses for quick rewards; the ability to earning points across spending categories, including travel and everyday expenses; and flexible redemption options. When comparing cards, you should consider perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

“If you can make the most of the rewards and perks offered by the card, it can be a savvy financial move, regardless of your travel frequency,” says Jannese Torres, host of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast and author of Financially Lit!: The Modern Latina’s Guide to Level Up Your Dinero & Become Financially Poderosa . “Ultimately, it's about aligning the card’s features with your lifestyle and financial goals to make the most of your spending, whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler.”

Even if your total annual travel is on the lower end, you might think about snagging a travel credit card if you find yourself booking airfare and hotel stays a few times a year, says personal finance expert Nicole Lapin , who also hosts Money Rehab podcast.

“These cards can be great for earning rewards faster on travel spending, and even if you’re not jet-setting often, using one for daily expenses to collect points or miles for an occasional lavish getaway can still be a smart move,” she says. “It’s like putting away a little extra for a future vacation every time you shop.”

Generally speaking, as with any credit card, it also makes sense to consider a travel credit card if your finances are in good standing and it would benefit your travel plans . Experts universally agree that everyone should have some type of rewards credit card, assuming they have an appropriate credit score and can pay the card off in full every month. The decision to get a travel credit card hinges on various factors, including how much you spend, the card’s rewards structure, and whether the benefits outweigh any associated fees, Torres says.

According to Lapin, you should look for a travel credit card that offers a solid rewards rate on your spending.

Sign up bonus: Look for a juicy sign-up bonus and perks that suit your travel style, she says. “Key features might include things like no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel insurance, and freebies like airport-lounge access or credits for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. But be cautious of cards with unreasonable minimum-spending requirements to earn sign-up bonuses, Torres says. “Make sure you can comfortably meet the spending threshold without overspending or accruing unnecessary debt,” she says.

Rewards program: In that same vein, though, consider a rewards program with perks you will actually use—if you regularly fly in and out of an airport that doesn’t have a lounge, then a premium card with lounge access probably shouldn’t be a priority. “Other red flags include restrictive redemption options that tie you to one airline or hotel chain, unless you’re totally okay with that limitation,” Lapin says.

However, you’ll also want to avoid cards with limited redemption options or complex rewards structures that could make it challenging to maximize your rewards, and steer clear of cards with high foreign transaction fees, especially if you frequently travel internationally, Torres says: “These fees can quickly diminish the value of your rewards when using the card abroad.”

Annual fees: While many travel cards will come with an annual fee, they also typically come with a sign-up bonus worth far more than that fee, making it easily pay for itself. It’s also key to zero in on your own travel habits, so if you’re flying a specific airline multiple times a year, it can make sense to get a branded card for that airline.

Airline perks: Some airline credit cards also offer free checked bags as a benefit for holding the card, which can be a huge advantage to those who typically check bags, as this can save you around $40 per bag, per leg of your trip.

Ultimately, “balance annual fees with benefits, prioritize cards with no foreign transaction fees for international travel, and explore additional perks like concierge services,” Torres says.

At first glance, a high annual fee can send people running from signing up for a travel credit card. Experts often see them as green flags instead of red one, however, assuming you get the value out of them in points and perks. Even a no-annual-fee travel card that has no foreign transaction fees can be worthwhile for a single trip abroad, considering that foreign transaction fees can otherwise add 2% to 3% to the price of every international purchase.

“In certain cases, a high annual fee on a travel credit card can be justified by the valuable perks and benefits it offers,” Torres says. “For frequent travelers who prioritize convenience and luxury, these cards often provide access to airport lounges, elite status with airlines and hotels, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage, enhancing the overall travel experience. “

Additionally, cards with high annual fees may offer generous rewards rates, lucrative sign-up bonuses, and flexible redemption options, allowing cardholders to accumulate points or miles quickly and redeem them for premium travel rewards, Torres says.

