Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the better choice for frequent Southwest flyers due to its higher rewards rate and valuable travel perks. It offers 3X points on Southwest purchases, a $75 travel credit and no foreign transaction fees.

However, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, with a lower annual fee, is still worth considering for less frequent travelers who want a big sign-up bonus and anniversary points.

MoneyGeek's Southwest card comparison breaks down the card details, rewards and perks to help you decide which is right for you.

The Rapid Reward Priority Card is likely to be better for frequent Southwest travelers who aim to maximize their rewards and benefits. With its $75 annual Southwest travel credit and 7,500 anniversary points, it offers significant value for those who fly often. Additionally, the absence of foreign transaction fees makes it a good choice for international travelers. However, the higher annual fee may not be justified for those who fly less frequently or do not utilize the travel credit.

The Rapid Rewards PlusCard is likely to be better for budget-conscious travelers who fly Southwest occasionally and want to earn rewards without a high annual fee. With a $69 annual fee, it offers 2X points on Southwest purchases and other everyday spending categories. However, it may not be the best choice for those who frequently travel internationally due to its 3% foreign transaction fee. If you prioritize keeping costs low while still earning rewards, this card could be a good fit.

Point-by-point comparisons of APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features help you determine which card best meets your needs. For instance, if you're looking for higher rewards on Southwest purchases, the Rapid Rewards Priority offers 3X points compared to 2X with the Rapid Rewards Plus, making it a better choice for frequent flyers.

The Rapid Rewards Priority Card offers better rewards value due to its higher earning rate of 3X points on Southwest purchases, compared to the Rapid Rewards Plus card's 2X rate. Both cards earn points in the Southwest Rapid Rewards program, with points valued at approximately 1.4 cents.

Both cards offer similar rewards categories, including local transit, internet, cable and phone services, and select streaming services. However, the Priority card's higher earning rate on Southwest purchases makes it more appealing for frequent flyers. Below is a table summarizing the bonus categories for each card.

Both the Rapid Rewards Plus and Priority cards offer points that do not expire, providing flexibility in redemption timing. Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards and merchandise. However, the most value is typically found in redeeming for Southwest flights, which may limit appeal for those seeking broader redemption options.

The Rapid Rewards Priority card offers superior benefits with a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and four upgraded boardings per year, appealing to frequent travelers. The 7,500 anniversary points add ongoing value. These perks make it a better choice for those who prioritize travel benefits.

Travel Perks

• 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available
• 25% back on inflight purchases

Status

• Unlimited tier qualifying points (TQPs)
• Companion Pass Intro Offer Value
• 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year

Insurance & Protections

• Trip insurance

Credits & Discounts

• Receive a $75 annual Southwest travel credit
• DoorDash

All Other Perks

• 7,500 points every year on your Cardmember anniversary

Travel Perks

• 2 EarlyBird Check-In each year

All Other Perks

• 3,000 anniversary points

MoneyGeek's scoring process evaluates each card based on multiple use cases, ensuring the scores reflect the cards' strengths. In this comparison, the scores shown represent the best performance of each card in the 'Airline' category. Several factors determine this score:

• Expected value for travelers: Measures the monetary value of rewards and perks minus the annual fees for frequent travelers.
• Airline scope: Rates the number of destinations the airline flies to, which helps inform the breadth of travel options for the airline program.
• Introductory offer ROI value: Assesses the return on investment (ROI) from the card's sign-up bonus.
• Airline rewards rate for travelers: Evaluates the rewards earned on airline expenditures for frequent travelers.
• Issuer satisfaction: Based on customer satisfaction ratings from studies like J.D. Power.
• Foreign transaction fees: Rates the card's fees for international transactions.
• Recommended credit: Indicates the credit score range required for approval.

For more details on our scoring process, review our ranking methodology.