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Side-by-side

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs USAA Rewards American Express

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus comes from Chase at $99/yr; the USAA Rewards American Express from USAA 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 PlusUSAA Rewards American Express
Annual fee$99$0
Sign-up bonus50,000 bonus points2,500 USAA Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)-$25
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,000 in 3 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerChaseUSAA
Card categorytravelrewards
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
    USAA Rewards American Express
    $0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards 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: USAA Rewards American Express

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or USAA Rewards American Express?
    The USAA Rewards American Express has a public bonus (2,500 USAA Rewards points, worth roughly $25), 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 USAA Rewards American Express?
    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 USAA Rewards American Express's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and USAA Rewards American Express?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and USAA) 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 USAA Rewards American Express first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 spend in 3 months. USAA Rewards American Express: $0 in 0 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.