Editorial take: British Airways Visa Signature
Avios shine on short-haul AA flights (7,500 miles each way under 1,150 miles). The Travel Together ticket is amazing but requires $30k spend per year, only worth it if you already hit that.
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Side-by-side
British Airways Visa Signature vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Both are travel travel cards. The British Airways Visa Signature comes from Chase at $95/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
Both cards come from Chase and target travel spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus costs $4 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.
| Feature | British Airways Visa Signature | Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | 75,000 Bonus Avios | 50,000 bonus points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,050 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $5,000 in 3 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 3x | 2x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
British Airways Visa Signature
$95/yr · 75,000 Bonus Avios
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points
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, British Airways Visa Signature or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- The British Airways Visa Signature has a public bonus (75,000 Bonus Avios, worth roughly $1,050), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the British Airways Visa Signature's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- At $95/yr, the British Airways Visa Signature is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the British Airways Visa Signature and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- Yes, though both are issued by Chase so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 British Airways Visa Signature or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. British Airways Visa Signature: $5,000 spend in 3 months. 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.