Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is one of the strongest airline credit cards available to travelers who regularly fly with Southwest Airlines, offering a $229 annual fee, a current welcome offer of 60,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months, 4X points on Southwest Airlines purchases, 7,500 anniversary points, a free first checked bag, complimentary Preferred seat selection when available, and additional Southwest travel benefits that make the card particularly attractive to frequent Southwest flyers. The card is issued by Chase and is tied directly to the Southwest Rapid Rewards program, making it especially useful for travelers who already prefer Southwest Airlines and want to combine airline rewards with practical travel benefits such as checked-bag savings, seat benefits, boarding benefits, and status-related earning opportunities. Whether the $229 annual fee is worthwhile depends largely on how often you fly Southwest, because someone who takes several Southwest trips each year may be able to recover much of the annual fee through anniversary points, free checked bags, seat benefits, inflight savings, and the card’s Southwest travel rewards, while a traveler who rarely flies Southwest may find a flexible travel rewards card with a lower fee more attractive.

Favorable Details:

• Exceptional Travel Rewards Program: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card offers valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points that provide excellent flexibility. Cardholders can redeem points for flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, experiences, statement credits, and more. Points can also be transferred to eligible airline and hotel loyalty programs for potentially higher value.
• Valuable Annual Travel Credit: The card includes an annual travel credit that can help offset the premium annual fee. Frequent travelers who regularly pay for flights, hotels, transportation, and other eligible travel expenses can easily maximize this benefit.
• Premium Airport Lounge Access: Eligible cardholders receive airport lounge benefits that provide a more comfortable travel experience. Lounge access can include complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi, workspace areas, and relaxing seating at participating airport lounges worldwide.
• High-Value Ultimate Rewards® Points: Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are considered among the most valuable credit card rewards because they offer multiple redemption options and access to airline and hotel transfer partners.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: International travelers benefit from no foreign transaction fees, making the card an excellent choice for overseas purchases, international vacations, and frequent business travel.

Unfavorable Details:

• High $795 Annual Fee: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a premium annual fee that may not be worthwhile for consumers who do not travel frequently or take advantage of the card’s benefits.
• Not Ideal for Carrying a Balance: Like most premium rewards cards, this card is best for customers who pay their balance in full each month. Interest charges can quickly reduce the value of rewards earned.
• Benefits Require Frequent Travel: Many of the card’s premium benefits are designed for frequent travelers. Occasional travelers may not receive enough value to justify the annual fee.
• High Spending Needed to Maximize Rewards: Cardholders who do not spend regularly on travel, dining, and other eligible purchases may find it difficult to earn enough rewards to offset the annual fee.
• Too Advanced for Some Cardholders: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be overwhelming for consumers who prefer a simple rewards structure without managing transfer partners, travel credits, and premium benefits.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Credit Card Issuer	Chase
Payment Network	Visa
Rewards Type	Travel Rewards Credit Card
Recommended Credit Score	Excellent (720-850)
Annual Fee	$229
Current Welcome Offer	60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months
Southwest Purchases	4X Rapid Rewards points
Gas Stations	2X points
Restaurants	2X points
Other Purchases	1X point
Anniversary Points	7,500 points every year
First Checked Bag	Free for cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers on same reservation
Preferred Seat	Complimentary Preferred seat at booking, when available
Extra Legroom	Unlimited upgrades within 48 hours before departure, when available
Boarding	Cardmember and up to 8 additional passengers board in Group 5
Tier Qualifying Points	2,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent
Companion Pass Boost	10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year
Foreign Transaction Fee	None
Purchase APR	19.24%–27.74% variable APR

60,000-Point Welcome Offer

One of the biggest reasons to consider the Priority Card in 2026 is the introductory welcome offer, which currently provides 60,000 Rapid Rewards bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases during the first three months from account opening. This spending requirement is relatively straightforward compared with some premium travel cards that require substantially higher spending to receive their introductory bonus, making the offer potentially accessible to consumers who have planned expenses they can charge to the card. However, applicants should not spend money they otherwise would not spend simply to earn the bonus because the value of any welcome offer can disappear quickly if the cardholder carries a balance and pays substantial interest. A good strategy is to apply when you already have planned expenses that can naturally satisfy the spending requirement without changing your normal budget.

4X Points on Southwest Airlines Purchases

The Priority Card earns 4X Rapid Rewards points on Southwest Airlines purchases, making this one of the card’s most important features because frequent Southwest travelers can accumulate points quickly when purchasing flights directly from Southwest. For example, a traveler who spends $2,000 on qualifying Southwest purchases could potentially earn 8,000 points from the spending category before considering any additional promotional or program-related earnings. The 4X earning rate makes the card particularly attractive for travelers who routinely purchase Southwest airfare rather than splitting airline spending across multiple carriers.

