At WeDoPoints.com, our goal is to help travelers maximize their rewards and elevate their travel experiences. After thorough research and analysis, we’ve determined that the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is our top airline credit card of choice.
This preference is based on its generous rewards structure, exclusive travel benefits, cost-saving perks, and seamless alignment with Southwest Airlines’ customer-friendly policies. In this blog, we will break down why this card stands out compared to its competitors.
Generous Rewards Structure
One of the key reasons we favor the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is its lucrative rewards system:
- 3x points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases.
- 2x points per dollar on transit, rideshares, internet, cable, phone services, select streaming services, and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners.
- 1x point per dollar on all other purchases.
This structure allows cardholders to accumulate points efficiently for future travel redemptions. (The Points Guy)
Annual Travel Perks & Cost Savings
The Southwest Priority Card offers valuable annual benefits that significantly offset its $149 annual fee:
- 7,500 Anniversary Bonus Points – Worth approximately $101, these points alone reduce the effective cost of holding the card.
- $75 Annual Southwest Travel Credit – Can be applied to Southwest purchases, bringing the net cost of the card down to just $74.
- Four Upgraded Boardings Per Year – When available, cardholders can purchase upgraded boarding (A1-A15) at no extra cost, saving $30 to $50 per flight.
- 25% Discount on In-Flight Purchases – Includes savings on Wi-Fi and beverages.
These features make the card a cost-effective choice for frequent Southwest flyers.
(Bankrate)
Companion Pass & Elite Status Fast Track
One of the most valuable features of this card is its ability to accelerate the path to Southwest’s Companion Pass:
- Earn 10,000 Companion Pass Qualifying Points each year.
- Get 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $10,000 spent annually.
The Southwest Companion Pass allows a designated companion to fly for free (excluding taxes and fees) whenever you book a ticket. This is one of the best perks in the airline industry and makes the Southwest Priority Card an excellent long-term investment for couples, families, and frequent travelers.
(NerdWallet)
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Unlike many travel cards, the Southwest Priority Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travel. This feature ensures you won’t pay extra charges when making purchases abroad.
(The Points Guy)
Travel Protections & Security Benefits
Cardholders receive built-in travel protections, ensuring a stress-free journey:
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement – Covers lost or damaged baggage.
- Baggage Delay Insurance – If your bags are delayed over six hours, you get reimbursed for essential purchases.
- Extended Warranty Protection – Extends eligible manufacturer warranties.
- Purchase Protection – Covers new purchases against damage or theft within 120 days.
These benefits add substantial security and peace of mind to your travel experience.
Why Southwest Airlines Makes This Card Even More Valuable
Beyond the credit card benefits, Southwest Airlines itself offers exceptional customer-friendly policies, including:
- No Change Fees – Modify your flight without penalty.
- Two Free Checked Bags – Save up to $140 round trip compared to other airlines.
- Flexible Cancellation Policy – Easily rebook or receive flight credits if plans change.
The combination of Southwest’s policies and the Priority Card’s perks ensures a hassle-free, rewarding travel experience.
How It Compares to Other Airline Credit Cards
While other airline credit cards offer higher rewards multipliers or luxury perks, they often come with:
- Higher annual fees (often $300+).
- Restrictive blackout dates and redemption limitations.
- Fewer customer-friendly airline policies.
The Southwest Priority Card strikes the perfect balance between affordability, benefits, and ease of use, making it our preferred choice.
Final Verdict: The Best Airline Credit Card for Southwest Travelers
At WeDoPoints.com, we only recommend top-tier travel credit cards that provide maximum value. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card stands out for its generous rewards, travel perks, and alignment with Southwest’s customer-friendly policies.
If you frequently fly Southwest and want a card that maximizes your travel benefits, this card is the best choice.
For more insights and expert recommendations, visit us at WeDoPoints.com!
