WILMINGTON, DE & DALLAS, TX — Chase and Southwest Airlines have rolled out a sweeping upgrade to their Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card portfolio, delivering an expanded suite of benefits aimed at frequent flyers and everyday spenders alike. The new perks, effective immediately, introduce enhanced rewards, premium seat options, and travel discounts across both consumer and business credit cards.
The updated offerings include earlier boarding, free checked bags for up to nine passengers per reservation, preferred seating, and increased point-earning potential on routine purchases such as gas, groceries, and dining. These additions reflect Southwest’s broader efforts to modernize its customer experience and position its co-branded cards as competitive travel tools in a saturated credit market.
To mark the launch, new Priority, Premier, or Plus cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 within the first five months — the most lucrative Rapid Rewards offer of 2025.
“Our Customers love the exceptional value they get from our award-winning Rapid Rewards program,” said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President of Customer & Brand at Southwest Airlines. “We’re rewarding our credit Cardmembers with new benefits, making it easier to earn points and exclusive options to elevate their travel experience.”
Chase echoed the airline’s strategic shift. “The changes we are making to our Rapid Rewards Credit Card portfolio will meet the new needs of Southwest travelers and provide greater value to our Cardmembers,” said Chris Cracchiolo, President of Co-Brand Credit Cards at Chase. “As Southwest continues on its transformational journey, we are proud to be their partner.”
Enhanced Consumer Card Benefits
Priority Card ($229 Annual Fee):
Cardmembers can now earn 4X points on Southwest purchases, 2X at gas stations and restaurants, and receive unlimited upgrades to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours of departure — all at no additional cost. The card also includes Group 5 boarding, preferred seat selection, and 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) per $5,000 spent, up from 1,500.
Premier Card ($149 Annual Fee):
New benefits include 2X points on the first $8,000 spent annually at grocery stores and restaurants, Group 5 boarding, and a 15% flight discount code each anniversary year. Preferred seating within 48 hours of departure is also included.
Plus Card ($99 Annual Fee):
The Plus card now offers 2X points on the first $5,000 spent annually at gas stations and grocery stores, Group 5 boarding, standard seat selection within 48 hours of departure, and a 10% flight discount anniversary code.
All consumer cards retain perks such as anniversary bonus points, inflight purchase discounts, and access to exclusive events.
Expanded Business Card Features
Performance Business Card ($299 Annual Fee):
Offers 2X points on gas, restaurants, hotels, and transit, as well as preferred seating and unlimited Extra Legroom upgrades within 48 hours of departure. Cardholders also earn 2,500 TQPs per $5,000 spent.
Premier Business Card ($149 Annual Fee):
Now includes 2X points on the first $8,000 at gas stations and restaurants, preferred seating within 48 hours, and a 15% flight discount annually. The card earns 2,000 TQPs per $5,000 in spend, up from 1,500.
Plus Business Card ($99 Annual Fee):
Provides 2X points on the first $5,000 at gas stations and restaurants, standard seat selection within 48 hours, a 10% flight discount code, and no foreign transaction fees.
Looking Ahead
Cardmembers will see annual fee adjustments on their 2026 account anniversaries. The updated boarding and seating benefits will align with Southwest’s new assigned seating model, which goes live for bookings on July 29, 2025, and flights beginning January 27, 2026.
Together, the upgrades aim to deepen engagement with loyal customers while attracting new travelers seeking more comfort and flexibility without sacrificing value — a cornerstone of Southwest’s brand identity.
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