Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card – Free Airline Ticket

If you fly Southwest even a few times a year, the card_name can deliver more value than its modest annual_fees annual fee suggests. Between free checked bags, EarlyBird Check-In perks, anniversary points, and a strong welcome bonus, this card offers reliable benefits that can pay for themselves quickly—especially for travelers who know how to stretch Rapid Rewards points.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Why the Rapid Rewards® Plus Card Stands Out

Southwest Airlines has built a loyal following for good reason—affordable fares, two free checked bags for all passengers, and a customer-friendly policy on flight changes. While some of that has recently shifted (Southwest now charges for the second checked bag), this card still gives you a leg up with exclusive perks that aren’t available to general passengers.

Let’s break it down.

Welcome Bonus: signup_reward Points After a Modest Spend

New cardholders earn bonus_miles_full That’s a reasonable threshold for most families or frequent travelers. Depending on your travel dates and destinations, those points can easily cover $700+ in Wanna Get Away® fares—sometimes more if you’re flexible and book early.

These points can also be redeemed for:

• Hotels
• Car rentals
• Gift cards
• International partner flights

Still, the most valuable use by far is booking Southwest flights, where you can stretch your points the furthest.

Ongoing Rewards That Add Up

With this card, you’ll earn:

• 2 points per $1 on Southwest purchases
• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
• 2 points per $1 on local transit and commuting (including rideshares)
• 2 points per $1 on internet, cable, phone, and select streaming services (ends December 31st, 2025)
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases

This isn’t a daily driver card for most people, but it’s a solid option for travel and utility categories, especially if you’re already flying Southwest often.

Anniversary Bonus: 3,000 Points Every Year

Each year you keep the card, you’ll automatically receive 3,000 bonus points on your cardmember anniversary. That’s roughly $40–$45 in flight value, helping to offset most of the annual_fees annual fee right out of the gate.

Combine that with a couple of Southwest trips per year and the card easily pays for itself.

Baggage Perks and Boarding Boosts

One of the most valuable perks? Your first checked bag flies free—something most airlines now charge $35–$40 for each way. As of May 2025, Southwest updated its policy to only allow one free checked bag, but cardholders retain that benefit even if the airline tightens baggage rules further down the line.

Plus, you’ll get 2 free EarlyBird Check-Ins per year, improving your boarding position without having to fight for it manually 24 hours before your flight.

Flexibility and Travel Freedom

With the Rapid Rewards program, you’ll enjoy:

• No blackout dates on reward flights
• No change fees, so you can book early and adjust your plans if needed
• Points that never expire as long as your account is open

That’s especially helpful for military families, remote workers, or anyone whose travel plans change often. You won’t be penalized for life happening.

Companion Pass Head Start

Every year, this card gives you a 10,000-point boost toward qualifying for the coveted Southwest Companion Pass—one of the most valuable travel perks out there. With enough points or flights, you can designate a companion to fly with you free (plus taxes and fees) for up to two years.

If you’re working toward the Companion Pass, this card helps accelerate the process.

What to Watch Out For

While the card offers a lot of value, there are a couple of caveats to keep in mind:

• Southwest Route Limitations: If you don’t fly Southwest often or live near a non-hub airport, the card may not be as useful.
• Annual Fee: It’s annual_fees, but the anniversary bonus and perks offset most of that cost.

Bottom Line: Who Should Get This Card?

This card is a strong fit for anyone who flies Southwest at least once or twice a year, especially if you:

• Want to earn points toward free travel
• Check bags or value EarlyBird Check-In
• Are pursuing the Companion Pass
• Want travel flexibility and no hidden fees

If you’re looking for a premium experience, Southwest also offers the Premier and Priority versions of this card with higher annual fees and more perks. But for everyday travelers, the Plus version hits the sweet spot.

Quick Recap

If you’re already loyal to Southwest, or even just travel a few times a year with them, the card_name is a no-brainer. It’s a practical tool that helps you save on travel, earn rewards faster, and avoid annoying fees—all while keeping things flexible.

_{The Military Wallet has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Military Wallet and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on The Military Wallet are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear, but does not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations. The Military Wallet does not include all card companies or all available card offers.}

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Ryan Guina

Ryan Guina is The Military Wallet's founder. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over six years on active duty in the USAF and is a current member of the Tennessee Air...

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