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The information related to Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card was collected by Katie’s Travel Tricks and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see the issuer website for current information. Katie’s Travel Tricks does not receive commission for this product.
All information about the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has been collected independently by Katie’s Travel Tricks.
Advertiser Disclosure
Current welcome offer
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Annual Fee
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How to Earn Rewards
4x
Earn 4 points on all Southwest® purchases.
2x
Earn 2 points for each dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants.
2x
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming, local transit and commuting, including rideshare through December 31, 2025.
1x
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Benefits
Complimentary Preferred seat at booking – Select a Preferred seat at booking, at no additional charge, when available.
First checked bag free for Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation.
Enjoy unlimited upgrades to an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours prior to departure, at no additional charge, when available. For flights operating in 2026 and beyond.
7500 points per year on your card member anniversary
My Take
This card used to be the best value of the three Southwest personal cards. But after July 2025, it lost a lot of its luster. Compare them here.
The Priority is the only personal Southwest card that offers free seat selection at booking, even when booking the “basic” fare class.
This card is now only worth it if you really value being able to pick your seats right at the time of booking and want to hope for Extra Legroom seats 48 hours in advance. Oddly the Priority card doesn’t include any anniversary coupon like the lower annual fee cards do.
With any offer, pay close attention to Companion Pass timelines if you’re hoping to earn a Companion Pass.
Want to check your eligibility for this card? Find our flow chart here.
offer History
Southwest offers 3 personal credit cards with different annual fees — they usually have identical offers. Offers change throughout the year typically offering 40,000-85,000 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 sign up offer of 100,000 bonus points ended in September 2025.
An elevated offer ended in December 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® Priority 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: $229
Your Net Value / Cost:
Benefit Checklist
Southwest® Priority Card Benefit Checklist
A handy guide for Katie's Travel Tricks readers to maximize your card benefits.
Reminder: You receive 7,500 bonus points every year after your card account anniversary. Potential Value: ~$105.
Reminder: Automatically applied to your account for Southwest purchases (excluding upgrades/inflight). Potential Value: $75.
Reminder: Purchase an upgraded boarding position A1-A15 at the gate or check-in counter and get reimbursed. Potential Value: $120 - $200.
Reminder: Choose Standard or Preferred seat at booking, then upgrade to Extra Legroom within 48 hours of departure (when available).
Reminder: On drinks & WiFi
Reminder: $35 per bag x flights per year
Reminder: Auto Rental Coverage, Roadside Assistance, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, Lost/Delayed Luggage, Travel Assistance, & Travel Accident Insurance.
Learn More About Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Details on all the Southwest cards and benefits
Detailed timelines to help you earn a Companion Pass
Reader success story
More Articles about Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
