Have you ever stood at an airport gate, watching planes take off, and wondered how you could make your next trip not just cheaper but downright rewarding? I’ve been there, daydreaming about jetting off without the sting of high costs. That’s why the recent overhaul of Southwest Airlines’ credit cards caught my eye. With a shiny new 100,000-point welcome bonus and a slew of updated perks, these cards are making waves for travelers. But, as with any good deal, there’s a catch—higher annual fees and some benefits waving goodbye. Let’s dive into what these changes mean for you, whether you’re a casual flyer or a Southwest loyalist chasing that coveted Companion Pass.
Why Southwest’s Credit Card Revamp Matters
Southwest Airlines, in partnership with Chase, has rolled out significant updates to its Rapid Rewards credit cards, and the headline grabber is the limited-time 100,000-point welcome bonus. Available through September 17, 2025, this offer doubles the previous 50,000-point bonus, making it one of the most generous in Southwest’s history. Whether you’re eyeing a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, those points can stretch far, especially with Southwest’s dynamic pricing model. But it’s not just about the points—new perks like free checked bags and early boarding sweeten the deal, though rising annual fees might give you pause. Let’s break it down card by card to see what’s new, what’s gone, and whether these changes are worth your swipe.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: Affordable but Limited
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is the entry-level option, perfect for occasional travelers who want to dip their toes into Southwest’s rewards pool without breaking the bank. Its annual fee is jumping from $69 to $99, a $30 increase that’s not exactly pocket change. Still, the card comes with some fresh perks that might justify the hike for the right person.
For starters, the 100,000-point welcome bonus is a showstopper. You’ll need to spend $4,000 in the first five months to snag it, but that’s doable for many. According to travel experts, these points could cover multiple round-trip flights if redeemed during off-peak times. Plus, you’ll earn 3,000 anniversary points each year, giving you a little boost to keep your rewards growing.
“A 100,000-point bonus is a game-changer for budget travelers looking to maximize value.”
– Travel rewards analyst
New benefits include a free first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation—a potential $70 savings per round trip. You’ll also get standard seat selection within 48 hours of departure (for 2026 flights) and early boarding in Group 5, which means better access to overhead bin space. The card now earns 2X points on gas stations and grocery stores (up to $5,000 annually), a practical addition for everyday spending. However, some perks are expiring by December 31, 2025, like 2X points on internet, cable, and streaming services, so you’ll need to adjust your strategy.
- Free checked bag: Saves up to $35 per person each way.
- Early boarding: Group 5 access for you and up to eight others.
- New earning category: 2X points on gas and groceries (up to $5,000/year).
- 10% flight discount: One promotional code annually (excludes Basic fare).
The catch? If you don’t fly Southwest often or spend heavily in the new reward categories, the $99 fee might feel steep, especially with the loss of benefits like EarlyBird check-in. It’s a solid card for casual flyers, but you’ll need to crunch the numbers.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier: A Mid-Tier Option
Stepping up, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card targets travelers who fly Southwest a bit more regularly. Its annual fee is climbing from $99 to $149—a $50 jump that stings a bit. But with the same 100,000-point welcome bonus and some upgraded perks, it might still catch your eye.
This card mirrors the Plus with the free checked bag and early boarding benefits, but it sweetens the pot with preferred seat selection within 48 hours of departure (for 2026 flights) and a 15% annual flight discount (excluding Basic fare). You’ll also earn 6,000 anniversary points, which is double the Plus card’s haul. The new earning category—2X points on groceries and restaurants (up to $8,000 annually)—is a nice touch for foodies or those who dine out often.
That said, the Premier card loses some shine with the expiration of benefits like 2X points on rideshares and streaming services by the end of 2025. If your spending doesn’t align with the new categories, the higher fee might not make sense. I’ve always found that mid-tier cards like this one are tricky—you need to be strategic to get your money’s worth.
| Card Feature | Plus Card | Premier Card |
| Annual Fee | $99 | $149 |
| Welcome Bonus | 100,000 points | 100,000 points |
| Anniversary Points | 3,000 | 6,000 |
| New Reward Category | 2X on gas/groceries ($5,000 cap) | 2X on groceries/restaurants ($8,000 cap) |
The Premier card is a good fit if you’re a semi-frequent Southwest flyer who can leverage the new perks. But if you’re not hitting that $8,000 cap on groceries and dining, you might be better off with the Plus or jumping to the Priority card.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: For the Devoted Flyer
If Southwest is your go-to airline, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is the premium pick, though its annual fee is soaring from $149 to $229—an $80 hike that’s hard to ignore. This card is packed with benefits tailored for frequent flyers, but you’ll need to maximize them to offset that cost.
