Credit Cards for RewardsSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards points on Southwest and everyday purchases, plus anniversary points.
Card details reviewed October 2, 2026. Confirm everything on the issuer site. Our editorial policy.
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Key facts
| Annual fee band | $1–$99 |
|---|---|
| Welcome offer | Check current offer on issuer site |
| APR and any intro APR | Check current terms on issuer site (see "Rates & Fees") |
| Credit typically targeted | Good, Excellent (a guide only, not a guarantee of approval) |
| Rewards type | Co-brand miles / points |
| Foreign transaction fee | None |
| Bonus category caps | No |
| Network | Visa |
| Card for | Personal |
Who it may fit
- Earn travel rewards
Features
Pros
- Moderate annual fee for Southwest loyalists
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Annual fee
- Locked into one airline
Watch out for
- Points only work in Southwest's network.
- Less flexible than transferable points.
Our analysis
By the Credit Cards for Rewards editorial team · How we evaluate cards
Who it's best for
Southwest regulars who want a card with a moderate annual fee that adds Rapid Rewards points on Southwest flights and on everyday purchases. Anniversary points give a modest reason to keep it from one year to the next.
How to get the most out of it
Each year, weigh the anniversary points against the annual fee in terms of the flights you would actually book with them, not a hypothetical trip. Put Southwest purchases on it, and use it for daily spending only if you're confident you'll redeem with Southwest. Because it skips the foreign transaction fee, you can keep it in your wallet on trips abroad.
What to watch out for
Points only work within Southwest's network and are less flexible than transferable points. If your travel shifts to other airlines, the points lose most of their usefulness, and the annual fee keeps coming.
How it compares
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp earns miles with no annual fee and has a grocery bonus, but it offers few travel perks and charges a foreign transaction fee. United Explorer sits in a higher fee band with checked-bag and priority boarding style perks, which only help if United is your airline.
New to rewards cards? Read our guide: How to choose a first rewards credit card.