Explore the Benefits: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Review (LIMITED OFFER)

Introduction

Hey, how y’all doing.  Are you on the hunt for a credit card that feels like a trusty sidekick on your adventures? Well, you’re in luck! Today, we’re diving into an ‘Explore the Benefits: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Review’. This isn’t just another mundane credit card tale; it’s a journey through the ins and outs of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card. In this review, we’ll unravel the perks, points, and particulars that make this card a standout choice for folks who love to fly Southwest. So buckle up, because this Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Review is about to take off, showing you how every trip can become a treasure trove of rewards!

Overview of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

When it comes to travel perks, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus isn’t just your average Joe in the lineup. It’s like that friend who knows every shortcut in town, helping you get to where you’re going faster and with a whole lot more fun along the way. Specifically tailored for those who’ve got a bit of Southwest Airlines love in their heart, this card knows how to reward loyalty with a Texan-sized embrace.

Here’s what makes the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card unique: it’s straightforward, no-nonsense, and generously rewarding for those who find themselves frequently flying the Southwest skies. It’s designed not just as a travel credit card but as a Southwest traveler’s companion.  And for y’all who love to get great deals when flying domestically, then this card will help you get there.  This card has a decent sign up bonus and the annual fee will not set you back a ton.

Key Features

When it comes to choosing a travel credit card, the details matter. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card packs a punch with features tailored to make your travel experience not just enjoyable but also rewarding. Think of it as the secret sauce that makes a good burger great.  It’s all in the details.

Earning Rates

When it comes to earning rates, imagine every dollar you spend gives you a little “high five” in rewards. With Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, you’re looking at an earning structure that’s as friendly as a golden retriever. Here’s some highlights:

• On Southwest purchases: Earn 2 points per $1 spent, making every flight booking, upgrade, or in-flight purchase a rewarding experience.
• Internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on these items.  Boost your points balance with accelerated earnings in these categories. 
• On all other purchases: Earn 1 point per $1 spent, ensuring every swipe of your card moves you closer to your next reward.

Annual Fee

Now, let’s talk about the annual fee, because everything good in life comes with a little give and take. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card has an annual fee of $69. Now, before you start rummaging through your couch cushions for spare change, remember that this fee is quite modest in the grand parade of travel credit cards. Especially when you consider the benefits and rewards that come dancing along with it.

Sign Up Bonus

Everybody loves a good bonus, just like a kid loves the extra scoop of ice cream. With the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, the sign-up bonus is much like that scoop – sweet and satisfying.

Here’s the lowdown on how you can bag those extra points:

Grab Your Bonus Points

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This generous bonus can translate into several free flights, depending on your destinations of choice, catapulting you toward your travel goals right from the start. Not a bad rate of return for a $1,000 minimum spending requirement.

The Real-World Value

Now, what does this bonus really mean for you? Picture this: those points can translate into free flights. That’s right, free! It’s like finding a golden ticket in your Wonka bar, except it’s for flights, not chocolate factories. In fact, a one way flight from the west coast to the east coast will be approximately 14,000.  With this sign up bonus, you can easily get a round trip for almost two people from the west coast to the east coast.

Read the Fine Print

Of course, every good thing comes with a little catch. There are terms and conditions, but they’re straightforward – no riddles or brain teasers here. Just a simple spend requirement within a set time frame. It’s like a game where the rules are clear, and the prize is oh-so-sweet.

Earning Rates Detailed Analysis

Let’s look a bit closer under the hood at these earning rates. You see, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus isn’t just about getting you from point A to B; it’s about making every step (or spend) along the way count. Here’s how:

• Southwest Purchases: 2X points per $1. Each dollar spent here is like a double scoop of your favorite ice cream – twice as nice. You’re not just buying a flight; you’re inching closer to your next free trip.
• Hotel and car rental partners: 2X per $1. Earn these valuable points when making these rentals through the Southwest website.
• Local transit and commuting, including rideshare: 2X per $1. Nice perk because who likes to drive anyway?
• Internet, cable, phone and select streaming: 2x per $1. Because who doesn’t pay for these services?
• Everything else: 1X per $1. This is where the card flexes its muscles. From groceries to gas, each purchase adds points to your stash. It’s like turning your daily errands into a points-gathering quest.

By understanding this points system, you can strategize your spending like a chess master planning their next move. Every purchase becomes a calculated step towards your next reward flight.

Unique Benefits

Imagine unwrapping a gift and finding out it keeps on giving; that’s the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card in a nutshell when we start talking about unique benefits. Like finding a secret beach on a crowded island, these perks are what set this card apart from the pack.

Benefits

First off, let’s highlight the annual treats this card brings to the party:

• Anniversary Points: Imagine getting 3,000 points every year just for being part of the team. On each cardmember anniversary, you get bonus points. It’s like a loyalty hug from Southwest.
• EarlyBird Check In: Get 2 of these each year and y’all get to skip to the front of the line.  You know what that means, first on the plane gets to pick their seats first.
• 25% back: This bonus is available for those inflight purchases.
• 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost: Each year, get this bonus towards the infamous Companion Pass.  You know, the pass that allows your significant other a free trip.
• Bags Fly Free: No additional fees for your luggage
• No change fees: Because sometimes your plans change, but hopefully not too often.  Because y’all need your vacations, am I right?
• No Blackout Dates: This is a biggie. When you want to use your points, there are no blackout dates. It’s like having a green light to travel whenever you want.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement: If your bags go on an unintended adventure, you’re covered. It’s like having a safety net for your belongings.
• Baggage Delay Insurance: Because sometimes luggage gets lost.  That’s why y’all should only travel with a carry-on only.
• Extended Warranty Protection: Buying with this card can extend the warranty on your purchases. It’s like having a guardian angel for your new gadgets.

