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Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited 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 UnlimitedSouthwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Annual fee$0$229
Sign-up bonus$200 bonus60,000 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 (Travel)5x1x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
  • 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 Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
$229/yr · 60,000 points

Editorial take: Chase Freedom Unlimited

The best no-fee cash back card in the Chase family. Stack it with a Sapphire and your cash back converts into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, a free upgrade most people miss. Note: Cell phone protection is on Freedom Flex, not Freedom Unlimited.

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 Unlimited or Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority has the bigger bonus, 60,000 points, worth roughly $560, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited 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 Unlimited.
Can I have both the Chase Freedom Unlimited 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 Unlimited or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $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.