The thing is, if you're someone who flies Southwest even a few times a year and you're tired of paying for checked bags, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is probably exactly what you need. And so while Southwest has three different credit cards, this one sits right in the sweet spot for most casual Southwest flyers.
The annual fee is just $99, which honestly pays for itself if you check bag regularlly on Southwest. This is the entry-level Southwest card, and it gives you the core benefits that most people actually care about without all the bells and whistles.
First Checked Bag Free®: This is the big one. You and up to 8 passengers on the same reservation get your first standard checked bag free. If you're someone who travels with family or friends, this benefit alone can save you hundreds per year.
Companion Pass® Qualifying Points Boost: You'll get 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year just for having the card. Now, you need 135,000 qualifying points total to earn the Companion Pass, so this card alone won't get you there - but it's a nice head start.
Group 5 Boarding: You'll board with Group 5 instead of whatever group your fare would normally get you. It's not early boarding by any means, but it's better than nothing.
Anniversary Bonus: 3,000 bonus points every year on your cardmember anniversary. Pretty straightforward.
EarlyBird Check-In® Credit: You get reimbursed for up to 2 EarlyBird Check-In purchases each anniversary year. This usually costs $15-25 per person, so it's a nice little perk.
The earning structure is pretty solid for an entry-level card:
If you're the type of person that flies Southwest 2-4 times per year and you usually check a bag, this card is a no-brainer. The annual fee pays for itself immediately, and you'll earn enough points for future flights.
It's also perfect if you're new to the points and miles game and want to dip your toes in without committing to a high annual fee card. You can always upgrade later if you find yourself flying Southwest more often.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card isn't going to blow you away with premium perks, but that's not the point. It's a solid, straightforward card that gives you the one benefit most Southwest flyers actually care about - free checked bags - plus a decent earning rate and anniversary bonus.
For $69 per year, you're getting more value than you're paying, especially if you check bags. And so if you're ready to stop paying Southwest $35 each way for checked bags, this card is pretty much the easiest decision you'll make.
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