The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers a robust rewards program tailored for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers. Cardholders earn 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases, as well as on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit, commuting expenses, and select streaming services. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar spent. The card features an annual bonus of 3,000 points on each account anniversary, along with perks such as 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins® annually, 25% back on inflight purchases, and 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points boost each year. With benefits like no blackout dates on reward flights, no change fees, and points that don't expire, it caters to those who value flexibility and frequent Southwest Airlines benefits.
Features
- Earn Points on Purchases. Cardholders earn 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, including flights and other related expenses. Additionally, they earn 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit, commuting expenses, and select streaming services. This robust earning structure appeals to frequent travelers and everyday spenders alike.
- Anniversary Bonus. Receive 3,000 bonus points each year on your cardmember anniversary. This annual bonus enhances the card's long-term value proposition, providing a steady stream of points for ongoing use towards flights, upgrades, or other rewards.
- Travel Perks. Enjoy exclusive travel benefits, including 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins® each year. This perk allows cardholders to secure early boarding positions, improving their travel experience with Southwest Airlines.
- Inflight Discounts. Receive 25% back on inflight purchases such as drinks, Wi-Fi, and messaging. This feature provides savings on in-flight amenities, enhancing the overall travel experience with cost-effective options.
- Companion Pass Boost. Earn 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points each year. This benefit contributes towards achieving or renewing the highly sought-after Companion Pass®, allowing a designated companion to travel for free (excluding taxes and fees) with the cardholder on all Southwest flights.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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No Blackout Dates or Seat Restrictions. Enjoy the flexibility of redeeming points for any available seat on any flight, at any time, without worrying about blackout dates or seat restrictions. This feature maximizes travel options and allows for seamless planning.
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No Change Fees. Benefit from the flexibility of changing travel plans without incurring change fees, which can be a significant cost-saving feature for travelers who frequently adjust their itineraries.
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Points Never Expire. Rapid Rewards points earned with the card do not expire, provided the account remains open and in good standing. This ensures that accumulated points can be used whenever convenient, without the pressure of expiration deadlines.
Cons
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Variable APR. The APR range of 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR may be higher than some other credit cards, potentially impacting cardholders who carry balances from month to month.
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Transaction Fees. Balance transfers and cash advances incur fees, which should be taken into account when considering using the card for these types of transactions.
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Foreign Transaction Fee. A 3% fee on foreign transactions may apply, making the card less favorable for international travel compared to cards with no foreign transaction fees.
How to Apply for a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Online
Go to website
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Explore Credit Card Options. Browse through the available credit card options to find the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card. Click on the card to access more details.
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Review Card Details. Take your time to review the features, benefits, and terms of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card to ensure it meets your needs.
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Initiate Application. Look for the "Apply Now" button to start the application process. Click on it to proceed.
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Fill Out Application Form. Complete the online application form with accurate personal, financial, and contact information as required. Ensure all fields are filled correctly.
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Submit Application. After filling out the form, review the information provided to avoid any errors. Once satisfied, submit your application.
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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.
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Receive Card. If approved, your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card will be mailed to the address provided during the application process.
Mobile App
Go to AppStore
Go to Google Play
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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.
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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.
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Find Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card. Look for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card among the available options. Tap on the card to view more details.
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Start Application. Locate the option to apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card within the app. It may be labeled as "Apply Now" or something similar. Tap on it to initiate the application process.
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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.
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Submit Application. After completing the form, review the information provided to ensure accuracy. Once verified, submit your application through the mobile app.
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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.
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Receive Confirmation. If approved, you'll receive confirmation within the app or via email. Your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card will be mailed to the address provided during the application process.
In Bank's Office
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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New Cardmember Bonus Eligibility. To qualify for the new cardmember bonus of 85,000 points, applicants must not currently hold a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card and must not have received a new cardmember bonus for a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card within the last 24 months.
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Age Requirement. Applicants must be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama and Nebraska, 21 in Puerto Rico) to apply for the card.
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Residency. The card is available to individuals with a valid permanent home address within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, or those with a United States military address.
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Income Requirement. While specific income requirements are not publicly disclosed, applicants should have sufficient income to support their credit line and potential spending on the card.
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Other Chase Relationship. Applicants who currently hold another Chase credit card or who have received a new cardmember bonus for a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card within the last 24 months may not be eligible for certain promotional offers.
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Military Lending Act Protections. Military members and their dependents are subject to specific protections under the Military Lending Act, including restrictions on interest rates and fees.
Reasons You May Be Denied a Card
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Access Your Account. Sign in to your Chase online banking account or mobile app to access your credit card information.
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Review Your Balance. Take a moment to examine your outstanding balance, including any accumulated interest or fees.
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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.
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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.
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Mobile Payment. Alternatively, you can utilize the Chase mobile banking app to complete a payment. Choose your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus credit card account and follow the prompts to finalize the payment process.
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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.
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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.
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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® Plus credit card account number on the check or money order and allow adequate time for delivery.
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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® Plus credit card debt.
Editorial Opinion
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card presents a compelling option for frequent travelers who favor Southwest Airlines, offering a robust rewards structure and various travel benefits. With the ability to earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and select categories such as local transit and streaming services, cardholders can amass points efficiently. The annual bonus of 3,000 points on each cardmember anniversary adds to the card's appeal, particularly for those looking to maximize travel rewards without dealing with blackout dates or seat restrictions. This card is well-suited for individuals who value flexibility in travel planning and wish to leverage a range of travel perks, including no change fees and 25% back on inflight purchases.
Additional Resources
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