Cards with annual fees also tend to have other big benefits, such as travel insurance, as well as some niche benefits on certain cards, for example, statement credits at Saks Fifth Avenue, Uber, or Equinox.

“Just remember to align the card with your actual travel habits and financial goals, and calculate whether you’ll use enough perks to offset any fees,” Lapin says. “Choosing the right travel credit card can really help make your travels more enjoyable and a bit more economical.”

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14 Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024

Best travel cards main takeaways.

• Money has evaluated hundreds of credit cards, comparing their fees, benefits, welcome offers, travel insurance policies and more.
• The top credit cards for travel offer high rewards on travel purchases, which can be redeemed for airfare, hotel nights, cash back, statement credits or more.
• Our picks feature the best travel cards for every budget and include no-annual-fee, low-annual-fee, premium and business cards.

Why Trust Us?

Our editorial team has spent well over a thousand hours analyzing, evaluating and comparing the top credit card offers in the market. We carefully vet each card’s fine print in order to understand their features, limitations and potential benefits for consumers. We review cards independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. Read our full methodology to learn more.

• 46 travel credit cards evaluated
• 10+ data points used, including ongoing fees, reward programs and welcome offers
• 100+ sources reviewed

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com for our coverage of credit card products. Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Our top picks are listed strictly in alphabetical order.

Our Top Picks for Best Travel Credit Cards

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for flat rate rewards
• Bilt Mastercard® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for paying rent
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee card for travel partners
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for domestic travel
• Discover it® Miles Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for everyday spending

Best low-fee-annual-fee travel credit cards

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best travel card for flat-rate rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best travel card for flexible rewards

Best premium travel credit cards

• American Express® Gold Card – Best travel card for dining
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best low-cost premium travel card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best premium travel credit card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Best travel card for lounge access

Best business travel credit cards

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Best business travel card

Best airline travel credit cards

• United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline credit card

Best Travel Credit Cards Reviews

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earns 1.5x points on all purchases
• No bonus category for travel
• Few benefits compared to other cards
• Limited redemption options

Why we chose it: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use card best suited for travel reward beginners or those who are already Bank of America customers.

Some cardholders can earn up to 75% more points if they are Bank of America Preferred Rewards members — that’s up to 2.62 points for every dollar spent.

However, the card doesn’t offer hotel and airline point transfer partners, travel insurance or extended warranty and purchase protection. Additionally, you can only redeem your points as statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases.

All information about Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com

• No annual or foreign currency conversion fee (Click herehttps://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/bilt/terms/">here; for rates and fees)
• Use it to pay your rent and earn rewards without incurring any processing fees
• You can earn double points on all purchase categories (except rent payments) on the first of every month (up to 10,000 points)
• Earn 2x points on travel (when booked directly through an airline, hotels, car rental agencies and cruise lines)
• No welcome bonus or introductory APR period
• Points redeemed for statement credits are worth 0.55 cents each
• You must make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn points
• Rent payments can only be made to one rental property per month

Why we chose it: The Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments without incurring any processing fees — unlike most credit cards that typically charge around 2.5% to 2.9% per rent payment.

You can use the card to pay rent without worrying about surcharges. Once you get approved for the card, all you have to do is set up an account through the Bilt app or website and use your assigned routing and account number to pay rent through your usual payment portal. You can also use your card even if your landlord only accepts checks, and Bilt will send a check on your behalf.

Additionally, Bilt doubles the card’s rewards rates on the first of every month, which means you can earn 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel and 2x points on other purchases (up to 10,000 points per month). However, this bonus doesn’t apply to rent rewards.

On the downside, the Bilt Mastercard® doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, and points redeemed for statement credits are only worth 0.55 cents each.

• Can transfer your miles to 16 travel partners
• Earns 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Doesn't earn bonus points on airfare
• No domestic travel partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you’re looking for a no-annual fee travel credit card with a simple rewards structure.

You can use your miles to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made from airlines, hotels, rail lines, car rental agencies and more.

