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Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

4.5

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus offers 2x points on Southwest purchases, 1x elsewhere, plus annual free flight, companion pass pathway, and priority boarding. At $69/year, it's affordable for Southwest loyalists.

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The Bottom Line

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus is exceptional value for Southwest loyalists. The $69 annual fee is low relative to benefits, and the annual free Southwest flight covers most of the cost. The companion pass pathway (earnable through card spending) is unique and valuable. For those flying Southwest 2+ times annually, this card is hard to beat.

At a Glance

Annual Fee	$69
Southwest Purchases	2x points
Other Purchases	1x point
Annual Free Flight	One round-trip or one-way ticket
Companion Pass Benefit	Earn by 125,000 points/year
Sign-Up Bonus	40,000 points
Network	Visa
Rewards Rate
Sign-Up Bonus	40,000 points

Low $69 Fee with Outstanding Benefits

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus charges only $69 annually—significantly less than competitors (Delta $95, United $95, Marriott $95). Yet the benefits rival or exceed these higher-priced cards. The annual free flight covers most of the fee immediately for those taking 2+ Southwest trips annually. The low fee also means more Southwest loyalists can justify carrying the card. Someone taking one Southwest trip annually breaks even on the fee with the free flight benefit.

Companion Pass is Unique and Powerful

The Companion Pass—allowing a free companion to travel with you—is unique to Southwest and extraordinarily valuable. Earning it requires accumulated points (achievable through card spending + sign-up bonuses + flying), but once earned, the pass covers an entire calendar year. For couples or families flying together, the Companion Pass effectively doubles flight capacity at one-person cost. No other airline card offers this benefit at any price.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

2x points on Southwest purchases
Annual free flight (one round-trip or one-way)
Companion Pass pathway
Priority boarding benefit
Low $69 annual fee

Cons

Limited to Southwest flights
Annual free flight may be restricted
Companion pass requires significant spending
Limited earning on non-Southwest

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual free flight worth?

Southwest free flights are one round-trip or one-way ticket worth 7,500-60,000 points depending on route. Domestic flights average $150-300, making the benefit valuable relative to the $69 fee.

How do I earn the Companion Pass?

The Companion Pass is earned by accumulating 125,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. Card spending combined with sign-up bonuses and regular flying can achieve this. Once earned, the pass grants a free companion flight for an entire calendar year.

Is this better than Delta or United cards?

For Southwest loyalists, yes. The combination of low annual fee ($69), free annual flight, and Companion Pass pathway is unmatched. For those flying other airlines, loyalty-specific cards for those airlines are better.