2X Points at Gas Stations and Restaurants

The Priority Card also earns 2X points at gas stations and restaurants, giving the card some usefulness beyond airline purchases and allowing cardholders to earn additional Rapid Rewards points through common everyday expenses. Restaurants can be a particularly convenient bonus category because dining expenses occur regularly for many households, while gas station spending can provide additional opportunities to earn Rapid Rewards points for travelers who drive frequently. However, consumers who want the highest possible rewards on groceries, online shopping, utilities, or other everyday spending categories may find that a general-purpose rewards card offers a broader earning structure.

7,500 Anniversary Points

One of the strongest recurring benefits is the 7,500 anniversary points provided each year, which is important when evaluating the $229 annual fee because the benefit provides ongoing value rather than being limited to the first year. The anniversary points can help offset part of the card’s annual cost, especially for people who regularly redeem Rapid Rewards points for Southwest flights. The actual value of those points depends on how and when they are redeemed, so consumers should not automatically treat the anniversary points as a cash-equivalent rebate.

Free First Checked Bag

The Priority Card’s free first checked bag benefit can be particularly valuable for families and travelers who normally check luggage because Southwest provides the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation with the applicable free first checked bag benefit under current terms. This is a significant advantage over a card whose benefits are limited to points because baggage savings can provide direct travel value every time eligible travelers fly. For example, a family traveling together could potentially avoid multiple baggage charges on a round trip, although the exact savings depend on the airline’s applicable baggage pricing and the passengers’ circumstances.

Complimentary Preferred Seat Selection

Southwest’s transition to assigned seating has made seat-related benefits more important for Southwest cardholders, and the Priority Card provides complimentary Preferred seat selection at booking when available. This can be valuable for travelers who want to choose their seats instead of waiting until later in the booking process, particularly when traveling with family members or when specific seating preferences are important. The benefit is subject to availability and applicable Southwest terms and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every seat on every flight will be available at no charge.

Extra Legroom Seat Upgrades

The Priority Card also offers unlimited upgrades to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours before departure when available, giving frequent travelers another way to receive additional comfort without necessarily paying the standard seat price. For travelers who place a high value on additional legroom, this can be one of the card’s most appealing travel benefits. The timing matters because the upgrade opportunity occurs within 48 hours before departure and depends on availability, meaning cardholders should monitor their reservations rather than assuming an Extra Legroom seat will always be available.

Group 5 Boarding Benefit

The Priority Card provides earlier boarding, with the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation able to board in Group 5 under the current benefit structure. Earlier boarding can provide additional access to overhead-bin space and may make the airport experience more convenient, particularly when traveling with carry-on luggage. The benefit is not equivalent to Southwest’s highest boarding priority, but it provides a defined boarding advantage compared with waiting for later groups.

2,500 Tier Qualifying Points for Every $5,000 Spent

Another benefit aimed at frequent Southwest customers is the ability to earn 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent, allowing eligible card spending to contribute toward Southwest A-List status. This feature makes the Priority Card more interesting for travelers who are already close to qualifying for Southwest elite status and want another way to accumulate qualifying points. It is less important for people who rarely fly Southwest or have no interest in A-List status because the additional qualifying points provide little direct value to travelers who do not pursue elite status.

10,000 Companion Pass Qualifying Point Boost

The Priority Card also includes a 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying point boost each year, providing another benefit for frequent Southwest customers who want to work toward Companion Pass qualification. Southwest Companion Pass can be one of the most valuable features within the Rapid Rewards ecosystem for eligible travelers because it can allow a designated companion to travel with the qualifying member under the program’s applicable terms. The annual cardmember boost does not by itself qualify someone for Companion Pass and instead provides qualifying points that can help a Rapid Rewards member move closer to the required qualification threshold. Consumers interested in Companion Pass should carefully review Southwest’s current qualification rules before relying on the benefit.

25% Back on Eligible Inflight Purchases

The Priority Card also provides 25% back on eligible inflight purchases, which can provide additional savings on qualifying Southwest purchases made during flights. Although this is not likely to be the single reason someone should apply for the card, it adds incremental value for frequent Southwest flyers and can make the card more useful during travel.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

The Priority Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it more convenient for international travelers who use the card outside the United States. However, having no foreign transaction fee does not mean that the card is necessarily the best international travel card because travelers who frequently visit countries where Southwest does not operate may get greater value from a flexible travel card with transferable points, broader airline partnerships, and additional international travel benefits.