You can also transfer your points to one of Capital One’s 16 travel partners, which include international airlines such as Avianca and British Airways. This option is notable since travel credit cards with no annual fee don’t typically offer the option to transfer your reward to airline and hotel partners.

However, the card’s list of bonus categories is limited compared to some other no-annual-fee credit cards, and Capital One doesn’t offer bonus points on airfare booked through Capital One Travel.

• Includes trip cancellation/interruption and car rental insurance
• Features a high flat cash back rate combined and popular bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Why we chose it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best credit card for traveling domestically. It offers a 1.5% flat cash back rate on most purchases plus it has several appealing bonus categories, including travel and dining.

This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that is, on any transactions made in currency other than US dollars. However, if you mostly travel within the U.S., this card is an excellent option.

For one, you’ll earn an additional 1.5% on each of the card’s bonus categories during the first year of card membership (or up to the first $20,000 spent).

Also, although using this card abroad is not recommended, you can still use it to book international trips while you’re home, and you’ll earn 5% cash back if you book it through Chase Travel℠.

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and even transfer them to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. It’s also worth noting that this card is one of the few no-annual-fee credit cards with rental car coverage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• No annual or foreign transaction fees
• Discover matches the total miles you earned at the end of the first year
• Earns 1.5x miles on all purchases
• See your FICO score on the Discover mobile app, online and on statements
• Few benefits compared to other travel cards
• Doesn't include extended warranty or purchase protection

Why we chose it: The Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a no-frills card ideal for travelers who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories, earning caps or redemption values.

The card earns a flat 1.5x miles on all eligible purchases without any annual caps. You can redeem your miles for statement credits and account deposits at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also use your rewards through Amazon and PayPal checkout with the same value.

Also, the card’s welcome bonus is easily one of the best in the market: Discover matches every mile you’ve earned at the end of your first membership year — without any spending requirements.

However, while the Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a great starter travel card, its lack of bonus categories could hinder your reward-earning potential in the long run. Additionally, Discover cards aren’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa Signature and World Mastercard, for example.

All information about the Discover it® Miles Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

• Earn 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, select streaming services and cell phone plans
• Includes cell phone protection plan
• No airline or hotel transfer partners
• Doesn't include travel insurance
• Netflix and HBO are not eligible for streaming bonus

Why we chose it: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the best travel reward card for everyday spending, offering high rewards on several popular spending categories, including travel, dining, gas, streaming services and cell phone plans.

Its travel bonus category is particularly noteworthy because you can earn points regardless of where you make your reservations, whether it’s directly with an airline or through a third-party travel site like Booking.com. (Most travel credit cards limit travel rewards to bookings made exclusively through the card issuer’s travel portal.)

The card also includes rental car insurance and a cell phone protection plan when you use it to pay your monthly bill.

All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Low-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• Earn 2x miles per dollar on most purchases
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Includes travel accident and car rental insurance
• Fewer bonus categories than other cards with a similar annual fee ($95)
• Doesn't offer travel rewards for flights
• Car rental insurance is secondary

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture Rewards is ideal for those who want to get the most out of their spending without worrying about tracking bonus categories and spending caps.

You can redeem your miles on the Capital One travel portal and as statement credits to cover travel purchases at a value of one cent per mile. Additionally, you may transfer your miles to more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

However, keep in mind that Capital One doesn’t have domestic travel partners, which can be a drawback if you mainly travel within the U.S.

• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel purchases through Chase TravelSM
• Receive a point bonus each account anniversary
• Includes primary rental car insurance
• Earn 3x per $1 on dining, including eligible delivery and takeout meals, select streaming services and grocery purchases
• $95 annual fee
• Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck(R) application fee credit

Why we chose this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card for frequent travelers who want to earn valuable rewards while paying a low annual fee.

The card features six reward categories that offer outstanding rewards on flights, hotels, restaurants and more. You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through Chase Travel℠, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio (one Chase point equals one hotel point or airline mile). These include popular airlines and hotels like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott and Hyatt.

