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When Southwest Airlines overhauled its fare structure and its frequent flier program to lure more passengers from traditional carriers, it brought its airline credit card program along for the ride. The All-New Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card doesn't just feature one of the most popular airlines in the business, it boasts some of the most attractive perks for bargain-hunting travelers. A generous signup bonus complements a new reward program that connects travel on Southwest with a network of partner airlines, hotels, and premium service providers.
Turning credit card purchases into Rapid Rewards
Longtime Southwest Airlines passengers voiced some frustration when the carrier switched to a more conventional, and potentially confusing, frequent flier program. With the new card, if you've ever redeemed awards on traditional airlines, just replace "miles" with "points" and you'll feel right at home.
Southwest's own website explains the biggest difference between its loyalty program and those of its competitors: free flight options that are easy to achieve and even easier to redeem. For instance, a typical frequent flyer program usually offers a round trip ticket for 25,000 miles. On Southwest, you can trade as few as 60 points for a dollar of airfare. That means you can earn a round trip on some routes for as few as 12,000 points. The airline has promoted signup bonuses as high as 50,000 points, putting free flights directly into the hands of new cardholders.
With double points for every dollar you spend on Southwest, you can quickly earn enough credit to cover at least some of the cost of your next trip. In addition, you'll earn double points for purchases at a network of preferred retailers and travel providers, including popular hotels and car rental companies. You don't have to wait for your next vacation to redeem your rewards, either. Southwest's partnership with Chase Credit Cards enables Rapid Rewards cardholders to convert points into gift cards or into any of Chase's new "experiential" rewards.
Should you switch to the All-New Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card?
You should consider switching to this credit card if you travel on Southwest more than on any other airline. In fact, the ease of earning free travel with this airline credit card might even inspire you to switch your preferred carrier.
You may also save money and earn bonus points with one of Chase's most unusual balance transfer offers. If Southwest's APR is lower than that of your current account, they'll give you a bonus point for every dollar you transfer to your new account. With a 10,000-point ceiling on the promotion and a balance transfer fee of just 3 percent, you could save money and earn free travel by making the switch from any credit card with an APR higher than 20 percent.
Turning credit card purchases into Rapid Rewards
Longtime Southwest Airlines passengers voiced some frustration when the carrier switched to a more conventional, and potentially confusing, frequent flier program. With the new card, if you've ever redeemed awards on traditional airlines, just replace "miles" with "points" and you'll feel right at home.
Southwest's own website explains the biggest difference between its loyalty program and those of its competitors: free flight options that are easy to achieve and even easier to redeem. For instance, a typical frequent flyer program usually offers a round trip ticket for 25,000 miles. On Southwest, you can trade as few as 60 points for a dollar of airfare. That means you can earn a round trip on some routes for as few as 12,000 points. The airline has promoted signup bonuses as high as 50,000 points, putting free flights directly into the hands of new cardholders.
With double points for every dollar you spend on Southwest, you can quickly earn enough credit to cover at least some of the cost of your next trip. In addition, you'll earn double points for purchases at a network of preferred retailers and travel providers, including popular hotels and car rental companies. You don't have to wait for your next vacation to redeem your rewards, either. Southwest's partnership with Chase Credit Cards enables Rapid Rewards cardholders to convert points into gift cards or into any of Chase's new "experiential" rewards.
Should you switch to the All-New Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card?
You should consider switching to this credit card if you travel on Southwest more than on any other airline. In fact, the ease of earning free travel with this airline credit card might even inspire you to switch your preferred carrier.
You may also save money and earn bonus points with one of Chase's most unusual balance transfer offers. If Southwest's APR is lower than that of your current account, they'll give you a bonus point for every dollar you transfer to your new account. With a 10,000-point ceiling on the promotion and a balance transfer fee of just 3 percent, you could save money and earn free travel by making the switch from any credit card with an APR higher than 20 percent.
Other Chase Credit Card Offers
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