If you are looking for a way to maximize affordable travel across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, Southwest Airlines credit cards from Chase offer some of the best perks in the industry for frequent flyers and budget travelers alike. Known for its no-frills approach and customer-friendly policies (hello, free checked bags!), Southwest pairs perfectly with credit cards that can help you earn Rapid Rewards points faster, opening up a world of flights, upgrades, and perks.

Whether you are a loyal Southwest flyer or just beginning to explore the world of travel rewards, these cards are designed to meet different needs and budgets. From the straightforward rewards of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card to the elevated benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, each card brings a unique set of advantages. These benefits can quickly add up — not just in points but in perks like companion passes, early boarding, and bonus spending categories that can easily cover a good portion of your next vacation.

Ready to make your next flight more rewarding?

Let’s explore the various credit card options.

Before You Apply: Know Your Credit Score

If you are new to travel rewards and credit in general, it is a good idea to check your credit score before applying for a credit or charge card. That way, you will be able to apply for travel rewards cards which align with both your credit score and your travel goals.

Credit. Time. Credit Score Chart.

Credit Scores are shown numerically and range from 300 (Poor) to 850 (Excellent / Perfect). While there are a number of credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and credit scores (FICO and VantageScore), generally, scores above 750 are considered excellent*. While some agencies charge for a credit report, there are a number of “free” options as well:

• Personal Bank
• Credit Karma
• Annual Credit Report

Related: Credit Scores 101: Everything You Need to Know

The Best Credit Cards For Southwest Rapid Rewards – Personal

Here is a quick overview of the best personal travel rewards cards earning Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards miles, which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is a great entry point for travelers looking to dive into the world of Southwest Airlines perks without a high annual fee. Ideal for casual flyers or those new to travel rewards, this card helps you earn valuable Rapid Rewards points on everyday purchases while enjoying the well-loved benefits of Southwest. With bonus points on Southwest flights, partners, and other spending categories, you will be on your way to free flights in no time. Plus, the card offers a range of perks that make traveling even smoother, like anniversary points and travel protections — all for a modest annual fee, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to elevate their travel experience.

Credit. The Points Guy. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening
• Annual Fee: $69
• APR: 20.74% – 27.74% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

• 2x on Southwest® purchases
• 2x on Local Transit and Commuting (including Rideshare)
• 2x on Internet, Cable, and Phone Services
• 2x on Streaming (select)
• 2x on Rapid Rewards® Hotel and Car Rental partners.
• 1x on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Receive 3,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points each anniversary year
• Receive 2 Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-In® each year
• Premium travel protection benefits including secondary car rental insurance and collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance via Visa Signature

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the premium credit card offering from Southwest Airlines, designed for frequent travelers who want to get the most value from each trip. With elevated perks like annual travel credits, upgraded boardings, and the highest level of earning potential on Southwest purchases, this card is tailored to those who fly Southwest regularly and appreciate a few added comforts along the way. Although it comes with a higher annual fee, the benefits — including anniversary points, 25% back on in-flight purchases, and a pathway to earn the coveted Companion Pass® — can quickly offset the cost. For Southwest loyalists who want more from their travel experience, the Priority card delivers unmatched value.

Credit. The Points Guy. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening
• Annual Fee: $149
• APR: 20.74% – 27.74% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

• 3x on Southwest® purchases
• 2x on Local Transit and Commuting (including Rideshare)
• 2x on Internet, Cable, and Phone Services
• 2x on Streaming (select)
• 2x on Rapid Rewards® Hotel and Car Rental partners.
• 1x on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Receive 7,500 Southwest Rapid Rewards points each anniversary year
• Receive a $75 Southwest® travel credit each anniversary year
• Receive a 25% inflight discount on food, drinks and WiFi
• For every $5,000 spent on this card, you will earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points, fast-tracking your way to A-List Status
• Premium travel protection benefits including secondary car rental insurance and collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance via Visa Signature

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card strikes a great balance for travelers seeking a little more than an entry-level card without committing to the highest-tier options. With no foreign transaction fees and a higher earning rate on Southwest and partner purchases, the Premier card is well-suited for both domestic and international travelers who prefer Southwest Airlines. You will enjoy anniversary points each year and an opportunity to accelerate your progress toward A-List status and the sought-after Companion Pass®. For those who want enhanced perks without a premium price tag, the Premier card is a solid choice for making Southwest travel even more rewarding.

Credit. The Points Guy. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening
• Annual Fee: $99
• APR: 20.74% – 27.74% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

• 3x on Southwest® purchases
• 2x on Local Transit and Commuting (including Rideshare)
• 2x on Internet, Cable, and Phone Services
• 2x on Streaming (select)
• 2x on Rapid Rewards® Hotel and Car Rental partners.
• 1x on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Receive 6,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points each anniversary year
• Receive 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points every year
• Premium travel protection benefits including secondary car rental insurance and collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance via Visa Signature

The Best Credit Cards For Southwest Rapid Rewards – Business

Here is a quick overview of the best business travel rewards cards earning Southwest Airline Rapid Rewards miles, which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more.

Credit. The Points Guy. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Annual Fee: $199
• APR: 20.74% – 27.74% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

• 4x on Southwest® purchases
• 3x on Rapid Rewards® Hotel and Car Rental partners
• 2x on Rideshare
• 2x on Social Media and Search Engine Advertising
• 2x on Internet, Cable, and Phone Services
• 1x on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Receive 9,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points each anniversary year
• Receive 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Premium travel protection benefits including secondary car rental insurance and collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance via Visa Signature

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is a solid choice for business owners who value the reliable routes and generous rewards program of Southwest. Offering bonus points on business-related purchases like Southwest flights, social media and search engine advertising, and even select rideshare services, this card makes it easy to rack up points while managing everyday expenses. With no foreign transaction fees and an annual anniversary points bonus, the Premier Business card brings great value without the higher fee of some premium options. For small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking straightforward rewards with meaningful travel perks, the Premier Business card is a dependable choice to help fuel growth — and future getaways.

Credit. The Points Guy. Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
• Annual Fee: $99
• APR: 20.74% – 27.74% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

• 3x on Southwest® purchases
• 2x on Local Transit and Commuting (including Rideshare)
• 2x on Rapid Rewards® Hotel and Car Rental partners.
• 1x on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Receive 6,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points each anniversary year
• Receive 2 Southwest Airlines EarlyBird Check-In® each year
• Premium travel protection benefits including secondary car rental insurance and collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance via Visa Signature

Transfers From Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most versatile and valuable points currencies available, making it a powerful tool for anyone looking to maximize their Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards miles. Ultimate Rewards points can be earned through various Chase credit cards and transferred directly to the Southwest Rapid Rewards program at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points equal 1,000 Rapid Rewards miles. This flexibility allows you to top up your Rapid Rewards account quickly and efficiently, especially when you are just a few miles short of a redemption.

Some of the best Chase credit cards to earn Ultimate Rewards points include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Chase Ultimate Rewards

Whether you are a casual Southwest flyer, a frequent traveler, or a business owner, there is a Southwest credit card tailored to your needs. From the low-fee benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card to the premium perks of the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, each option offers valuable ways to earn points, access exclusive travel benefits, and even work toward the coveted Companion Pass® — one of the best travel perks out there.

As you weigh your options, think about how often you fly Southwest, the kinds of perks that would benefit you most, and the potential to offset the annual fee of each card with its rewards and benefits. For loyal Southwest travelers, any of these cards can unlock substantial savings, added convenience, and an overall more enjoyable travel experience. Ready to pick the perfect Southwest card for your wallet? With the right choice, your next adventure could be closer — and more affordable — than you think.