Southwest Airlines has announced elevated welcome bonuses for its co‑branded credit cards, with offers expiring at 9 a.m. ET on July 2.
The three personal cards – Plus, Premier, and Priority – each provide a different bonus based on spending thresholds: 80,000 points after $1,000, 85,000 points after $2,000, and 90,000 points after $3,000, respectively. Annual fees range from $99 to $229.
The Plus card awards two points per dollar on gas and grocery purchases (up to $5,000 combined each anniversary year) and on Southwest and Lyft purchases through 2027, with one point per dollar on other spend. It includes a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions, priority boarding, and a 10 % flight discount each anniversary year.
The Premier card offers three points per dollar on Southwest and Lyft purchases, two points per dollar on grocery and restaurant spend (up to $8,000 each anniversary year), and one point per dollar elsewhere. Additional perks comprise a free first checked bag for up to nine travelers, a 15 % flight discount annually, and eligibility for 1,500 tier‑qualifying points per $5,000 spent toward A‑List status.
The Priority card provides five points per dollar on Lyft, four points on Southwest purchases, and two points on gas and restaurant spend with no annual cap. Cardholders receive a free first checked bag for themselves and eight companions, unlimited upgrades to extra‑legroom seats within 48 hours of departure when available, and a 25 % discount on in‑flight purchases.
Southwest also offers two business cards. The Premier Business card grants three points per dollar on Southwest and Lyft purchases, two points per dollar on gas and restaurant spend (up to $8,000 each anniversary year), and one point per dollar on other purchases, with a 15 % flight discount each year and a free first checked bag for up to nine travelers.
The Performance Business card delivers five points per dollar on Lyft, four points on Southwest purchases, and two points on commuting, transit, and hotel stays, plus one point on other spend. It adds benefits such as unlimited extra‑legroom upgrades, a credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus every four years, and a 25 % discount on in‑flight purchases.
Both business cards carry annual fees of $149 and $299, respectively, and their current welcome bonuses are 60,000 points after $3,000 spend and 80,000 points after $5,000 spend.
Cardholders receive one free checked bag per reservation, with A‑List Preferred and Business Select members entitled to two free bags, while standard Rapid Rewards members receive one bag subject to size and weight limits. Southwest’s dynamic award pricing means redemption costs vary with demand, and only certain fare classes qualify for fee waivers and same‑day standby.
The timing of the bonuses provides an opportunity for travelers who prioritize earning Rapid Rewards points over a Companion Pass. Those who value immediate point accumulation may find the offers attractive, while others may wait for future promotions that include a Companion Pass.
Overall, the elevated bonuses on Southwest’s personal cards and the standard offers on its business cards represent competitive value for frequent Southwest flyers seeking to enhance their rewards balance before the July 2 deadline.
