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Side-by-side

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier

Both are travel travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus comes from Chase at $99/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier from Chase at $149/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 Premier costs $50 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.

FeatureSouthwest Rapid Rewards PlusSouthwest Rapid Rewards Premier
Annual fee$99$149
Sign-up bonus50,000 bonus points55,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)--
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,000 in 3 mo$1,500 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)2x3x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
  • 3k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • Companion Pass qualifying
  • 3x on Southwest
  • 6k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • 15% anniversary promo code
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
$149/yr · 55,000 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.

Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier

The middle tier of the Southwest portfolio after the 2025 refresh. Doubles the anniversary points and bumps the promo code from 10% to 15% vs Plus. Sweet spot for occasional Southwest flyers who don't need the Priority card's $75 travel credit or upgraded boardings.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier?
Neither card has a publicly advertised sign-up bonus today. Watch for limited-time offers from each issuer.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier?
At $99/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier?
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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 spend in 3 months. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier: $1,500 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.