Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026

The short answer: Southwest cards, issued by Chase, earn Rapid Rewards points that count toward the coveted Companion Pass, which lets a companion fly with you for just taxes and fees for up to two years. The cards differ mainly by fee and perks like travel credits and upgraded boardings, but the real prize across the lineup is the Companion Pass.

Southwest co-branded cards are unusual because their biggest draw is not lounge access or free bags, since Southwest already includes two free checked bags for everyone, but a path to the Companion Pass, one of the most valuable perks in all of travel. The points you earn from these Chase cards count toward earning it, which is why Southwest cards are so prized by people who fly the airline.

This guide breaks down the Southwest card lineup, the Companion Pass opportunity, the other benefits, and which card fits how you fly Southwest.

Key takeaways

Southwest cards are issued by Chase and earn Rapid Rewards points.
Card points count toward the Companion Pass, the signature prize.
The Companion Pass lets a companion fly for just taxes and fees for up to two years.
Cards differ mainly by fee, travel credits, and upgraded boardings.
Southwest already gives everyone two free checked bags.

The program and the Companion Pass

Southwest cards earn Rapid Rewards points, the currency of Southwest Airlines. Southwest does not belong to a global alliance and flies mostly domestically, so its points are about Southwest flights rather than international partner awards. Rapid Rewards points have a relatively fixed value tied to the cash price of Southwest fares.

The reason these cards are coveted is the Companion Pass. Points earned from card welcome bonuses and spending count toward the threshold to earn it, and the pass lets you bring one chosen companion on Southwest flights, paid or award, for just taxes and fees, for the rest of the year you earn it plus the entire next year. It is one of the highest-value goals in rewards. Read our dedicated Companion Pass guide.

The card lineup: which is for you

The personal lineup differs mainly by annual fee and perks rather than by dramatically different earning. The Southwest Plus is the entry personal card, the Southwest Premier sits in the middle with more points toward status, and the Southwest Priority is the top personal card, adding a yearly travel credit and upgraded boardings that help offset its higher fee.

Because the cards mostly differ in fee and perks, the choice comes down to how much you fly Southwest and whether the Priority travel credit and upgraded boardings pay for its fee for you. All of them earn points that count toward the Companion Pass, which is the main event. As Chase cards, they are subject to the 5/24 rule.

The benefits that matter

Beyond the Companion Pass, the cards carry Southwest-friendly perks. Card points count toward A-List elite status, the cards include points or credits tied to anniversary, and the Priority card adds a yearly Southwest travel credit plus upgraded boardings that can speed you to a better seat. There are no change fees on Southwest fares, which adds flexibility for everyone.

Notably, free checked bags are not a card perk here because Southwest already gives every passenger two free checked bags, a rare industry policy. That means the Southwest cards lean on the Companion Pass, status progress, and travel credits for their value rather than the bag benefit that defines other airline cards.

Welcome and Companion Pass opportunities

The Companion Pass accumulation strategy is the heart of Southwest card value. Because card welcome bonuses count toward the pass, many people strategically earn one or more Southwest card bonuses, ideally early in a calendar year, to reach the threshold and unlock nearly two full years of companion travel. This is the single most rewarding way to use these cards.

The Chase 5/24 rule and Southwest-specific rules about holding multiple cards apply, so plan your applications, and aim to earn bonuses with normal spending rather than overspending. Check the live card pages for current bonus offers, since they change, and read our welcome bonus guide and Companion Pass guide together to plan the timing.

Who should get a Southwest card

A Southwest card is most worth it if you fly Southwest with a regular companion, because the Companion Pass can effectively halve the cost of flying together for up to two years. For a couple or travel pair who fly Southwest often, the value can be enormous, far exceeding any annual fee.

It is less compelling if you rarely fly Southwest or usually travel solo, where the points and perks are worth less. Among the personal cards, pick the Priority if its travel credit and boardings pay for the fee for you, or a lower tier otherwise; the Companion Pass earning is similar across them. See our co-branded vs travel cards guide and test the cards in the calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Which Southwest credit card is best?

It depends on how much you fly Southwest. The Priority is the top personal card, with a travel credit and upgraded boardings that can offset its fee, while the Plus and Premier cost less. All of them earn points that count toward the Companion Pass, which is the main draw.

How do Southwest cards help earn the Companion Pass?

Points from card welcome bonuses and spending count toward the Companion Pass threshold. Many people earn one or more Southwest card bonuses, ideally early in a year, to unlock the pass and get nearly two full years of companion travel.

Do Southwest cards give free checked bags?

They do not need to, because Southwest already gives every passenger two free checked bags. That is why the Southwest cards lean on the Companion Pass, status progress, and travel credits for their value rather than a bag benefit.

Are Southwest cards subject to 5/24?

Yes. Southwest cards are issued by Chase, so they are subject to the 5/24 rule, and Southwest also has its own rules about holding multiple cards. Plan your applications accordingly to stay eligible.

Is a Southwest card worth it?

For people who fly Southwest with a regular companion, very much so, because the Companion Pass can halve the cost of flying together for up to two years. For those who rarely fly Southwest or travel solo, it is worth far less.