Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
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Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Both are travel travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/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 Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $696 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | 125,000 points | 50,000 bonus points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,500 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Chase_travel) | 8x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 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, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a public bonus (125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $795+ of those credits, the math works. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus at $99/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 Reserve or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 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.