Best Premium Travel Credit Cards

• High rewards at restaurants and supermarkets
• 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amextravel.com
• Annual statements credits for select restaurants (enrollment required)
• High annual fee ($325)
• Includes few travel perks and insurance policies compared to similarly priced cards

Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.

Why we chose it: The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies, offering a high reward rate at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, takeout and food delivery. (Terms apply.)

The American Express® Gold Card also offers statement credits worth up to $240 combined — almost enough to offset the card’s $325 annual fee. These include:

• Up to $120 every year in dining credits ($10 per month) for select restaurants and food delivery services. The list includes Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys (Enrollment required)
• Automatically get $10 monthly in Uber Cash to use on Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (after you add the American Express® Gold Card to your account)
• $100 credit for eligible charges when you book a two-night minimum stay at a hotel from The Hotel Collection through Americantravel.com. Eligible charges may vary.
• Terms apply

However, note that the American Express® Gold Card offers fewer travel perks than some other premium cards — for instance, it doesn’t offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance or TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR® Plus fee credits.

• 10,000 bonus miles every year
• Statement credit of up to $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Skip the line and get car upgrades when renting a car with Hertz
• High annual fee ($395)
• Fewer bonus categories than other premium cards
• No domestic airline transfer partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture X also includes noteworthy perks such as:

• 10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select and Plaza Premium Group
• Authorized users at no extra cost (many cards have an annual fee of $75 or more for each additional user)

All in all, the Venture X is a solid option that can easily compete with other premium travel cards, especially considering its more affordable annual fee.

• Up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year to cover travel purchases
• Transfer your points to 14 travel partners (including United, Southwest, JetBlue and Marriott)
• Points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel expenses through Chase TravelSM
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency dental insurance
• High annual fee ($550)
• Doesn't include a cell phone protection plan

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best credit card for travelers looking for a high reward rate on travel and additional benefits like comprehensive travel insurance and airport lounge access worldwide.

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. This means each point is worth 1.5 cents per point instead of one cent, like most travel cards. Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides several high-end benefits such as:

• $300 annual travel credit to cover travel-related purchases like airfare, hotels, car rentals, rideshares, buses, trains, tolls and/or parking
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide (after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select)
• Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or Nexus

The Sapphire Reserve does have a $550 annual fee. But if you take advantage of the $300 annual credit and other perks, the benefits can definitely outweigh its cost.

• Access to the widest network of airport lounges of any card
• Complimentary elite status in the Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty programs
• Hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits for travel, dining and more
• High annual fee ($695)
• Doesn't include baggage delay, travel accident and primary rental car insurance
• Limited bonus categories

Terms apply. Click here for rates and fees.

Why we chose this card: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a list of premium benefits that no other travel card offers, including the widest network of airport lounges and room upgrades at Hilton and Marriott hotels. (Terms apply.)

The Platinum Card® from American Express features an impressive list of high-end travel benefits, including:

• Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and Amex’s own Centurion lounges (enrollment required)
• Gold status in the Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs, which makes you eligible for room upgrades, free breakfast and late checkouts (enrollment required)
• $200 back each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card® (Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay)
• Up to $200 per year when incidental fees, such as checked bags, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® (with one selected qualifying airline)
• Complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club (must enroll through your Amex online account using your card)

The Platinum Card® from American Express does have a hefty $695 annual fee. However, for people who travel often and will take advantage of its annual credits and travel perks, it might almost pay for itself.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• Around $1,000 in yearly statement credits for select business purchases
• Access to a wide network of airport lounges (terms apply)
• Around $600 in perks in Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) locations booked through American Express Travel (for stays of two nights)
• Secondary rental car coverage**

Why we chose it: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express features an extensive list of benefits that make it an ideal travel and business credit card.

With this card, you can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance and extra amenities at hundreds of hotels, like daily breakfast and free internet access. Additionally, you get a $200 credit to cover baggage fees, in-flight refreshments and more and up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck® every four or 4.5 years respectively. (Terms apply.) (Enrollment required.)

