Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs Discover it Cash Back

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus comes from Chase at $99/yr; the Discover it Cash Back from Discover 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 PlusDiscover it Cash Back
Annual fee$99$0
Sign-up bonus50,000 bonus pointsCashback Match (first year, unlimited)
Bonus value (est.)-$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,000 in 3 mo$0 in 12 mo
IssuerChaseDiscover
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Travel)2x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
  • 3k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • Companion Pass qualifying
  • 5% rotating categories
  • First-year match
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign tx fees
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points
Read the full review
Discover it Cash Back
$0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)

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: Discover it Cash Back

The first-year Cashback Match effectively doubles your earnings, someone who earns $300 in cash back gets $600 total. It's the best no-fee first card for building credit with real rewards.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or Discover it Cash Back?
The Discover it Cash Back has a public bonus (Cashback Match (first year, unlimited), worth roughly $200), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
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 Discover it Cash Back's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and Discover it Cash Back?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and Discover) 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 Discover it Cash Back first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 spend in 3 months. Discover it Cash Back: $0 in 12 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.