Learn here how to apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Card Type: Visa
What Kind of Points/Miles the Card Earns: Southwest Rapid Rewards points
Annual Fee: $69
Foreign Transaction Fees:3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars. Yes, really. A credit card for an airline flying to international destinations charges foreign transaction fees. (Want a card with no foreign transaction fees?)
Points Earnings:
- 2X on Southwest Airlines purchases
- 2X on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases.
- 2X on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
- 2X on internet, cable, and phone services
- 2X on select streaming
- 1X on all other eligible purchases
Other Card Earnings and Bonuses
- 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year
- Receive 3,000 bonus points each year upon card renewal (starting the second year of card membership)
- 25% back on Southwest inflight purchases
Quick Take
Honestly, this card is very underwhelming. What really sticks in our craw is the fact that it charges foreign transaction fees. That seems like such a cheap “Gotcha!” waiting to happen. Like, you can fly Southwest to say, Cabo San Lucas or Punta Cana, but are better off spending money on a Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card — that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
If you really see yourself spending time flying Southwest, look into the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card or at the very least, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card. Those don’t charge foreign transaction fees — and come with Southwest travel benefits.
Fine print, per Chase: “(This product is) available to you if you do not have a current Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card and have not received a new Cardmember bonus within the last 24 months. This does not apply to Business Card and Employee Credit Card products.”
Learn here how to apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
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