If you’re a Southwest fan or just love a good points promo, you might want to set down your coffee for five quick minutes.
Chase and Southwest just rolled out major updates to the entire Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card lineup. From new perks and better earning potential to one of the biggest welcome offers we’ve seen this year, there’s a lot to unpack.
Let’s break down what’s changing and why you should be excited.
Major Welcome Offers Coming Your Way
To kick things off, new Southwest consumer cardholders can currently earn a pretty sweet welcome offer: Our best points offer this year: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 5 months from account opening.. This offer applies to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card.
Southwest points are tied primarily to the cash cost of tickets (among other variables), so 100,000 points can go a long way, especially when paired with the Companion Pass or a good promo sale (which Southwest happens to run… all the time).
Plus, Southwest credit card welcome bonuses count toward earning the Companion Pass, so this offer alone gets you most of the way to the 135,000 points you need to fly with a friend for (almost) free.
New Travel Perks for 2025 (and 2026)
These updates coincide with Southwest’s shift to assigned seating (starting for flights booked July 29, 2025, and flying from January 27, 2026, onward).
The cards are changing to match the airline’s nice ‘lil refresh, and many of the new benefits are tied to Southwest’s updated fare bundles and seat selection options.
Here’s what cardholders should know:
Annual Fee: $99 (up from $69)
New Perks:
First checked bag free for you + eight additional people on your reservation (not previously offered)
Standard seat selection within 48 hours of departure (2026 onwards)
Group 5 boarding for you + eight companions
10% flight discount each cardmember year (excludes Basic fares)
2x points on first $5,000 spent at gas stations and grocery stores annually
No foreign transaction fees (previously 3%)
Still Includes:
3,000 anniversary points
2 EarlyBird Check-Ins (for 2025 flights only)
Bonus spend categories like streaming and rideshares (through Dec. 31, 2025)
Annual Fee: $149 (was $99)
New Perks:
Standard or Preferred seat selection at booking (for 2026 flights)
Same free bag and Group 5 boarding perks
2x points on first $8,000 spent at grocery stores and restaurants annually
15% discount code each year (excludes Basic fares)
Still Includes:
2 EarlyBird Check-Ins (for 2025 flights)
2x on cable, internet, and phone and Rapid Rewards partners (through Dec. 31, 2025)
Annual Fee: $229 (was $149)
New Perks:
4x points on Southwest purchases (up from 3x)
2x points at gas stations and restaurants
Standard or Preferred seat selection at booking (for 2026 flights)
Unlimited free Extra Legroom upgrades within 48 hours (if available)
Same free bag and Group 5 boarding perks
Increased A-List status boost: 2,500 TQPs per $5,000 spent (previously 1,500)
Still Includes:
4 Upgraded Boardings (for 2025 flights)
2x points in previous spending categories (but ending December 31, 2025)
Business Cards Get a Boost Too
Southwest’s business cards are also getting refreshed with the same vibes, but with a few unique perks:
Annual Fee: $149 (was $99)
New Perks:
2x points on first $8,000 in gas and restaurants annually
First bag free for you + eight travel companions
Standard or Preferred seat selection within 48 hours of departure (2026 onwards)
Group 5 boarding for you + eight companions
2,000 TQPs per $5,000 spend (up from 1,500)
15% discount code each anniversary year (excluding Basic fares)
Still Includes:
2 EarlyBird Check-Ins (2025 flights only, available until assigned seating begins on Jan. 27, 2026)
Points transfer credit (through December 31, 2025)
2x on Rapid Rewards hotels and car rentals (until December 31, 2025)
Annual Fee: $299 (was $199)
New Perks:
Same free bag and Group 5 boarding perks
2x points at gas, restaurants, transit, and all hotels
Standard or Preferred seat selection at booking (for 2026 flights)
Unlimited free Extra Legroom upgrades within 48 hours (if available)
2,500 TQPs per $5,000 spent (up from 1,500)
Still Includes:
4 Upgraded Boardings (for flights in 2025 only)
2 EarlyBird Check-Ins (2025 flights only, available until assigned seating begins on Jan. 27, 2026)
$500 points transfer fee credit (through December 31, 2025)
In-flight Wi-Fi credit (through December 31, 2025)
2x on internet, cable, phone, hotels, etc. (through December 31, 2025)
🔥 Pro Tip: Pair with Chase Ultimate Rewards — If you prefer flexibility, cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® let you transfer points to Southwest at a 1:1 ratio, which is perfect for topping off your Rapid Rewards balance.
Why This Matters
It’s no secret that Southwest has been shaking things up this year. And, this refresh signals a pretty big shift — not just with card benefits, but in how Southwest is evolving as a whole. The airline is ditching its classic open seating model, and these card perks are designed to help frequent flyers and cardholders ease into the transition.
So, let’s review the highlights:
A free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight travel companions is now available across all cards (even the Plus tier)
Seat selection is now tied to card level and fare type
TQP boosts will help you gain A-List status faster
New bonus categories for everyday spend
And don’t forget that massive 100,000-point offer if you apply before September 17, 2025. As a loyal Southwest flyer, I’m definitely eyeing a new card. 👀
Bottom Line
Whether you’re already a cardholder or considering one for the first time, these new perks and earning categories are definitely worth the read.
Just be sure to time your application before September 17, 2025, if you want to lock in that sweet limited-time welcome offer.
And if you’re more into transferable points? Don’t forget that Chase Ultimate Rewards cards will let you transfer points to Southwest (among other airline and hotel partners) at a 1:1 rate.
