Southwest Airlines And Chase Roll Out Enhanced Rapid Rewards Credit Card Benefits
Southwest Airlines has teamed up with Chase to announce a huge refresh to its Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards. The newly improved cards offer new perks, as well as expanded earning opportunities, to enhance your travel comfort and value as a cardholder. The refresh is part of Southwest’s overall transformation of the customer experience, which also includes the airline’s move to assign seats in 2026.
New Benefits Across the Portfolio
Whether you are a new or existing cardmember, the newly enhanced benefits became available immediately for your use. The new benefits focus on enhanced flexibility, faster point earning, and improved onboard experiences. Key upgrades include:
- First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
- Standard or Preferred seat selection for select fares (available in 2026).
- Unlimited upgrades to Extra Legroom seating within 48 hours of departure (select cards).
- Earlier boarding (Group 5) for cardholders and accompanying passengers.
- Expanded bonus categories, including gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and transit.
- Increased Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) accrual rates for faster A-List status eligibility.
- Promotional flight discounts and anniversary perks.
Sign-Up Bonus Offer
New Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier, and Plus Consumer Credit Cardmembers can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first five months (offer valid through September 17, 2025)—the richest offer of the year.
“These changes reward our cardmembers with more ways to earn and enhance their journey,” said Tony Roach, EVP, Customer & Brand at Southwest Airlines. “This aligns with our commitment to delivering value through the Rapid Rewards program.”
Chris Cracchiolo, President of Co-Brand Credit Cards at Chase, added, “We’re proud to support Southwest’s next chapter with card products that match the evolving expectations of today’s travelers.”
Key Card-Specific Updates
Consumer Cards
Rapid Rewards Priority Card ($229 annual fee)
- 4X points on Southwest purchases (up from 3X)
- 2X points on gas and restaurants
- Seat selection and Extra Legroom upgrades (2026 rollout)
- 2,500 TQPs per $5,000 spend
- Group 5 boarding
Rapid Rewards Premier Card ($149 annual fee)
- 2X points on first $8,000 spent at groceries and restaurants
- Group 5 boarding + seat selection (2026)
- 15% flight discount promo code annually
Rapid Rewards Plus Card ($99 annual fee)
- 2X points on first $5,000 at gas and grocery stores
- Group 5 boarding + seat selection (2026)
- 10% flight discount promo code
- No foreign transaction fees
Business Cards
Performance Business Card ($299 annual fee)
- 2X points on gas, restaurants, hotels, and transit
- Unlimited Extra Legroom upgrades and seat selection (2026)
- 2,500 TQPs per $5,000 spend
- Group 5 boarding
Premier Business Card ($149 annual fee)
- 2X points on first $8,000 at gas and restaurants
- 15% discount promo code annually
- 2,000 TQPs per $5,000 spend
- Group 5 boarding + seat selection (2026)
Plus Business Card ($99 annual fee)
- 2X points on first $5,000 at gas and restaurants
- Group 5 boarding + seat selection (2026)
- 10% discount promo code
- No foreign transaction fees
Implementation Timeline
- Assigned seating sales begin July 29, 2025.
- Assigned seating on flights launches January 27, 2026.
- Existing cardholders will see updated annual fees starting in 2026 on their card anniversary dates.
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