Southwest offers three personal credit cards, and through a limited-time promotion available through March 18, 2027, you can earn a Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027, and up to 40,000 Rapid Rewards bonus points when you meet the minimum spend.
If you’re unsure which card makes the most sense for you, this guide breaks down each option to help you narrow your decision.
The Three Personal Southwest Cards
Southwest is currently offering this Companion Pass promotion across the following personal cards:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Each card has a different welcome offer, earning structure, perks, and annual fee. Use the comparison below to find the one that fits your travel habits and goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Plus | Premier | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus + Companion Pass | Companion Pass + 20,000 pts* | Companion Pass + 30,000 pts* | Companion Pass + 40,000 pts* |
| Spend Requirement | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Annual Fee | $99 | $149 | $229 |
| Earn Rate on SW Flights | 2X | 3X | 4X |
| Seat Selection | Standard (48 hrs) | Standard/Preferred (48 hrs) | Preferred at booking |
| Extra Legroom Upgrade | No | No | Yes |
| Anniversary Points | 3,000 | 6,000 | 7,500 |
| Everyday Bonus Categories | Gas + Grocery | Grocery + Dining | Gas + Dining |
| Companion Pass Boost | 10,000 pts/yr | 10,000 pts/yr | 10,000 pts/yr |
| Boarding | Group 5 | Group 5 | Group 5 |
| Best For | Low fee path to CP | Balanced ongoing value | High earn + top perks |
*Companion Pass is valid through February 28, 2027 on this limited-time offer if you meet the spend requirement.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Best for: Beginners or occasional Southwest travelers looking for the lowest annual fee and a simple path to the Companion Pass
Annual fee: $99
Welcome bonus:
Earn a Companion Pass (through 2/28/2027) + 20,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Earning rates:
- 2X on Southwest purchases
- 2X at gas stations and grocery stores (first $5,000 annually)
- 1X on all other purchases
Top perks:
- First checked bag free (you + up to 8 passengers)
- 10% annual Southwest promo code
- 3,000 anniversary points
- Group 5 boarding
- 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year
- 25% back on inflight purchases
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Best for: Regular Southwest travelers who want stronger earning rates and more ongoing value without jumping to the highest annual fee
Annual fee: $149
Welcome bonus:
Earn a Companion Pass (through 2/28/2027) + 30,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Earning rates:
- 3X on Southwest purchases
- 2X at grocery stores and restaurants (first $8,000 annually)
- 1X on all other purchases
Top perks:
- First checked bag free (you + up to 8 passengers)
- 15% annual Southwest promo code
- 6,000 anniversary points
- Preferred or standard seat selection within 48 hours
- Ability to earn tier qualifying points toward A-List status
- 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year
- 25% back on inflight purchases
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Best for: Frequent Southwest flyers who will maximize higher earning rates and premium travel perks
Annual fee: $229
Welcome bonus:
Earn a Companion Pass (through 2/28/2027) + 40,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
Earning rates:
- 4X on Southwest purchases
- 2X at gas stations and restaurants
- 1X on all other purchases
Top perks:
- First checked bag free (you + up to 8 passengers)
- Preferred seat selection at booking (when available)
- Extra legroom seat upgrades within 48 hours (when available)
- 7,500 anniversary points
- Ability to earn more tier-qualifying points toward A-List status
- 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost each year
- 25% back on in-flight purchases
Who Each Card Makes Sense For
Best Balanced Card: Premier
For most travelers in 2026, the Premier card provides the best combination of ongoing perks and a reasonable annual fee. It offers stronger earning rates than Plus and solid long-term value without stepping into the highest fee tier.
Lowest Cost Path: Plus
If your goal is to earn the Companion Pass with the lowest annual cost and simplest requirement, the Plus card gets it done. You still receive key benefits, just with fewer premium features.
Premium Perks: Priority
The Priority card offers the highest earning rates and most perks, but its value depends on usage. Without the previous travel credit, you need to actively use the benefits to justify the higher annual fee.
Eligibility Reminder
You generally qualify for these welcome bonuses if:
- You currently do not have a Southwest Rapid Rewards personal credit card, and
- You have not received a bonus on a Southwest personal card in the last 24 months.
Southwest business cards do not count toward this restriction. Always check the offer terms online before applying.
Final Take
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but in 2026, the Premier card hits the best balance of cost and ongoing value for most travelers. If you want a low-fee route to the Companion Pass, Plus is the simplest choice. If you fly Southwest frequently and will use all the perks, Priority can still make sense, but only if the benefits justify the higher fee.
Related Reading: If you’re focused on earning the Companion Pass itself, don’t miss our companion post → Earn a Southwest Companion Pass + Up to 40,000 Points — where we walk through the current offer and how to maximize it before March 18, 2027.
Earn a Southwest Companion Pass + Up to 40,000 Points (Limited-Time Offer)
