Delta SkyMiles® Platinum vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum
VS
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
The short answer: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority delivers a bit more value for most spenders, but choose the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum if you spend more on groceries.

Side-by-side comparison

Delta SkyMiles® PlatinumSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
Annual fee$350$229
Welcome offer60,000 Up to 100,000 SkyMiles (limited-time)50,000 90,000 Rapid Rewards® bonus points (limited-time)
Dining2x2x
Groceries2x1x
Gas1x2x
Travel1x1x
Streaming1x1x
Everything else1x1x
Est. yearly rewards*$382$343
Points typeLocked to Delta SkyMilesLocked to Southwest Rapid Rewards
NetworkAmexVisa

*Estimated yearly rewards on typical household spending, every point valued at a flat 1 cent. Verified June 2026. See your own numbers in the calculator.

The verdict

On a typical year of household spending, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum earns about $382 a year in rewards and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority about $343, valuing every point at a flat 1 cent. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum charges $350, which you clear through its rewards and perks. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority charges $229, but carries about $75 in annual statement credits that offset it for anyone who uses them. Counting rewards, fees, and any credits, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority delivers more total value, about $120 a year more for a typical spender, mostly because it earns more where you spend most, on gas. Neither leans on transferable points, so the deciding factors are the welcome offer, the card network, and which everyday perks you will actually use. On the sign-up bonus, the two are currently comparable in size. Note that Delta SkyMiles® Platinum and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority are running a limited-time offer above the usual amount, so that edge may not last. A welcome bonus is a one-time event, so weigh it apart from the ongoing rewards.

Pick the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum if your spending leans toward groceries. Pick the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority if your spending leans toward gas.

Read the full reviews

Frequently asked questions

Is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority better?
On typical household spending, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority comes out ahead after its annual fee, by roughly $120 a year with every point valued at a flat 1 cent. But the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum can be the better fit if your spending lines up with its stronger categories. Run both through the Cardocrat calculator to see your own numbers.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority?
In most cases yes, as long as you meet each issuer's approval rules (for example Chase's 5/24 rule). Many people hold complementary cards to cover more bonus categories, then pool or redeem the rewards together where the program allows.
Which has the better welcome bonus, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority?
As of June 2026, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum offers up to 100,000 skymiles and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority offers 90,000 Rapid Rewards® bonus points. Welcome offers change often, so confirm the current offer on each card's page before applying.