The card also offers several yearly statement credits for business-related purchases that include up to $400 per year — $200 between January and June and $200 between July and December — for U.S. purchases with Dell (enrollment required).

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does have one of the steepest annual fees ($695) among travel credit cards, but its extensive list of benefits makes it a no-brainer for business owners who travel frequently.

Best Airline Travel Credit Cards

• Free first checked bag for you and a companion
• Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS every 4 year
• 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights
• Complimentary priority boarding for you and companions traveling on the same reservation
• $95 annual fee (after the first year)
• No intro APR period
• Rewards are only valuable when used with United

Why we chose it: The card_name has a low annual fee and gives you valuable benefits that make up for it, such as priority boarding for everyone on the reservation and a free checked bag for you and one companion.

Other perks the card includes are:

• Two one-time passes for United Club℠ airport lounges each account anniversary year
• 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases like food, beverages and Wi-Fi
• Up to $100 every four years to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
• Comprehensive travel insurance (auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement)

The United℠ Explorer Card earns miles on United purchases, including tickets, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi and more. You also earn rewards at restaurants and select hotel stays.

You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines or its partners, including Avianca, Lufthansa and Air Canada. You can also redeem them for seat upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi passes and more — although United miles are usually more valuable when used for airfare.

Travel Credit Cards Guide

The best credit cards for travel do more than offer high reward rates on flights and hotel stays. They also provide rewards for everyday spending and perks such as travel insurance , airport lounge access and annual statement credits.

Here’s a rundown of how these cards work:

What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards are tailored for frequent travelers, providing high rewards on travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, rental cars and dining. These rewards, earned as points or miles, can be used to book travel reservations. Additionally, rewards can sometimes be transferred to hotel and airline partners or be redeemed for statement credits, cash back, gift cards and more.

These cards also feature valuable perks such as no foreign transaction fees, hotel discounts, travel insurance, free checked bags and airport lounge access.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar on eligible purchases. They often offer around 5x points or more for airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. Some cards may also count parking, bus fares, taxis, tolls and ferries as travel purchases.

Besides travel, you typically get additional bonus categories, such as 3x points per dollar on dining, groceries, drugstores or streaming services. All other eligible purchases usually get at least one point (1x) per dollar.

You can then redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Card issuers also usually let you redeem your points for non-travel options like statement credits, cash back or gift cards.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

• Some cards offer up to 10x points per dollar on travel purchases.
• Many have additional bonus categories for dining, grocery shopping and more.
• They may include travel benefits like priority boarding, airport lounge access and late hotel checkouts.
• Points or miles can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and more.
• Highest reward rates are usually limited to purchases made through the card issuer's travel portal.
• They might not offer high rewards on spending outside of the travel category.
• Some of the best ones can have steep annual fees and require good to excellent credit
• Redeeming points or miles for anything other than travel can reduce their value to less than one cent per dollar.

Types of travel credit cards

Here’s a rundown of the differences between the three main types of travel rewards credit cards:

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards are ideal for people who regularly fly with the same airline. These cards earn miles you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining, airport lounge access and other travel-related purchases but typically only with the issuing airline.

Some of the best airline travel credit cards include benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

With hotel credit cards, you can only redeem your points for stays, discounts and other benefits with one particular hotel chain.

For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns points for Hilton’s loyalty program, which you can redeem for free nights in the company’s properties, including Hilton Garden Inn and Waldorf Astoria hotels.

Hotel credit cards may also offer complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts and bonus points for purchases made during your stay.

General travel credit card

General travel credit cards are more flexible than airline or hotel cards. They aren’t affiliated with a single airline or hotel chain, so their points can be used to book flights, hotel stays, rental cars and more from different companies.

These cards may also offer useful perks for frequent travelers, like airport lounge access. They can also cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which allows you to skip the long lines at airport security or customs.

