What are the Benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Card’s Credit? 

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card is one of the lowest-priced travel cards, charging a $69 annual fee, which is quite low among airline credit cards.

Through this credit card, not only can you easily accumulate flight rewards, but also it is packed with several perks that elevate your travel experience to the next level.

The Card comes with a wide range of benefits, including bonus points for signing up and anniversary points, priority boarding, and baggage delay insurance, which make it suitable for both occasional vacationers and seasoned jet-setters.

Stay with us as we dive into the benefits, disadvantages, and limits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card.

What’s the Southwest Rapid Rewards Card’s Credit Limit?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card has a minimum credit limit of $2,000 to begin with.

Yet, a few cardholders were given higher limits which could go as high as $25,000 or even more.

Such flexibility is provided to the cardholders so that they can have the necessary purchasing power to control their expenses and take advantage of the card’s benefits.

Can Southwest Credit Cards Be Used Anywhere?

Yes, you can use the Southwest card to make payments at any place where Visa cards are accepted.

It allows for this convenience irrespective of the nature of your purchase, whether it is online, in a restaurant, or while traveling.

Also, Southwest credit cards are very good for international travel as they usually don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

So, whether you are traveling and discovering new places or just collecting groceries at your nearby store, your Southwest credit card will always be there to help you out.

Benefits of Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards

Here are the benefits:

1.  Bonus Points

Enjoy the perks of Southwest Rapid Rewards with its enticing bonus points offer. 

Spend just $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months and snag a generous 50,000 points.

This sign-up bonus stands out for its accessibility and value, especially when paired with the card’s low annual fee. 

Also, the spending requirement is easily achievable, making it an easy way to kickstart your rewards journey.

2. Up to 2 Points Per $1

With the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card, earning points is easy:

• Get 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases.
• Score 2 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner transactions.
• Earn 2 points per $1 on local transit, rideshares, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services.
• For all other eligible purchases, earn 1 point per $1 spent.
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases

3. 3,000 Bonus Points Per Year

On each of your account anniversaries, you will get 3,000 points as a bonus.

The bonus value is calculated as $0.014 to $0.016 per Rapid Rewards point. This means that the bonus can be worth $42 to $48.

Such a benefit is another reason why cardholders can receive even more value from the card as a portion of the annual fee is reduced substantially.

4. Two complimentary Early Check-In Credits Per Year

Your account anniversary every year is the day when you are credited with two Early Bird Check-In credits.

Generally, $15 each, these credits will help you be one of the first to enter the cabin.

This benefit is very practical with Southwest, where seat selection starts at the boarding time.

5. 25% Back on In-flight Shopping

You will get a 25% statement credit for every purchase of in-flight drinks or Wi-Fi using the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.

These credits are visible in your statement within 1 to 2 billing cycles.

6. Travel Protections

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card offers you worthwhile travel protections in the form of eligible travel bookings.

These are advantages such as travel insurance where you are reimbursed for lost luggage in case it goes missing during the trip.

Besides, you’ll have baggage delay insurance too, giving you the confidence that in case of delayed baggage, you’ll be covered for the essential items until your luggage arrives.

7. Purchase Protections

You’re covered by Purchase Protection at no extra charge when you use your Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card for eligible purchases. This protects you against damage or theft.

Besides that, the card has extended warranty coverage, thus, you will enjoy extra protection for your purchases.

What are Some of the Drawbacks?

If you’re considering the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, it’s important to weigh its advantages against some potential drawbacks:

1. Annual Fee

This card comes with a $69 annual fee. 

While this is relatively low compared to many premium credit cards, it’s still important to assess whether the benefits, like the 3,000 annual bonus points and two Early Bird Check-In credits, justify the cost. 

These benefits can often offset the fee, but only if you use them effectively.

2. Foreign Transaction Fees

A notable downside of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is its 3% foreign transaction fee. 

Many travel credit cards, especially those with an annual fee, waive this fee. Several no-annual-fee cards don’t charge for foreign transactions. 

A top travel card should be versatile enough for use abroad without extra charges. Since this card incurs additional costs on international expenses, it’s better suited for those who primarily travel within the U.S.

3. Comparison with Other Southwest Cards

Southwest also offers cards with higher annual fees but more substantial benefits:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card: For a $99 annual fee, you receive 6,000 bonus points each year.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card: At a $149 annual fee, this card grants 7,500 bonus points annually, plus a $75 Southwest purchase credit each year.

These cards, although more expensive, provide greater annual value. 

If your budget allows, comparing these options within Southwest’s offerings could reveal a card that better suits your spending habits and travel needs.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card provides numerous benefits designed for frequent travelers aiming to maximize their rewards and travel experiences.

For both business and leisure, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card stands out as a dependable companion, ensuring smooth journeys and rewarding loyalty at every turn.