For many frequent flyers, the idea of earning rewards that directly translate into free or discounted flights is incredibly appealing. Among the myriad of airline co-branded credit cards, the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card stands out as a popular choice for those who frequently travel with Southwest Airlines. This card offers a compelling mix of everyday earning potential, valuable travel benefits, and a clear path to enjoying the unique perks of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program.
Understanding the Southwest Rapid Rewards Program
Before diving into the specifics of the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program itself. Unlike many other airline loyalty programs that rely on complex, dynamic pricing based on distance or cabin class, Southwest’s program is revenue-based. This means the number of points required for a flight is directly tied to the cash price of the ticket.
Points earned through the Rapid Rewards program can be redeemed for flights on Southwest Airlines with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. This flexibility is a significant advantage for travelers who value simplicity and ease of redemption. Additionally, Rapid Rewards points never expire as long as you maintain an active account (by earning or redeeming points at least once every 24 months).
Key Features of the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is designed to accelerate your points earning and enhance your Southwest travel experience. Here are some of its most important features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: One of the most attractive aspects of this card is its generous sign-up bonus. Typically, new cardmembers can earn a significant number of Rapid Rewards points after meeting a specified spending requirement within the first few months of account opening. This bonus alone can often be enough for one or even multiple domestic flights, providing an excellent head start on your travel rewards. It’s crucial to check the current offer as sign-up bonuses can vary over time.
- Earning Rate: The card offers accelerated earning on Southwest purchases. Cardholders typically earn 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, including flights, in-flight purchases, and Southwest gift cards. All other purchases typically earn 1 point per dollar. This makes it an effective tool for maximizing your rewards on Southwest travel.
- Annual Fee: The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card comes with a modest annual fee. While a fee is always something to consider, the benefits offered by the card, particularly the annual point bonus and other travel perks, often outweigh this cost for regular Southwest flyers.
- Annual Point Bonus: A significant perk of this card is the annual bonus of Rapid Rewards points you receive on your cardmember anniversary. This bonus is automatically deposited into your Rapid Rewards account each year, providing a consistent boost to your points balance and helping to offset the annual fee.
- Southwest Travel Credits: Cardmembers often receive a credit for in-flight purchases, such as Wi-Fi or drinks. This can add up to noticeable savings for those who frequently utilize these services during their flights.
- Boost to Tier Status: Points earned with the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card count towards qualifying for Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred status. These elite statuses offer benefits like priority boarding, dedicated customer service lines, and a percentage bonus on points earned from flights. While this card alone might not get you to A-List, it contributes significantly to reaching that goal.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This specific card, the “Plus” version, does typically have foreign transaction fees. It’s important to be aware of this if you plan to use the card for international purchases. For those who travel internationally frequently, other Chase Southwest cards (like the Priority or Premier) might be more suitable as they usually waive foreign transaction fees. However, for the vast majority of users primarily focused on domestic Southwest travel, this is less of a concern.
- Bags Fly Free: While not a direct credit card benefit, it’s worth reiterating one of Southwest’s most beloved policies: the first two checked bags fly free for every passenger. This is a massive cost-saver compared to other airlines and, when combined with the rewards earned from the credit card, makes Southwest an even more attractive option.
Who is the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card Best For?
This card is an excellent fit for:
- Frequent Southwest Fliers: If Southwest is your preferred airline for domestic travel, this card is almost a no-brainer. The accelerated earning, annual point bonus, and contributions to A-List status make it incredibly rewarding.
- Southwest Companion Pass Seekers: While the Plus card alone won’t earn you the Companion Pass, the points earned from its sign-up bonus and everyday spending do count towards the 135,000 qualifying points needed for the Companion Pass. The Companion Pass allows a designated person to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) on any paid or Rapid Rewards redemption flight for an entire year and the remainder of the year in which it’s earned. Many people strategically apply for multiple Southwest cards, including the Plus card, to accumulate enough points for this incredibly valuable perk.
- Value-Conscious Travelers: The modest annual fee combined with valuable benefits like the annual point bonus and potential for free flights makes this card a strong contender for those looking to maximize their travel budget.
- Individuals New to Travel Rewards: The simplicity of the Rapid Rewards program and the straightforward earning structure of this card make it an excellent entry point for those new to earning and redeeming travel rewards.
How to Apply for the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Applying for the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a straightforward process, typically completed online. Here’s a general guide:
- Check Your Credit Score: Before applying for any credit card, it’s wise to have a good understanding of your creditworthiness. Chase generally looks for applicants with good to excellent credit (typically a FICO score of 670 or higher) for their co-branded cards. You can obtain a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com and many credit card issuers and financial services offer free FICO score access.
- Visit the Official Chase Website: The most secure and reliable way to apply is directly through the official Chase website. Avoid applying through third-party sites to ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date offer and protecting your personal information. You can usually find the card by navigating to the “Credit Cards” section and then looking for airline co-branded cards or specifically searching for “Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus.”
- Review the Current Offer: On the application page, carefully read the details of the current sign-up bonus, earning rates, annual fee, and any other terms and conditions. Ensure you understand the spending requirements to earn the bonus.
- Complete the Online Application Form: You will need to provide personal information such as:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Current Address
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Financial Information (e.g., annual income, employment status)
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Number (if you already have one; if not, one will be created for you)
- Submit Your Application: Once you’ve filled out all the required fields, review your information for accuracy and then click the “Submit” button.
- Application Decision:
- Instant Approval: In many cases, you may receive an instant approval decision.
- Pending Review: Sometimes, applications go into a pending status, meaning Chase needs more time to review your information. This is common and doesn’t necessarily mean your application will be denied. You may receive a notice to call a reconsideration line if you wish to provide more information or clarify anything.
- Denial: If your application is denied, Chase is required to send you an adverse action notice explaining the reasons for the denial. You can sometimes call their reconsideration line to appeal the decision.
- Activate Your Card: If approved, your card will be mailed to you within a few business days. Once you receive it, you’ll need to activate it online or by phone before you can start using it and earning rewards.
Important Considerations Before Applying: The Chase 5/24 Rule
Chase has an unwritten but widely known rule called the “5/24 rule.” This rule states that if you have opened 5 or more personal credit card accounts across all banks (not just Chase) in the past 24 months, your application for most Chase credit cards, including the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, will likely be denied.
Before applying, it’s highly recommended to check how many new accounts you’ve opened in the last two years to ensure you’re not exceeding this limit. Business credit card accounts (with some exceptions) generally do not count towards the 5/24 limit.
Conclusion
The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a powerful tool for anyone looking to maximize their travel with Southwest Airlines. Its attractive sign-up bonus, accelerated earning on Southwest purchases, annual point bonus, and contribution to elite status make it a compelling choice. By understanding its features and the application process, you can leverage this card to unlock more rewarding and cost-effective Southwest travel experiences. Remember to always consider your spending habits and creditworthiness before applying for any new credit card.