Travel credit cards vs cash-back credit cards

Travel credit cards offer high reward on travel spending, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck when you redeem your points or miles on flights, hotels and car rentals. These benefits make them a no-brainer for frequent travelers.

But if you don’t take trips often, a cash-back credit card might be a better option for you. It’s often easier to maximize rewards with cash-back cards, thanks to their bonus categories for everyday purchases like gas and groceries. Many also offer solid rewards on some travel purchases, so make sure to compare their features and consider how your spending and travel habits align.

How to choose the best travel credit card for you

Picking the best travel rewards credit card boils down to how often you travel, which cardmember perks you’d benefit the most from and the categories you spend the most on.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best card for you:

• Assess the cards’ bonus categories. Many travel cards have additional bonus categories other than travel, like dining, supermarkets, streaming services and drugstores. Consider your day-to-day spending habits and pick a card with bonus categories that fit your lifestyle.
• Consider the card’s annual fees. No-annual-fee travel cards usually have few travel benefits. The best travel credit cards charge annual fees of at least $90 and can go as high as $700. However, these are often best for those that travel enough to take advantage of their benefits.
• General vs. co-branded travel cards. General travel cards have more flexible redemption options. On the other hand, co-branded cards are often tied to a specific airline or hotel, which can limit your options. Still, they do provide valuable perks like free checked bags, in-flight discounts and hotel upgrades.
• Compare extra travel perks. Some cards offer annual statement credits for flights and hotels or upgrades when renting cars. Take the time to compare each card’s roster of features and pick one that best suits your travel plans.
• Compare benefits and perks. The best credit card travel benefits include insurance policies that cover travel accidents, rental cars, trip cancellations and more. These policies can vary widely based on the issuer and the card’s annual-fee tier.
• Beware foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Some cash-back cards may offer outstanding rewards for travel purchases but charge around 3% fees on purchases outside the U.S.
• Look beyond welcome offers. A 60,000-point welcome bonus can be enticing. However, it shouldn’t be your main deciding factor, especially if the card has a high annual fee and you won’t use its benefits enough to get your money’s worth.

Making the most of your travel credit card

Here are some other tips to maximize your rewards and benefits:

• Use your card often and strategically. For example, if your card offers 3x points at restaurants, make it your go-to for dining out or ordering takeout. This way, you can earn points or miles with each purchase and redeem them for free or discounted flights, hotels and more. (Remember to pay your card off in full each month to avoid interest charges and credit card debt .)
• Consider adding an authorized user to your account. They’ll earn points with every purchase they make, and those will get added to your overall total. However, make sure to pick someone who will use the card responsibly since you’ll be legally liable if they ever fail to pay their monthly bills.
• Redeem your points for travel. They’re usually more valuable this way compared to redeeming them for non-travel options, like merchandise or gift cards. Transferring your rewards to an airline or hotel partner program — if your card allows it — is also usually worth it since it might boost their value further.
• Take advantage of your card’s travel perks. If your card offers travel protections (like travel accident or luggage insurance), use it to pay for your passenger fares. This way, you could be reimbursed in the event of an accident or lost luggage, for example. Many cards also offer statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, Priority Pass airport lounge network, hotel amenities and more.
• Use your airline or hotel card to sign up for the company’s frequent flyer or frequent guest loyalty program. You’ll often earn extra points or miles when you’re a member and use your co-branded card to pay for flights, hotel stays and more.
• If you can transfer points from other credit cards to your travel card, take advantage of this feature. This way, you can accumulate extra points for travel booking and sometimes even increase their value.

Best Travel Credit Cards FAQs

Are travel credit cards worth it, how do credit card miles work, how much are airline miles worth, how many miles do you need for a free flight, what's the difference between points and miles, what credit score do i need to get a travel credit card, how we chose the best travel credit cards.

We ranked the best credit cards for travel based on their annual fees, benefits, reward rates and redemption flexibility.