The 100,000-point welcome bonus is here, too, and you’ll get 7,500 anniversary points each year—a nice perk for loyalists. The card now earns 4X points on Southwest purchases (up from 3X), plus 2X points on gas stations and restaurants with no annual cap. You’ll also enjoy unlimited Extra Legroom seat upgrades within 48 hours of departure (for 2026 flights), which is a big win for comfort-seekers.
“For frequent Southwest flyers, the Priority card’s new perks could make every trip more comfortable and rewarding.”
– Frequent flyer enthusiast
Other perks include the free checked bag, early boarding in Group 5, and a head start toward A-List status with 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 spent annually (up from 1,500). However, the card is losing its $75 annual travel credit by the end of 2025, which is a bummer for offsetting the fee. If you fly Southwest often and value comfort, this card’s benefits could still make it a winner.
- Maximize points: Use the 4X points on Southwest purchases for flights and gift cards.
- Leverage upgrades: Snag Extra Legroom seats for free when available.
- Plan for A-List: The TQP boost can help you reach elite status faster.
The Priority card is a commitment, no doubt. If you’re not flying Southwest at least a few times a year, the $229 fee might feel like a splurge. But for devoted fans, the perks could make every trip smoother.
Business Cards: Tailored for Entrepreneurs
Southwest’s business cards—the Plus Business, Premier Business, and Performance Business—also got a makeover, with similar updates but a focus on business travelers. The Plus Business card, currently unavailable to new applicants, carries a $99 fee and mirrors the consumer Plus card with a 100,000-point bonus, free checked bags, and 2X points on gas and restaurants (up to $5,000 annually).
The Premier Business card, with a $149 fee (up from $99), offers a 60,000-point welcome bonus after spending $3,000 in three months. It includes the same free checked bag and early boarding perks, plus 2X points on gas and restaurants (up to $8,000 annually) and 2,000 TQPs per $5,000 spent. The Performance Business card, the premium option, has a $299 fee (up from $199) and an 80,000-point bonus after $5,000 in spending. It adds unlimited Extra Legroom upgrades and 25% back on in-flight purchases.
These cards are losing some business-focused perks, like the $500 fee credit for points transfers, which could disappoint entrepreneurs who relied on that. Still, the new categories and travel perks make them appealing for businesses with frequent Southwest travel.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
So, are these cards worth it? The answer depends on how often you fly Southwest and how well you can use the new perks. The 100,000-point bonus is a major draw, potentially worth hundreds in flights. The free checked bag and early boarding benefits are a godsend for groups, saving up to $280 round-trip for a party of four. But the higher fees—especially the $229 Priority and $299 Performance Business—require you to maximize those perks to break even.
Personally, I love the idea of snagging Extra Legroom seats for free on the Priority card, but losing the $75 travel credit feels like a step back. The new reward categories are practical, but if your spending doesn’t align with gas, groceries, or restaurants, you might miss out on earning potential. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Pros: Huge welcome bonus, free checked bags, early boarding, and practical new earning categories.
- Cons: Higher annual fees, loss of some rewards categories, and limited value if you don’t fly Southwest often.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how these cards cater to different types of travelers. Casual flyers might lean toward the Plus, while frequent flyers and businesses will find the Priority or Performance Business cards more rewarding. It’s all about matching the card to your travel habits.
Tips to Maximize Your Southwest Card
Want to get the most out of these cards? Here are some strategies to make your points and perks work harder:
- Time your application: Apply before September 17, 2025, to grab the 100,000-point bonus.
- Use the checked bag perk: Travel with friends or family to maximize savings.
- Plan for off-peak redemptions: Southwest’s dynamic pricing means points go further during low-demand times.
- Chase A-List status: Use the TQP boosts on the Priority or Performance Business cards to unlock elite benefits.
One thing I’ve learned from years of chasing travel rewards is that timing matters. Booking flights early and redeeming points strategically can stretch your rewards further than you’d expect. Southwest’s no-change-fee policy is a bonus here, giving you flexibility if plans shift.
Is It Worth It?
These revamped Southwest cards offer a lot to love, especially if you’re a frequent flyer. The 100,000-point bonus is a rare gem, and perks like free checked bags and early boarding can make travel smoother. But the higher fees and loss of some benefits mean you need to be strategic. If Southwest is your airline of choice, these cards could be a no-brainer. For occasional travelers, the math might not add up.
In my experience, the best credit cards are the ones that fit your lifestyle. If you’re planning a big trip or chasing Southwest’s Companion Pass, now’s the time to jump in. Otherwise, weigh the costs and benefits carefully. What’s your next travel goal? Maybe one of these cards could help you get there.
