Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Chase · Airline review
Occasional Southwest flyers who want the entry-tier perks — 2x points on Southwest and on gas/grocery spend, a 3,000-poi
Sorted by score, never commission
Annual fee
$99
Charged each renewal year
Ongoing APR
19.24% – 29.99% variable
Variable — verify the current range at the issuer
Foreign transaction fee
None
Travel-friendly abroad
As of August 13, 2026
Best for
Occasional Southwest flyers who want the entry-tier perks — 2x points on Southwest and on gas/grocery spend, a 3,000-point anniversary bonus, and an on-ramp toward the Companion Pass — without the Priority card's $229 AF.
Not for
Companion-Pass chasers and frequent flyers — Priority's 4x Southwest earning and richer credits close the gap on its higher AF quickly for anyone flying Southwest regularly; Plus is built for lighter, occasional flyers.
The catch
Chase raised this card's AF from $69 to $99 in its 2025 refresh. At that price, Plus's perks (a 3,000-point anniversary bonus, 2x gas/grocery) are thin relative to no-fee cashback alternatives — the card mainly earns its keep if you're specifically building Southwest miles or working toward the Companion Pass threshold.
Card facts
Sourced from the issuer's published Schumer Box and terms — confirm current numbers at the issuer.
Product specs
- Annual fee
- $99
- Ongoing APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% variable
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- Balance transfer fee
- $5 or 5%
- Late payment fee
- Up to $40
- Schumer Box sourced
- August 13, 2026
How we scored this card
See our published methodology — 5 dimensions, 0–20 each, 100-point total.
Get an email when Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's offer changes.
We track Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's current offer and terms. We'll email you the moment they change — no checking back.
Frequently asked
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's $99 annual fee worth it?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus charges a $99 annual fee. In our review it earns a fees score of 14/20 — the "How we scored this card" section below shows how we weigh that against the rewards and benefits. Occasional Southwest flyers who want the entry-tier perks — 2x points on Southwest and on gas/grocery spend, a 3,000-point anniversary bonus, and an on-ramp toward the Companion Pass — without the Priority card's $229 AF.
What APR does the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus charge?
19.24% – 29.99% variable. APRs are variable and set by the issuer — confirm the current range on the issuer's Schumer Box before you commit.
Does the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus charge foreign transaction fees?
No. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus has no foreign transaction fee, so it works cleanly for purchases abroad.
Who is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus best for?
Occasional Southwest flyers who want the entry-tier perks — 2x points on Southwest and on gas/grocery spend, a 3,000-point anniversary bonus, and an on-ramp toward the Companion Pass — without the Priority card's $229 AF.
Who should skip the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
Companion-Pass chasers and frequent flyers — Priority's 4x Southwest earning and richer credits close the gap on its higher AF quickly for anyone flying Southwest regularly; Plus is built for lighter, occasional flyers.
How did ClearValue score the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus scored 73/100 — "Worth considering". We score every card across five dimensions (effective rewards, fee structure, audience fit, transparency, and the weakness named), 0–20 each. Scores are never influenced by commission. See our methodology for the full rubric.
Alternatives to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Other airline cards we've scored, ranked by our methodology.
- ChaseSolid pick
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
81/100Annual fee$229Ongoing APR19.24–27.74%Foreign txn feeNoneBest forSouthwest loyalists chasing the Companion Pass — 7,500 anniversary points, 4x earning on Southwest purchases, and uncapp
Fees sourced from issuer terms · 2026-07-17
- Bank of AmericaWorth considering
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature (Atmos Rewards Ascent)
77/100Annual fee$95Ongoing APR19.49–27.49%Foreign txn feeNoneBest forAlaska and Hawaiian Airlines flyers — especially on the West Coast — who want an annual $99 companion fare (plus taxes a
Fees sourced from issuer terms · 2026-07-17
- ChaseWorth considering
United Explorer Card
77/100Annual fee$150Ongoing APR19.74–28.24%Foreign txn feeNoneBest forTravelers loyal to United who fly 2-4 round trips a year, want a free checked bag, and value priority boarding + 2× Unit
Fees sourced from issuer terms · 2026-07-16
