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Side-by-side

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

Both are travel travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred 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.

FeatureChase Sapphire PreferredSouthwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Annual fee$95$99
Sign-up bonus75,000 points50,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$1,500-
Min spend to unlock bonus$5,000 in 3 mo$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)5x2x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 5x on travel booked via Chase
  • 3x on dining & streaming
  • $50 annual hotel credit
  • Transfer to 13 partners (Hyatt 1:1)
  • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
  • 3k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • Companion Pass qualifying
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Preferred
$95/yr · 75,000 points
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points

Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Preferred

The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game. Note: the 10% anniversary points bonus sunsets October 1, 2026.

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, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a public bonus (75,000 points, worth roughly $1,500), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
At $95/yr, the Chase Sapphire Preferred 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 Chase Sapphire Preferred 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 Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $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.