This content was accurate at the time of publication. Check the bank site for the most up to date information.
Current welcome offer
bonus_miles
bonus_miles_full
ELEVATED OFFER
non-affiliate link
65,000 bonus points
Earn 65,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
annual_fees
How to Earn Rewards
2x
Earn 2x points on all 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.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
key Benefits
Anniversary Bonus: 3,000 bonus points on each cardholder anniversary
First checked bag free for Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation.
Complimentary Standard seat – Select a Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available. For flights operating in 2026 and beyond.
My Take
This is the lowest annual fee Southwest card and the value is decent for what you pay. The anniversary points are worth about $40-45. You can compare this to other Southwest cards in our Southwest card guide where we even have benefit calculators.
Note that you can only get one of the three personal cards at a time, and are only eligible for the bonus if you have not had another Southwest personal card bonus in the last 24 months.
With any offer, pay close attention to Companion Pass timelines if you’re hoping to earn a Companion Pass.
This card currently has 3 separate offers running. We show you all of them so you can pick the best one for you!
offer History
Southwest offers 3 personal credit cards with different annual fees — they usually have identical offers. Offers change throughout the year typically offering 40,000-100,000 bonus points. Higher bonus points usually require higher spending. The past few years in early Spring, an offer appears that also includes a promotional Companion Pass.
An elevated offer ended in December 2025 to earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
Eligibility checker
Is your credit score 700 or above?
Are you under 5/24?
(Have you opened fewer than 5 cards in the last 24 months?)
Do you have a Chase checking account?
Have you earned the bonus on ANY Southwest personal card in the past 24 months?
Do you currently have any Southwest personal card?
Can you closely track your spending and be sure NOT to meet your bonus before December 31?
Does your partner already have a SW card?
Apply In Person
Your best chance for approval is if you apply in a physical branch.
Raise Your Score
Work on raising your credit score before applying for this card. You might be eligible for other offers in the meantime!
View Best Offers »Wait for 5/24
You need to wait until you are under 5/24 to apply. In the meantime, check out offers from other banks!
View Best Offers »Consider Business Cards
You're not eligible for a SW personal card right now, but you might qualify for a business card!
View Business Offers »Limit Reached
You can only hold one SW personal card at a time. Check out other top travel cards instead!
View Best Offers »Wait until December 1st
Wait until Dec 1st to apply so you can still earn a Companion Pass. Bookmark our offers page for later!
View Best Offers »Follow Timeline
Please follow the timeline carefully to maximize your rewards.
You are Eligible!
Please use Katie's Travel Tricks' affiliate link to support her site & free resources!
View Best Offers »Benefit Calculator
Southwest® Plus Card: What's It Worth to You?
Enter your personal estimated annual value for each benefit to see a customized calculation of the card's worth.
Your Total Annual Value:
Annual Fee: $99
Your Net Value / Cost:
Benefit Checklist
Southwest® Plus Card Benefit Checklist
A handy guide for Katie's Travel Tricks readers to maximize your card benefits.
Reminder: Potential Value: ~$42
Reminder: Potential Value: $30 - $50
Reminder: 10% promo code each year
Reminder: Better seating options when available
Reminder: On drinks & WiFi
Reminder: $35 per bag x flights per year
Reminder: Auto rental, roadside help, purchase/warranty protection, lost/delayed luggage, travel aid, & accident insurance.
Learn More About Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Compare all the Southwest cards here and benefits
Detailed Companion Pass timelines to help you earn it!
New seating processes: explained
More Articles about Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
