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Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Flex vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Flex comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority from Chase at $229/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.

FeatureChase Freedom FlexSouthwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Annual fee$0$229
Sign-up bonus$200 cash back60,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$200$560
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$2,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorycashbackairline
Best earning category (Rotating)5x1x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 5% rotating categories
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • No annual fee
  • Cell phone protection
  • 7,500 anniversary points each year
  • Group 5 boarding (you + up to 8 on the reservation)
  • Unlimited Extra Legroom upgrades within 48h of departure (when available)
  • 4x on Southwest; 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Flex
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
$229/yr · 60,000 points

Editorial take: Chase Freedom Flex

Worth it only if you'll actually activate the rotating 5% categories every quarter. If you won't, the Freedom Unlimited earns more on everyday spend with zero effort.

Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

If Southwest is your airline, this is the card to have. The anniversary points and $75 travel credit help offset the annual fee, and the 4x earning on Southwest is class-leading among airline cards.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Freedom Flex or Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority has the bigger bonus, 60,000 points, worth roughly $560, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Flex.
Is the Chase Freedom Flex's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
The Chase Freedom Flex has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority's $229 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority's benefits to clear $229 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Flex.
Can I have both the Chase Freedom Flex and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
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 Chase Freedom Flex or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 spend in 3 months. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: $2,000 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.