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Side-by-side

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier vs Discover it Cash Back

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier comes from Chase at $149/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 PremierDiscover it Cash Back
Annual fee$149$0
Sign-up bonus55,000 bonus pointsCashback Match (first year, unlimited)
Bonus value (est.)-$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,500 in 3 mo$0 in 12 mo
IssuerChaseDiscover
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 3x on Southwest
  • 6k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • 15% anniversary promo code
  • 5% rotating categories
  • First-year match
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign tx fees
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
$149/yr · 55,000 bonus points
Read the full review
Discover it Cash Back
$0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)

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: 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 Premier 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 Premier doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier's $149 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
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 Discover it Cash Back's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier 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 Premier or the Discover it Cash Back first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier: $1,500 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.