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Side-by-side

Apple Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Apple Card comes from Goldman Sachs at $0/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus from Chase at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureApple CardSouthwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Annual fee$0$99
Sign-up bonus50,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)--
Min spend to unlock bonus-$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerGoldman SachsChase
Card categorycashbacktravel
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
    • 3k anniversary points
    • Free first checked bag
    • Companion Pass qualifying
    Read the full review
    Apple Card
    $0/yr ·
    Read the full review
    Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
    $99/yr · 50,000 bonus points

    Editorial take: Apple Card

    Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

    The entry-level Southwest card after the 2025 refresh raised the fee to $99. Worth it primarily if you're chasing the Companion Pass; the Priority card delivers more value if you fly Southwest 2+ times per year.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Apple Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
    Neither card has a publicly advertised sign-up bonus today. Watch for limited-time offers from each issuer.
    Is the Apple Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
    The Apple Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's $99 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's benefits to clear $99 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Apple Card.
    Can I have both the Apple Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Goldman Sachs and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the Apple Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Apple Card: no published min spend. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.