Is the $229 Annual Fee Worth It?

The $229 annual fee is the biggest question prospective cardholders should consider because the Priority Card needs to provide enough annual value to justify keeping it after the introductory bonus has been earned. Fortunately, the card offers several recurring benefits that can help offset the fee, including 7,500 anniversary points, free first checked bags, Preferred seat benefits, Extra Legroom opportunities, boarding benefits, and additional Southwest rewards. A frequent Southwest traveler could potentially receive significantly more than $229 in combined annual value if the cardholder consistently uses these benefits. On the other hand, someone who takes only one Southwest trip every year may not use enough of the benefits to justify the annual fee.

Example of Potential Annual Value

Consider a traveler who flies Southwest several times per year and regularly uses the card for Southwest purchases, restaurants, and gas stations while also taking advantage of the card’s annual travel benefits. That traveler could potentially receive 7,500 anniversary points, free first checked bag benefits, Preferred seat benefits, Extra Legroom upgrade opportunities, Group 5 boarding, 25% back on eligible inflight purchases, 4X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on restaurant and gas spending, an annual Companion Pass qualifying point boost, and Tier Qualifying Points from card spending. The actual dollar value will vary based on how frequently each benefit is used and how the cardholder redeems their Rapid Rewards points. For a traveler who checks bags, selects seats, buys Southwest flights regularly, and uses the card for qualifying purchases, the Priority Card can make a strong financial case despite its annual fee.

Who Should Apply for the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card?

The Priority Card is best suited to people who regularly fly Southwest Airlines and can take advantage of its travel-specific benefits, particularly travelers who value checked-bag savings, preferred seating, Extra Legroom opportunities, Southwest rewards, and status-related earning. It may be a strong choice for frequent Southwest travelers, families who travel together on Southwest, travelers who check luggage, Southwest customers who want Preferred seat benefits, travelers who value Extra Legroom seating, people pursuing Southwest A-List status, customers working toward Companion Pass, consumers who regularly spend at restaurants and gas stations, Southwest loyalists who want accelerated airline rewards, and travelers who can comfortably justify a $229 annual fee.

Who Should Avoid the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card?

The card may not be the right choice for everyone, especially consumers who rarely fly Southwest, prefer another airline, want transferable points, prefer cash-back rewards, need a $0 annual fee card, want broad hotel and airline redemption options, rarely check bags, do not value seat selection, do not plan to use Southwest travel benefits, or tend to carry a credit card balance. The card’s high value comes from its Southwest-specific benefits, so if those benefits are not useful to you, the annual fee becomes much harder to justify.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card Rewards Strategy

A smart way to use the Priority Card is to concentrate Southwest spending on the card while using other cards for categories where they provide substantially better rewards, allowing the cardholder to maximize the Priority Card’s strongest earning categories without sacrificing rewards elsewhere. Southwest purchases should generally be one of the cardholder’s priorities because of the 4X earning rate, while gas stations and restaurants also provide 2X earning opportunities. For miscellaneous spending that earns only 1X, consumers may want to compare the Priority Card against another rewards card in their wallet because another card may offer better rewards on those purchases. The goal should not be to put every purchase on one card simply because it is an airline card, but rather to use the Priority Card where its earning rates and benefits make the most sense.

How the Southwest Rapid Rewards Points Work

Rapid Rewards points are designed primarily for Southwest travel, providing a straightforward rewards currency for customers who regularly use Southwest Airlines. The biggest advantage is simplicity because cardholders can earn points through Southwest purchases and eligible partners and then redeem those points through the Rapid Rewards program. Unlike transferable bank points, Rapid Rewards points are tied to Southwest’s program, meaning the card is generally more attractive to someone who already prefers Southwest than to someone who wants maximum flexibility across multiple airlines.

Southwest Companion Pass Potential

One of the reasons experienced Southwest customers may be interested in the Priority Card is Companion Pass, with the card providing a 10,000-point annual boost toward Companion Pass qualification. This can be especially useful for travelers who are actively pursuing Companion Pass qualification and already earn substantial Rapid Rewards points through flights, credit card spending, and other qualifying activities. However, the card should not be viewed as a shortcut that automatically delivers Companion Pass because qualification requirements can change and cardholders should review Southwest’s current program rules.

