The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers a robust suite of benefits tailored for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers. New cardmembers can earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months, along with a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and 7,500 anniversary points each year. With 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on select categories, and additional perks like upgraded boardings and no blackout dates for reward seats, the card provides substantial value for those who frequently fly with Southwest.
Features
- 85,000 Bonus Points. Earn 85,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. This substantial bonus provides a head start towards booking flights and other rewards within the Rapid Rewards program.
- $75 Southwest Annual Travel Credit. Receive a $75 credit each year for Southwest Airlines purchases. This offsets a portion of the annual fee and enhances the card's value for regular Southwest flyers.
- Anniversary Points. Enjoy 7,500 bonus points annually upon card renewal, contributing to ongoing rewards accumulation without additional spending requirements.
- 3X Points on Southwest Purchases. Earn triple points for every dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases. This accelerated earning rate maximizes rewards for frequent flyers.
- 2X Points on Select Categories. Earn double points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshares), and select streaming services. This broadens earning opportunities beyond airline purchases.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Travel and Purchase Protections. Benefit from travel insurance coverages including lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, and purchase protection for eligible items.
4 Upgraded Boardings per Year. Receive up to 4 upgraded boardings per year (when available), allowing for earlier boarding and enhanced seat selection.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Use the card internationally without incurring additional fees, making it convenient for travelers who fly Southwest globally.
Cons
Annual Fee. The $149 annual fee might be considered high for occasional travelers or those who don’t maximize the benefits of the card.
Limited Airline Transfer Partners. Unlike some other travel cards, the Rapid Rewards program primarily benefits Southwest Airlines travelers, limiting options for those who prefer other airlines.
Variable APR. The variable APR range (21.49% to 28.49%) can be relatively high, especially for cardholders who carry a balance, potentially offsetting rewards earned.
How to Apply for a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Online
Explore Credit Card Options. Browse through the available credit card options to find the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card. Click on the card to access more details.
Review Card Details. Take your time to review the features, benefits, and terms of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card to ensure it meets your needs.
Initiate Application. Look for the "Apply Now" button to start the application process. Click on it to proceed.
Fill Out Application Form. Complete the online application form with accurate personal, financial, and contact information as required. Ensure all fields are filled correctly.
Submit Application. After filling out the form, review the information provided to avoid any errors. Once satisfied, submit your application.
Wait for Approval. After submission, the bank will review your application. You may receive an instant decision or have to wait a few days for a response.
Receive Card. If approved, your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card will be mailed to the address provided during the application process.
Mobile App
Log In or Register. Open the Chase mobile app and log in to your existing online banking account. If you're a new user, you may need to register for mobile banking by providing your account details and creating login credentials.
Navigate to Credit Cards. Once logged in, navigate to the section of the app dedicated to credit cards or banking products. This may be accessible from the main menu or homepage.
Find Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card. Look for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card among the available options. Tap on the card to view more details.
Start Application. Locate the option to apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card within the app. It may be labeled as "Apply Now" or something similar. Tap on it to initiate the application process.
Complete Application Form. Fill out the application form provided in the app with accurate information, including personal, financial, and contact details. Double-check for accuracy before proceeding.
Submit Application. After completing the form, review the information provided to ensure accuracy. Once verified, submit your application through the mobile app.
Wait for Response. The bank will review your application. Depending on their process, you may receive an instant decision or have to wait for a few days to receive a response.
Receive Confirmation. If approved, you'll receive confirmation within the app or via email. Your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card will be mailed to the address provided during the application process.
In Bank's Office
Research and Preparation. Begin by researching the various credit cards offered by Chase to determine which best suits your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as rewards, interest rates, annual fees, and benefits.
Gather Necessary Documents. Collect all required documents, such as a valid photo ID (e.g., driver's license or passport), Social Security number, proof of income (e.g., pay stubs or tax returns), and any other relevant financial information.
Visit a Chase Branch. Locate the nearest Chase branch by using the Chase website or mobile app. Plan your visit during the branch’s operating hours.
Meet with a Chase Representative. Once at the branch, request to speak with a representative about applying for a credit card. The representative will guide you through the process, answer any questions, and provide you with the necessary forms.