Fees: We compared interest rates and foreign, cash advance and balance transfer fees for more than 50 credit cards. We also considered their annual fee, looking for those that offered the most for the money.

Ongoing benefits: Intro APR and bonus offers are attractive, but they can only get you so far. We focused on cards with year-round benefits such as travel insurance or cell phone protection plans.

Reward rates: We preferred cards that allow you to earn extra points from travel expenses, as well as those that provide significant bonus rewards in popular spending categories, like dining, supermarkets or streaming services.

Redemption flexibility: Our picks don’t limit your redemption options to just travel. Some let you use your points for Amazon purchases, for example. We also preferred issuers that allowed cardholders to transfer their points to airline and hotel partners.

Summary of Money’s Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

To see rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

*** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

© Copyright 2024 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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5 Things to Do After Getting the Southwest Priority Credit Card

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If you're ready to get back into travel, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card can be your ticket to free or cheap flights and better service while flying Southwest (including a guaranteed A group boarding position four times per year).

Plus, the card currently has the following welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Chase, which issues this card, also offers two other Southwest cards but despite its $149 annual fee, we think this one is the best for Southwest loyalists, given its added benefits like a $75 Southwest travel credit per year, 7,500 bonus points on your cardmember anniversary and four upgraded boardings per year when available.

» Learn more: Find the best airline credit card for you

Here’s what new cardholders need to do as soon as their Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card arrives.

1. Start spending (responsibly)

Think about purchases you would have to make anyway — new tires, home repairs, school textbooks, a new mattress you already planned to buy — and, assuming you’re prepared to pay off the card balance when the bill arrives, get shopping. Just don’t fall into the trap of unnecessary spending, which defeats the purpose of getting something free.

2. Pick your travel companion

The Southwest Companion Pass is tough to earn. Only travelers who accumulate 135,000 Southwest points or who fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year get this perk. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card will help you earn one faster thanks to the chunk of points you can via the sign-up bonus.

The Companion Pass lets you choose one person to accompany you on unlimited flights practically for free. They’ll pay fees, often as low as $5.60 each way, but no fares. The Southwest Companion Pass is good for the rest of the year in which it's earned, plus the following calendar year.

3. Browse the Southwest Low Fare Calendar

Southwest flies to over 101 destinations in the U.S. and 10 other countries. Spend some time browsing Southwest’s most popular destinations from your home airport and explore Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar feature. Then, pull out your bucket list and compare.

Also, start getting familiar with how Southwest prices its award tickets so you can start planning getaways with your companion pass guest in tow. The airline also has many sweet spots, allowing you to purchase flights for as little as 4,234 Rapid Rewards points.

» Learn more: How to use Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar, other booking tips

4. Look at your availability

Do you know when you can get time off work to travel? Do you know when your companion can take vacation days? Do you know which holidays and long weekends could afford you chances to travel? Do you have a reunion, wedding or other scheduled event coming up that you and your companion will want to attend?

Start getting a handle now on what your upcoming travel will look like. Also, check in with friends and family who live in places where Southwest flies to see when it might be a good time to visit.

» Learn more: Southwest Airlines sweet spots

5. Understand the Southwest boarding upgrade perk

If you’re new to flying Southwest, you may not be familiar with its boarding procedures and no assigned seats. But Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card holders get up to four upgraded boardings per year for free. Finally, no more setting a timer on your phone to check in exactly 24 hours out — or worse — feeling pressured to pay extra for EarlyBird Check-In.

Use one of your four boarding passes and your boarding position will be moved up to the A group, meaning you’ll be one of the first on the plane to choose your seat. Think about whether you want to save your Southwest Premier Card upgraded boarding passes for longer flights or use them right away. Upgrades can be made online via Southwest's upgraded boarding page .

Final thoughts on what to do after getting the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a solid choice for Southwest loyalists and offers a lot of useful perks. If you’re considering the card, check out our guide to getting the most out of it.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options

75,000 Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.