Annual Fee:
- TSA Precheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS statement credit (up to $120 every 4 years)
- 4 upgraded boardings per year (ends December 31, 2025)
- Free in-flight wifi (ends December 31, 2025)
- Earn 2,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent in purchases annually
- 4x earning on Southwest flights; 2x on local transit, internet, cable, and phone services (ends December 31, 2025)
- 9000 points per year on your card member anniversary
- $500 Fee credit for points transfers (ends December 31, 2025)
- Free checked bag for cardholder + up to 8 people on their reservation
- Select a Preferred seat for free at time of booking for cardholder + up to 8 people on their reservation
- Upgrade to an Extra Legroom seat for free 48 hours before departure (if available)
I thought the fee was inflated on this card back when it was $199. At $299 it’s a tough calculation to justify keeping long term. But since it typically has a higher welcome offer than the Premier Business card, a lot of people may end up with this one for at least a year to help earn a Companion Pass. It does have perks like the credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre√ or Nexus. Do your own calculation with our benefits calculators on all the Southwest cards.
Once Southwest makes the switch to assigned seating, the ability to select a preferred seat for free at booking is potentially valuable for some people. And if you spend a lot with Southwest, the 4x earning rate is a good way to rack up a lot of Southwest points.
Overall, this card really helps make it so easy to get a Southwest Companion Pass. Just pay close attention to your timing when applying if you’re trying to maximize the Companion Pass.