Credit Score Needed for the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card

The Priority Card is generally positioned for applicants with good to excellent credit, although credit score is only one part of a credit card approval decision. Chase may consider payment history, credit utilization, existing debt, income, length of credit history, recent credit applications, current Chase relationships, and the applicant’s overall credit profile. There is no guaranteed credit score that ensures approval, so consumers should review their credit reports and overall financial position before applying.

Does the Chase Southwest Priority Card Have an APR?

Yes, the current Chase listing shows a 19.24%–27.74% variable APR for purchases, making it important for applicants to understand that carrying a balance can significantly reduce the financial value of rewards. Because the card is primarily a rewards and travel card, it is generally best used by consumers who can pay their statement balance in full. Carrying a balance can result in interest charges that significantly exceed the value of points and travel perks, so rewards should be considered an added benefit rather than a reason to borrow money at a high interest rate.

Chase Southwest Priority Card for Families

The Priority Card can be especially appealing to families because several of its travel benefits can extend to passengers traveling on the same reservation. Southwest currently states that the free first checked bag benefit can cover the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation. The seating and boarding benefits can also extend to up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation under the applicable terms. For families who travel together, this can make the card substantially more valuable than a card whose benefits apply only to the primary cardholder.

Chase Southwest Priority Card for Frequent Flyers

Frequent flyers are the card’s primary audience because the combination of 4X Southwest spending, annual anniversary points, baggage savings, seat benefits, boarding benefits, TQP earning, and Companion Pass qualifying points creates a package that is difficult to replicate with a generic cash-back card. The more frequently a customer flies Southwest, the more opportunities there are to use the card’s benefits, making the Priority Card increasingly valuable for travelers who consistently choose Southwest.

Chase Southwest Priority Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card carries a substantially lower annual fee, currently $99, but provides fewer premium benefits than the Priority Card, with Southwest listing the Plus Card with 3,000 anniversary points and 2X Southwest purchases while the Priority Card offers 7,500 anniversary points and 4X Southwest purchases. The Priority Card is therefore better suited to frequent Southwest travelers who can use its premium benefits. The Plus Card may be more appropriate for someone who wants Southwest points but does not fly enough to justify a $229 annual fee.

Chase Southwest Priority Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier

The Premier Card occupies a middle position in the Southwest consumer card lineup, providing an alternative for travelers who want more benefits than the Plus Card but do not necessarily need the full package offered by the Priority Card. The current Southwest comparison shows a $149 annual fee and 6,000 anniversary points for the Premier Card, compared with the Priority Card’s $229 annual fee and 7,500 anniversary points. The Priority Card is aimed at travelers who want more extensive travel benefits, including the free first checked bag, Preferred seat benefit, Extra Legroom upgrade opportunities, and stronger Southwest earning. For a frequent Southwest traveler, the additional annual fee can make sense if those benefits are regularly used.

How to Apply for the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card

Applications are generally completed online through Chase, and before applying consumers should review the current offer, annual fee, APR, eligibility requirements, and complete terms. The official Chase application page currently lists the 60,000-point welcome offer after $2,000 in purchases during the first three months.

Tips for Getting the Most Value

To maximize the Priority Card, consider applying when you have planned purchases that can satisfy the welcome offer naturally, using the card for Southwest purchases to earn 4X points, using it for eligible restaurant and gas station purchases to earn 2X points, adding your Rapid Rewards number to reservations so applicable travel benefits can be recognized, using the annual 7,500 anniversary points when evaluating the card’s renewal value, taking advantage of the free first checked bag when traveling, monitoring Preferred and Extra Legroom seat availability, considering the card’s TQP and Companion Pass qualifying-point benefits if you pursue Southwest status, paying the statement balance in full whenever possible, and reevaluating the card each year based on actual benefits used rather than simply keeping it because of the welcome bonus.

Important Considerations Before Applying

The Priority Card should be evaluated based on actual travel habits rather than the headline welcome bonus because the first-year bonus can make the card look extremely attractive initially while the long-term decision is different. After the first year, cardholders should consider whether they used the free checked bag benefit, Preferred seat benefits, Extra Legroom upgrades, anniversary points, Companion Pass qualifying-point boost, and Southwest rewards enough to justify the annual fee. If the answer to most of these questions is yes, keeping the card may make sense, while if the answer is no, a lower-fee Southwest card or a flexible travel rewards card may be a better fit.

Is the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card Worth It?