Complete the Application Form. Fill out the application form provided by the representative. Ensure all information is accurate, including personal details, employment information, and financial data.
Submit Your Application. After completing the form, submit it to the representative along with your supporting documents. The representative will review your application for completeness and accuracy.
Wait for Approval. The representative will submit your application for processing. Approval times can vary; in some cases, you may receive an instant decision, while others may require further review. You will be notified of the decision by mail or email.
Receive Your Card. If approved, your new credit card will be mailed to you. Upon receiving your card, follow the instructions to activate it and begin using it to earn rewards and manage your finances effectively.
Infographic
Eligibility Requirements
New Cardmember Status. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is available to individuals who do not currently hold a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card and have not received a new Cardmember bonus for a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card within the last 24 months. This restriction excludes Business Card and Employee Credit Card products.
Age Requirement. Applicants must be at least 18 years old (19 in AL and NE, 21 in Puerto Rico) to qualify for the card.
Income Verification. Chase may request information about employment and income to assess the applicant's ability to manage credit obligations.
Residency. Applicants must be residents of the United States or its territories to apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card.
Military Status. Specific protections under the Military Lending Act may apply, ensuring that terms and conditions comply with federal regulations for active-duty military personnel and their dependents.
Reasons You May Be Denied a Card
Insufficient Credit History. If you have a limited credit history or no credit history at all, the issuer may be unable to assess your creditworthiness, which could result in a denial of your credit card application.
Low Credit Score. A low credit score, often indicative of past financial difficulties or missed payments, may lead to a denial of your credit card application. Credit scores below a certain threshold may be considered risky by the issuer.
High Debt-to-Income Ratio. If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, meaning you have significant outstanding debt relative to your income, the issuer may view you as a higher credit risk and deny your application.
Recent Bankruptcy. If you have filed for bankruptcy recently, you may be denied a credit card as it indicates financial instability and an increased risk for the issuer.
Delinquent Accounts. If you have a history of late payments, defaults, or delinquent accounts on your credit report, it may signal to the issuer that you are not financially responsible and may lead to a denial of your application.
Multiple Recent Credit Applications. Applying for multiple credit cards or loans within a short period, especially if accompanied by rejections, may raise concerns for the issuer about your financial stability and lead to a denial.
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Access Your Account. Sign in to your Chase online banking account or mobile app to access your credit card information.
Review Your Balance. Take a moment to examine your outstanding balance, including any accumulated interest or fees.
Choose a Payment Method. Determine how you wish to proceed with your payment. Chase provides several convenient options, such as online banking, mobile banking, in-person at a financial center or ATM, by phone, or through the mail.
Online Payment. If you opt for online payment, log in to your account, proceed to the bill pay section, and follow the prompts to initiate a payment. You can select to pay the minimum amount due, the full balance, or a customized amount.
Mobile Payment. Alternatively, you can utilize the Chase mobile banking app to complete a payment. Choose your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority credit card account and follow the prompts to finalize the payment process.
In-Person Payment. For those preferring in-person transactions, visit a Chase financial center or ATM. You can make a payment using cash, a check, or your debit card at the ATM, or seek assistance from a representative at the financial center.
Phone Payment. To make a payment over the phone, dial the Chase customer service number and follow the automated instructions to navigate to the payment section. From there, you can complete the payment using your checking account or debit card.
Mail Payment. Lastly, if mailing your payment suits your preference, utilize the payment address provided on your billing statement. Ensure to include your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority credit card account number on the check or money order and allow adequate time for delivery.
Confirm Payment. Following your payment submission, verify that it has been successfully processed. You can check your account balance online or via the mobile app to confirm the payment's application to your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority credit card debt.
Editorial Opinion
Determining the value of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card depends on individual travel habits and financial goals. For those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, the card's benefits, including a substantial 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months and the $75 annual Southwest travel credit, can more than justify its $149 annual fee. Additionally, perks like 7,500 anniversary points and triple points on Southwest purchases cater to regular travelers seeking flexibility and significant travel rewards. However, obtaining the card typically requires a good to excellent credit score, so prospective applicants should consider their creditworthiness before applying.
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