Southwest Airlines has a branded credit card that helps you earn points for their Rapids Rewards program. This card can be a great way to earn free flights and travel for those who frequently fly Southwest. However, those who frequently fly Southwest are going to get the best value, since the annual fee is $69.
The Southwest credit card has access to a new, simplified Rapid Rewards program, helping you earn points faster. When you spend anywhere using the card, you receive one point. You receive two points for each dollar spent on Southwest flights. Plus, you also get two points for each dollar spend with partner hotels and car rental companies.
Right now, Southwest is offering a huge bonus of 25,000 when you sign up and make a purchase. This is enough to get two round-trip fares in a number of classes (especially the Wanna Get Away). Plus, each year Southwest will give you 3,000 bonus points on your credit card anniversary. Southwest also allows you to check your first and second bags for free – which is a real bonus in times like these.
You will also find that your points don’t expire, and that you aren’t limited to certain seats. Additionally, there are no blackout dates with the Southwest credit card rewards program.
The new Rapid Rewards program allows you to redeem your points for international travel, gift cards and a variety of travel-related rewards including cruises and hotel rooms. This expansion makes the Southwest credit card rewards program more flexible than it has been in the past.
Downsides to the Southwest Credit Card
Unfortunately, there are some downsides to this credit card. The Southwest credit card isn’t offering a 0% APR introductory period for purchases or balance transfers. Many credit cards offer these periods, and they can be great for those who are trying to get out of debt. Additionally, the regular APR is on the high end of credit cards aimed at those with good credit, coming in at 15.24%.
And, of course, there is no way to get around the fact that the Southwest credit card charges an annual fee. However, considering the generous nature of the travel rewards program, it wouldn’t take very much to offset the cost by redeeming your points for free travel.
Indeed, the anniversary bonus alone is worth $50 in Wanna Get Away fares, so that almost makes up for the annual fee on its own. You receive especially good value if you tend to choose Southwest for most of your flying needs.
