Current Welcome Bonus & Value
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card currently offers a welcome bonus of 80,000 Southwest Miles. This bonus is estimated to be worth approximately $941, providing significant value for future Southwest flights. This offer is current as of June 2026.
Minimum Spend to Earn It
To earn the welcome bonus, you must spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Who's Eligible
To be approved for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, you'll need to meet several eligibility criteria:
- Credit Score: A credit score in the "good to excellent" range is generally recommended for approval.
- Chase 5/24 Rule: This card is subject to Chase's strict 5/24 rule. You will likely not be approved if you have opened 5 or more new personal credit card accounts across any issuer in the past 24 months.
- Southwest Personal Card Rule: You are eligible for this product only if you do not currently have any Southwest personal credit card. Furthermore, you can only hold one of the three personal Southwest cards at a time.
- Southwest Bonus Rule: You are not eligible for this welcome bonus if you have received a new cardmember bonus for any Southwest personal credit card in the past 24 months.
- Chase Application Velocity: Chase generally advises against applying for more than two Chase credit cards within a 30-day period.
Is It Worth It? (Pros/Cons)
Considering the annual fee and eligibility requirements, here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Generous Welcome Bonus: The 80,000 Southwest Miles bonus offers substantial value, estimated at $941, for future flights.
- Manageable Minimum Spend: The $1,000 spending requirement within 90 days is relatively easy to achieve for most applicants.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This card does not charge foreign transaction fees, which is a benefit for international purchases, though Southwest is a domestic airline.
Cons
- Annual Fee: A $99 annual fee applies, which must be factored into the card's overall value.
- Strict Eligibility Rules: The card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule and specific Southwest cardholding and bonus restrictions, limiting eligibility for some applicants.
- Southwest-Specific Rewards: Miles are tied to Southwest's Rapid Rewards program, which is excellent for domestic travel but lacks flexibility for international flights or other airline partners.
How to Apply
To apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, especially the Chase 5/24 rule and Southwest-specific restrictions. You can typically find the most current application offer directly on Chase's website.
Alternatives
If the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card isn't the right fit, or if you're looking to diversify your rewards strategy, consider other cards from Chase or those with different airline/hotel partners. Related cards include the IHG Premier, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, Iberia Visa Signature® Card, and Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card.