The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is an entry-level co-branded credit card issued by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It is designed for occasional Southwest travelers who want to earn Rapid Rewards points and access airline-specific benefits without a high annual fee.
The card occupies the base tier of Southwest’s co-branded card lineup. It provides point-earning capabilities and travel perks while serving as a tool for progressing toward the Companion Pass.
What the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card Is
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card is a Visa card that links directly to a Rapid Rewards account.
The system operates through three core mechanisms:
- Point Accumulation: Everyday purchases generate Rapid Rewards points at fixed ratios.
- Companion Pass Progress: Spending contributes toward the 135,000-point threshold required for the Companion Pass.
- Travel Cost Reduction: Benefits like free checked bags and in-flight credits reduce out-of-pocket costs.
The card has a $99 annual fee.
How Points are Earned and Distributed
The card uses a tiered structure based on merchant classification.
Earning Multipliers
- 2 Points per $1: Earned on Southwest Airlines purchases, including flights, in-flight purchases, gift cards, and Southwest Vacations packages.
- 2 Points per $1: Earned on the first $5,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and grocery stores each anniversary year.
- 1 Point per $1: Earned on all other eligible purchases.
Points are transferred to the linked Rapid Rewards account after each billing period closes. The $5,000 cap on gas and grocery bonus earning resets each account anniversary.
Merchant Category Code (MCC) Logic
The system classifies spending based on MCCs provided by the merchant’s payment processor. A gas station attached to a grocery store may code under the grocery MCC. Warehouse clubs and convenience stores typically do not code as grocery stores.
How Travel Benefits are Applied
The card includes several features designed to reduce travel costs.
First Checked Bag Free
The primary cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation receive their first checked bag for free on Southwest-operated flights. The benefit is linked to the Rapid Rewards number on the reservation.
Standard Seat Selection
Cardmembers can select a Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available. This benefit extends to up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
Group 5 Boarding
Cardholders and up to eight companions on the same reservation receive Group 5 boarding, which occurs before general boarding groups.
In-Flight Credits
The card provides 25% back as a statement credit on eligible Southwest in-flight purchases, including drinks and Wi-Fi.
How Companion Pass Progress Works
The Companion Pass allows a designated companion to fly free on Southwest flights (excluding taxes and fees). Earning the pass requires accumulating 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.
Cardmember Points Boost
The Plus card provides a 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each calendar year. This reduces the effective threshold to 125,000 points from other sources.
Spending Contribution
Points earned from purchases on the card count toward the Companion Pass threshold. The sign-up bonus, if earned, also counts toward qualifying points.
How Anniversary Benefits Work
The card provides recurring benefits each account anniversary.
Anniversary Points
Cardholders receive 3,000 bonus points on each account anniversary. These points are deposited to the Rapid Rewards account and count toward Companion Pass progress.
Promotional Discount Code
A 10% promotional code for Southwest flights is issued annually on the cardmember anniversary. This code excludes Basic fares and applies to the base fare only.
How the Card Generates Costs and Fees
The card operates within a specific fee structure.
Annual Fee
The $99 annual fee is charged each account anniversary. To offset this cost, cardholders typically need to utilize the checked bag benefit, anniversary points, or the promotional code at values exceeding $99.
Interest and APR Mechanics
The card carries a variable APR applied to any balance not paid in full. Interest is calculated on the average daily balance. At typical credit card rates, carrying a balance erodes the value of points earned.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
The card does not charge foreign transaction fees. Purchases made outside the United States use Visa network exchange rates without an added surcharge.
Regional and Regulatory Differences
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card is issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and is subject to U.S. consumer credit regulations.
Geographic Availability
The card is available to U.S. residents with a valid Social Security number. Southwest Airlines operates primarily within the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Point Expiration
Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as the Rapid Rewards account remains open with earning or redemption activity within a 24-month period.
Common Misconceptions About the Plus Card
“I get A-List status with this card.” No. The Plus card does not earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) toward A-List status. That feature is available on the Premier and Priority cards.
“The 2x grocery rate has no limit.” The 2x rate at gas stations and grocery stores is capped at the first $5,000 in combined purchases each anniversary year. After reaching the cap, these purchases earn 1x.
“My companion flies completely free with the Companion Pass.” The Companion Pass allows a companion to fly without paying the base fare. Government-imposed taxes and fees still apply to the companion’s ticket.
“The seat selection benefit gives me priority seating.” The Plus card provides Standard seat selection. Preferred seat and Extra Legroom seat selection are available on higher-tier Southwest cards.
“My points count toward Companion Pass even if the account is closed.” Points must be earned while the card account is open and in good standing to count toward the Companion Pass threshold.
