Full Review: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is recognized as one of the top options for Southwest Airlines loyalists.

Tailored for frequent flyers, this card goes beyond basic travel rewards by offering substantial perks that aim to enhance every travel experience with Southwest.

This review dives deep into the benefits, costs, and value provided by the Priority Card to determine if it’s the right choice for your flying habits.

CreditFinder’s Rating: 4.3/5

Pros:

• Exceptional rewards on Southwest purchases and partner spending.
• Valuable travel credits and upgraded boarding options.
• Substantial annual points bonus that can offset the annual fee.

Cons:

• High annual fee compared to other airline cards.
• Benefits mainly cater to frequent Southwest flyers.
• Lacks some luxury travel perks like airport lounge access.

Card Overview

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is arguably the best of Southwest’s personal card offerings, especially for those who fly predominantly with Southwest Airlines. Its array of benefits includes an annual travel credit, upgraded boardings, and a hefty anniversary points bonus, making it an attractive option despite its $149 annual fee.

Key Features:

• Annual Fee: $149
• Rewards: 3X points on Southwest purchases; 2X on partner hotels and car rentals; 1X on everything else.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months.
• APR: 21.49% – 28.49% variable.

In-Depth Benefits Analysis

1. Rewards and Redemption

• Earning Potential: Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases, including flights, in-flight purchases, and gift cards. Additionally, earn 2X points on spending with Southwest’s hotel and car rental partners and on local transit and commuting expenses, including rideshares.
• Expert Appraisal: The earning rates are excellent for those who frequently travel with Southwest and its partners. Points are particularly valuable when used towards free flights on Southwest, offering flexibility without blackout dates.

1. Valuable Travel Credits and Perks

• $75 Southwest Annual Travel Credit: Automatically applied to your account for purchases such as flight tickets.
• Four Upgraded Boardings Per Year: Available on a first-come, first-served basis, these upgrades can significantly enhance your airport experience.
• 7,500 Bonus Points Annually: These points are awarded on your card anniversary, helping to offset the annual fee.
• 25% Back on Inflight Purchases: Save on drinks and WiFi during your flights.

1. Luxury Travel Benefits

• While the card lacks traditional luxury perks like lounge access, its upgraded boardings and annual travel credits deliver substantial value to frequent Southwest customers.

1. Comprehensive Travel Protections

• The card includes baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and travel accident insurance, providing peace of mind while on the move.

1. Annual Summary

• The combination of rewards, credits, and benefits can exceed the annual fee’s cost for regular travelers, making it an excellent value proposition for Southwest loyalists.

User Experiences and Testimonials

Case Study: Jessica, a frequent flyer with Southwest, values the card for more than just travel. “The annual credits and upgraded boardings make every trip more enjoyable, and the points I earn from everyday spending cover several round-trip tickets each year,” she shares.

Why You Might Choose The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Ideal for:

• Southwest frequent flyers who can maximize the full suite of travel credits and boarding upgrades.
• Travelers who appreciate enhanced travel experiences and savings on regular expenses.

Might Not Be Suitable for:

• Infrequent travelers who won’t fully utilize the ongoing perks and benefits.
• Those who prefer more diverse rewards programs or luxury travel benefits.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card stands out as a premier choice for dedicated Southwest customers, offering substantial value that can offset the annual fee for frequent flyers. Its rewards structure, coupled with annual travel benefits, make it an excellent card for those loyal to Southwest Airlines.

For those who fly less frequently or prefer more general rewards, a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred might offer better value with more flexibility in how points can be used.

FAQs

How does the welcome offer work?
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first

three months of card membership.

Can you justify the $149 annual fee?
For frequent Southwest travelers, the extensive suite of benefits and the value retrieved can justify the annual fee. However, for more occasional flyers, a lower-cost card may be more appropriate.