Is a Southwest Credit Card Worth It?

A Southwest credit card may be worth it if you often fly with Southwest. It can help you earn points for free flights, unlock perks like upgraded boarding and annual travel credits and even get you closer to earning the coveted Companion Pass. With generous sign-up bonuses and anniversary points, a Southwest credit card can be a game-changer if you’re a frequent flyer.

If you frequently fly Southwest, a Southwest credit card is a great way to maximize your travel rewards. Southwest offers three co-branded consumer credit cards (all issued by Chase) that offer benefits designed to enhance your flying experience and help you save money over time.

Here's why getting one could be a wise choice:

1. Sign-Up and Anniversary Bonuses

All Southwest consumer credit cards let you earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account. This is enough to cover several flights and gives you an excellent head start if you're aiming for a Companion Pass, which requires 135,000 points. Applying in the fall and meeting the spending requirement in January is a great way to maximize your Companion Pass status for nearly two years.

You also receive anniversary points every year, which help offset the annual fee and provide ongoing value:

• Rapid Rewards Priority Card: 7,500 points
• Rapid Rewards Premier Card: 6,000 points
• Rapid Rewards Plus Card: 3,000 points

2. Earn Points on Every Purchase

Every purchase you make with a Southwest card earns Rapid Rewards points, helping you accumulate free flights faster. Points from Southwest cards also count towards your Companion Pass eligibility, which can be a significant boost as you earn points from non-flight expenses.

Depending on the card, you can earn:

• 2X to 3X points on Southwest purchases
• 2X points on local transit, commuting, internet, cable and select streaming services
• 1X points on everything else

However, if you don't fly Southwest often, a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred may be a better option. It offers transferable points to multiple airlines, including Southwest.

3. Upgraded Boarding

Depending on the Southwest card you choose, you can receive two to four upgraded boardings per year, allowing you to board in the A1 to A15 group for better seat selection. This perk is great for travelers who value a smoother boarding experience and better seating options. Plus, with Southwest planning to switch to an assigned seating model in 2026, this benefit could become even more valuable.

4. Travel Protections

Southwest credit cards come with built-in travel protections to safeguard you on the road. These include:

• Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 for lost or damaged luggage.
• Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimbursement for essentials if your bags are delayed.
• Purchase Protection: Protects your purchases against damage or theft for 120 days.

Southwest offers several credit card options, each with different benefits. Below is a comparison of the key features to help you determine which card might be right for you.

If you fly Southwest frequently or travel with a companion often, the Southwest credit card is likely worth it. Here’s who benefits most:

• Frequent Southwest Flyers: If you take multiple Southwest flights each year, the points you earn, along with perks like upgraded boarding, make Southwest cards valuable.
• Companion Pass Seekers: The Companion Pass is a huge advantage if you regularly fly with someone, allowing your designated companion to fly with you for only the cost of taxes and fees. By focusing on earning points through credit card spending, flights and promotions, you can easily reach the 135,000-point threshold.
• Loyal Southwest Customers: If you live near a Southwest hub or prefer flying Southwest for its customer-friendly policies (like two free checked bags), a co-branded card from the airline will boost your travel experience.

While the Southwest card offers excellent benefits, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Here’s who should consider alternative options:

• Infrequent Southwest Flyers: All Southwest cards have annual fees, and if you rarely fly Southwest, you may not be able to justify the cost of having a Southwest card. A general travel card may offer better flexibility. Other major airlines, like United, offer starter airline cards with no annual fees, which may be better suited for occasional travelers who want to earn points without a long-term commitment.
• Premium Travelers: Southwest doesn’t have first-class cabins or lounges. If you’re looking for luxury travel perks, consider a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which offers premium benefits across airlines.
• Point Maximizers: If you prefer to transfer points between multiple airlines or want more flexible rewards, a card with transferable points, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, might be a better option.

A Southwest credit card is worth it if you frequently fly with the airline. These cards offer solid value through sign-up bonuses, bonus points on flights and everyday purchases, as well as perks like upgraded boarding and no foreign transaction fees.

However, keep in mind that a Southwest card locks you into earning and redeeming points exclusively with the airline, which may limit your options if you prefer more flexibility across multiple carriers. If you rarely fly Southwest or want broader travel rewards, a general travel card might suit you better.