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Side-by-side

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus comes from Chase at $99/yr; the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card from Citi at $0/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.

FeatureSouthwest Rapid Rewards PlusAmerican Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
Annual fee$99$0
Sign-up bonus50,000 bonus pointsNot advertised
Bonus value (est.)--
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,000 in 3 mo-
IssuerChaseCiti
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)2x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
  • 3k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • Companion Pass qualifying
    Read the full review
    Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
    $99/yr · 50,000 bonus points
    Read the full review
    American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
    $0/yr ·

    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: American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
    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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
    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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and Citi) the application rules don't conflict. 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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 spend in 3 months. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card: no published min spend. 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.