These benefits are like hidden gems, making every travel experience with Southwest Airlines not just a journey, but a joyride.

Southwest Companion Pass

Now, beyond the welcoming hands of yearly points and peace of mind when your bags are doing the tango somewhere else, there’s the big kahuna benefit: The Southwest Companion Pass. The Southwest Companion Pass is a highly sought-after benefit of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. It allows the pass holder to choose one person to fly with them for free (excluding taxes and fees) every time they purchase a ticket or redeem points for a flight. 

You need to earn 135,000 points to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass.  All points earned with the Rapid Rewards Credit Card count toward the Companion Pass, which allows the cardholder to choose one person to fly with them for free (excluding taxes and fees) every time they purchase a ticket. With this signup bonus, you will only need an additional 85,000 points.  This makes the card a valuable tool for those aiming to earn the Companion Pass and enjoy its benefits.

Annual Fee Evaluation

Talking about the annual fee of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a bit like discussing the price of a concert ticket – it’s about the experience you get for your money. The card charges an annual fee of $69, and here’s why it might just be worth it:

Offsetting the Cost with Rewards: 

Think of the annual fee as an investment in your travel portfolio. With the rewards and benefits you rack up, especially if you’re a frequent Southwest flyer, it’s like the card pays for itself.  

Weighing the Perks: 

The annual bonus points alone can often balance out the fee. It’s like getting a rebate on your own investment.  50,000 points, even at 1 cent per point, would be $500.  Now through the EarlyBird check in at $15-25 per each time you use it, and you see how this card can pay for itself.  IF you are a frequent Southwest customer.

Comparing to Other Cards: 

When stacked against other travel cards, this fee is on the lower end. It’s like choosing between a regular coffee and a fancy latte.  Both do the job, but one comes with extra perks for just a bit more.

In essence, if you’re regularly up in the air with Southwest, this card can be a financial co-pilot, helping navigate the skies of spending and rewards.

Pros and Cons

Sometimes, life gives you lemons, and sometimes it hands you lemonade. The same goes for credit cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card has its share of both, and I reckon it’s fair to lay them all out on the table. Here’s the rundown for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card:

Pros

• Boosted Points on Southwest Purchases: It’s like scoring a goal every time you buy a Southwest ticket.
• Anniversary Bonus Points: This annual perk is like the card’s way of saying, “Thanks for sticking with us!”
• Low Annual Fee: Compared to other travel cards, this fee is like a small drop in a big ocean.
• Companion Pass: Sign Up Bonus and purchases from this card will get you on your way to the Southwest Companion Pass.

Cons

• Limited to Southwest: If Southwest isn’t your go-to airline, this card might feel like wearing a team jersey for a team you don’t root for.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: For globe-trotters, these fees are like little pebbles in your shoe – a bit bothersome.
• No Luxury Travel Perks: If you’re looking for first-class lounge access, this card is more coach than first class.
• Chase 5/24: This card will count towards your Chase 5/24 rule. This Chase rule prohibits you from obtaining more than 5 personal credit cards within 24 months.  So be strategic about applying for this card if you have plans of opening more credit cards in the future.

Like any good play, it’s all about how it fits into your game plan. For Southwest loyalists, the pros might outweigh the cons, making every journey a rewarding experience.

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Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As we circle back to the gate, it’s clear that the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is like a trusty sidekick for Southwest enthusiasts. It’s the kind of card that doesn’t just sit in your wallet; it goes out and hustles points for you. For those who frequently fly the Southwest skies, it’s a bit like having a wingman who’s always looking out for your travel rewards.

In a nutshell, this card is a solid choice if you’re a regular Southwest flyer. The annual fee is relatively low, and the benefits, like anniversary points and no blackout dates, are like having a cheerleader for your travel goals. Sure, it’s not decked out with luxury travel perks, and it’s best suited for domestic rather than international wanderers, but for the right traveler, it’s as good as finding a dollar in your old coat.  A pleasant and useful surprise.

Who should get this card? This card is recommended for those who fly domestically and want to have several flight options.  Southwest has a ton of flights from a large network of airports.  This is helpful for those who are looking to do a “re-positioning flight” in order to take advantage of another travel hacking deal.  This card is also for those who are seeking to earn the Southwest Companion Pass.

Remember, the best credit card is one that aligns with your lifestyle and travel habits. If Southwest Airlines is a frequent flyer in your travel plans, then the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card might just be the MVP you’re looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Annual Fee for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card has an annual fee of $69. It’s like the price of a nice dinner out, but for a whole year of potential travel benefits.

Can I Use Points Earned on the Card for International Flights?

Yes, you can use points for international flights. It’s like having a passport filled with stamps, but in the form of points.  However, the international flights are limited to Mexico, Central American and the Caribbean.

Does the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus offer a companion pass? 

You betcha—it’s one of the sweetest deals in the sky. Earn a Companion Pass by racking up enough points, and you’ll be bringing a buddy along on your adventures, just paying taxes and fees!

Are There Any Foreign Transaction Fees?

Yes, there are foreign transaction fees on this card. It’s a bit like a small tax for shopping overseas.

Can Points Expire on This Card?

No, as long as the account remains open, the points do not expire. It’s like having a never-ending jar of your favorite cookies