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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus: Worth the £99 Annual Fee?
Earn 50,000 points after a £1,000 spend in 3 months, but watch out for the 21.49%-28.49% variable APR.
The Quick Version
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers 50,000 bonus points if you spend £1,000 in the first three months. It rewards frequent Southwest flyers with 2X points on airline purchases and select categories. The downside? A £99 annual fee and a high variable APR ranging from 21.49% to 28.49%.
Rates shown are representative. Your actual rate depends on your credit profile. This is not financial advice.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
A solid choice for frequent Southwest travelers, but mind the fees.
Fees & Rates
According to Chase, the card comes with a £99 annual fee. The APR is variable, ranging from 21.49% to 28.49% — high if you plan to carry a balance. There's no introductory APR offer, and the card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it's not ideal for international travel.
What's Actually Good
This card shines for Southwest flyers. You earn 2X points on Southwest purchases and on the first £5,000 spent at gas stations and grocery stores annually. Plus, the 50,000 bonus points after a £1,000 spend in three months can quickly add up to free flights. The first checked bag free is another perk that frequent travelers will appreciate.
The Catch
The biggest drawback is the high APR, which could cost you if you don't pay off your balance monthly. The £99 annual fee might also outweigh the benefits if you don't fly Southwest regularly. Additionally, the 1X points on other purchases aren't impressive compared to other rewards cards.
This Card Is For You If...
This card is best for loyal Southwest flyers who can maximize the bonus points and travel benefits. If you have a credit score above 700, travel frequently with Southwest, and can pay off your balance each month, this card could be a good fit.
The Bottom Line
If you're a frequent Southwest traveler, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers valuable perks and rewards. But if you rarely fly Southwest or carry a balance, the high APR and annual fee might not be worth it.
