Who it's for
Airline loyaltyCash back
Southwest Priority
Fee rose from $149 to $229 in the 2025 refresh; the $75 travel credit is gone, replaced by a free checked bag, seat selection, and legroom upgrades now that Southwest charges for bags and seats. Worth it only for regular Southwest flyers.
$804/yrest. value at typical spending
$229annual fee
$0yearly credits
$229fee after credits
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| Category | Rate | Typical spend |
|---|---|---|
| Dining | 2x | $400/mo |
| Groceries | 1x | $600/mo |
| Flights & hotels | 2.2x | $300/mo |
| Rent | 1x | $2,500/mo |
| Gas & transit | 2x | $150/mo |
| Streaming | 1x | $80/mo |
| Online shopping | 1x | $200/mo |
| Everything else | 1x | $600/mo |
Rates are what our model counts per dollar. Brand-specific bonuses (like a hotel card at its own hotels) are blended, since most people don't put all category spending with one brand. Typical spending here means our quiz defaults: $4,830 a month, including $2,500 rent or mortgage. Points are valued at 1.5¢ each (travel portal redemption); transferring to airline or hotel partners can be worth more.
Rewards and perks
Points, 1 transfer partner
- 4x points on Southwest purchases (flights, inflight, gift cards)
- 2x at gas stations and restaurants
- 1x on everything else
- 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary
- Free first checked bag for cardholder + up to 8 others on the same reservation
- Standard or Preferred seat selection at booking at no extra cost (when available)
- Complimentary Extra Legroom upgrades within 48 hours of departure (when available)
- Group 5 priority boarding
- 2,500 tier qualifying points per $5,000 spent toward A-List
- $75 travel credit and 4 upgraded boardings ended after Dec 31, 2025
- No foreign transaction fees
Transfer partners
Southwest Rapid Rewards
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- AAdvantage Platinum Select$99 annual fee$891est. value/yr
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