Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler
The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.
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Side-by-side
IHG One Rewards Traveler vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Both are well-respected travel cards. The IHG One Rewards Traveler comes from Chase 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.
| Feature | IHG One Rewards Traveler | Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | 80,000 points | 50,000 bonus points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $480 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $2,000 in 3 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | hotel | travel |
| Best earning category (Ihg) | 17x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 points
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, IHG One Rewards Traveler or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- The IHG One Rewards Traveler has a public bonus (80,000 points, worth roughly $480), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the IHG One Rewards Traveler's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- The IHG One Rewards Traveler 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler.
- Can I have both the IHG One Rewards Traveler 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 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.