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Side-by-side

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier vs Citi Double Cash

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier comes from Chase at $149/yr; the Citi Double Cash 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 PremierCiti Double Cash
Annual fee$149$0
Sign-up bonus55,000 bonus points$200 cash back
Bonus value (est.)-$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,500 in 3 mo$1,500 in 6 mo
IssuerChaseCiti
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneciti-ty
Headline benefits
  • 3x on Southwest
  • 6k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • 15% anniversary promo code
  • 2% everywhere
  • No annual fee
  • Pairs with TY Premier
  • Simple earning
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
$149/yr · 55,000 bonus points
Read the full review
Citi Double Cash
$0/yr · $200 cash back

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.

Editorial take: Citi Double Cash

The OG flat 2% card. Pairs with Custom Cash + Premier to form Citi's trifecta, turns your combined cash back into transferable ThankYou Points. Rock solid for non-bonus spend.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier or Citi Double Cash?
The Citi Double Cash has a public bonus ($200 cash back, worth roughly $200), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier's $149 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Double Cash?
At $149/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Citi Double Cash's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier and Citi Double Cash?
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 Premier or the Citi Double Cash first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier: $1,500 spend in 3 months. Citi Double Cash: $1,500 in 6 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.