For the right traveler, yes, the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card can be worth the $229 annual fee, particularly for frequent Southwest customers who check bags, care about seat selection, purchase Southwest flights regularly, and want to earn additional Rapid Rewards points. The card’s 7,500 anniversary points help offset the annual fee, while the free first checked bag, Preferred seat benefit, Extra Legroom opportunities, Group 5 boarding, and Southwest-specific rewards can provide substantial ongoing value. The card is less attractive for people who rarely fly Southwest or who prefer flexible points that can be transferred to several airline and hotel programs. Overall, the Priority Card is best viewed as a Southwest loyalty card with a strong collection of travel benefits, rather than a general-purpose premium travel card.

Our Final Verdict

The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card earns a 4.6 out of 5 rating in our 2026 review because its biggest strengths are the combination of travel perks and Rapid Rewards earning. The 60,000-point welcome offer gives new cardholders an attractive starting opportunity, while the 4X Southwest earning rate can accelerate rewards for regular Southwest customers. The 7,500 anniversary points, free first checked bag, Preferred seat benefit, Extra Legroom upgrade opportunity, Group 5 boarding, TQP earning, Companion Pass qualifying-point boost, and no foreign transaction fee add meaningful long-term value. The $229 annual fee is the primary drawback, and consumers who do not fly Southwest regularly may struggle to recover that cost. For frequent Southwest travelers, however, the Priority Card is one of the most comprehensive Southwest credit card options available and can be an excellent choice for combining airline rewards with practical travel benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Does the Chase Southwest Priority Card have an annual fee?

Yes, the annual fee is currently $229, making it important for cardholders to use enough of the card’s rewards and travel benefits to justify the yearly cost.

How many bonus points does the Southwest Priority Card offer?

The current welcome offer is 60,000 Rapid Rewards bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases during the first three months from account opening, subject to the current offer terms.

How many points does the Southwest Priority Card earn?

The card earns 4X points on Southwest Airlines purchases, 2X points at gas stations and restaurants, and 1X point on other purchases under the current card structure.

Does the Southwest Priority Card give free checked bags?

Yes, the current benefit provides a free first checked bag for the cardmember and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, subject to the applicable Southwest terms.

Does the Priority Card include seat benefits?

Yes, the Priority Card includes complimentary Preferred seat selection at booking when available, plus opportunities to upgrade to Extra Legroom seating within 48 hours before departure when available.

Does the Southwest Priority Card have foreign transaction fees?

No, the card currently offers no foreign transaction fees, making it more convenient for travelers who use the card outside the United States.

How many anniversary points does the Priority Card provide?

The card currently provides 7,500 Rapid Rewards anniversary points each year, which can help offset some of the card’s annual fee for frequent Southwest travelers.

Can the Priority Card help with Southwest A-List status?

Yes, cardholders can earn 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5,000 spent, which can contribute toward A-List qualification under the applicable Southwest program rules.

Does the card help with Companion Pass?

Yes, the Priority Card currently includes a 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying-point boost each year, which can help eligible Rapid Rewards members progress toward Companion Pass qualification but does not independently guarantee Companion Pass status.

What credit score is needed for the Southwest Priority Card?

The card is generally intended for applicants with good to excellent credit, although Chase considers multiple factors and there is no specific credit score that guarantees approval.

Is the Southwest Priority Card good for everyday spending?

It can be useful for Southwest purchases, restaurants, and gas stations because of its bonus categories, but purchases outside those categories generally earn only 1X point, so consumers seeking maximum rewards across many everyday spending categories may want a second rewards card.

Is the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card worth it in 2026?

For frequent Southwest flyers, it can be worth it because the combination of 7,500 anniversary points, free first checked bag, Preferred seat benefits, Extra Legroom opportunities, Southwest rewards, boarding benefits, and status-related points can potentially outweigh the $229 annual fee for travelers who use the benefits regularly.

Bottom Line

The Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a strong airline rewards card for consumers who are loyal to Southwest Airlines and want more than just points, combining a valuable welcome offer with ongoing Southwest travel benefits. The card’s current 60,000-point welcome offer, 4X Southwest earning rate, 7,500 annual anniversary points, free first checked bag, Preferred seat benefit, Extra Legroom upgrade opportunities, Group 5 boarding, status-earning opportunities, Companion Pass qualifying-point boost, and no foreign transaction fee give it a well-rounded package for frequent Southwest travelers. The $229 annual fee means the card is not designed for everyone, and occasional Southwest customers should compare the Priority Card with the lower-fee Southwest cards and flexible travel rewards alternatives. For frequent Southwest travelers who can consistently use the card’s benefits, however, the Priority Card stands out as a premium Southwest-focused credit card that can deliver meaningful value throughout the year.