What To Know
- If you travel frequently on Southwest Airlines and take advantage of the benefits, such as the Companion Pass and free checked bags, then the Southwest credit card is probably worth it.
- However, if you don’t travel often or if you have a low credit score, then the Southwest credit card may not be the best option for you.
- The Southwest credit card has a high annual fee, so you’ll need to make sure that you can afford the fee before you apply for the card.
When it comes to choosing a credit card, there are many factors to consider. If you’re a frequent Southwest Airlines traveler, the Southwest credit card may be a great option for you. But is it worth it? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of the Southwest credit card to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of the Southwest Credit Card
1. Southwest Companion Pass
One of the biggest benefits of the Southwest credit card is the Companion Pass. This pass allows you to bring a companion with you on every Southwest flight for free. The Companion Pass is valid for up to two years and is worth hundreds of dollars in savings.
2. Free Checked Bags
Southwest Airlines is one of the few airlines that still offers free checked bags. With the Southwest credit card, you can check up to two bags for free on every Southwest flight. This is a great perk for families or anyone who travels with a lot of luggage.
3. Earn Rapid Rewards Points
Every time you use your Southwest credit card, you’ll earn Rapid Rewards points. These points can be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and more. The Southwest credit card offers a generous sign-up bonus and a high earn rate, so you can quickly accumulate points.
4. Priority Boarding
Southwest credit cardholders get priority boarding, which means you can board the plane earlier and get a better seat. This is a great perk for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds and get a good seat on the plane.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees
If you travel internationally, the Southwest credit card doesn‘t charge foreign transaction fees. This can save you a lot of money on currency conversion fees.
Drawbacks of the Southwest Credit Card
1. High Annual Fee
The Southwest credit card has a high annual fee. This fee can be worth it if you travel frequently and take advantage of the benefits, but it may not be worth it if you don’t travel often.
2. Limited Transferability
Southwest Rapid Rewards points can only be redeemed for travel on Southwest Airlines. This means that you can’t transfer your points to other airlines or use them for other travel-related expenses.
3. Lower Credit Limit
The Southwest credit card has a lower credit limit than many other credit cards. This can be a problem if you have a high credit utilization ratio or if you need to make a large purchase.
Is the Southwest Credit Card Worth It?
So, is the Southwest credit card worth it? The answer depends on your individual travel habits and financial situation. If you travel frequently on Southwest Airlines and take advantage of the benefits, such as the Companion Pass and free checked bags, then the Southwest credit card is probably worth it. However, if you don’t travel often or if you have a low credit score, then the Southwest credit card may not be the best option for you.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the benefits and drawbacks listed above, there are a few other factors to consider when deciding whether or not the Southwest credit card is right for you:
- Your travel habits: If you travel frequently on Southwest Airlines, then the Southwest credit card is a great option. However, if you don’t travel often, then the Southwest credit card may not be worth the annual fee.
- Your credit score: The Southwest credit card has a high credit limit, so you’ll need a good credit score to qualify. If you have a low credit score, you may want to consider a different credit card.
- Your financial situation: The Southwest credit card has a high annual fee, so you’ll need to make sure that you can afford the fee before you apply for the card.
Alternatives to the Southwest Credit Card
If the Southwest credit card isn‘t right for you, there are a few other credit cards that you may want to consider:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great option for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards that can be used on any airline.
- American Express Gold Card: The American Express Gold Card is a great option for foodies and travelers who want to earn rewards on dining and travel.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great option for travelers who want to earn rewards that can be used on any airline or hotel.
Final Note
The Southwest credit card is a great option for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers. However, it’s important to consider your individual travel habits and financial situation before applying for the card. If you travel frequently and take advantage of the benefits, such as the Companion Pass and free checked bags, then the Southwest credit card is probably worth it. However, if you don’t travel often or if you have a low credit score, then the Southwest credit card may not be the best option for you.
Questions You May Have
Q: What is the annual fee for the Southwest credit card?
A: The annual fee for the Southwest credit card is $99.
Q: What is the sign-up bonus for the Southwest credit card?
A: The sign-up bonus for the Southwest credit card is 50,000 Rapid Rewards points.
Q: How do I qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass?
A: To qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass, you need to earn 125,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year.
