Is there a Southwest credit card with no annual fee?

The best Southwest Credit card is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit card because it offers a bonus of 40,000 points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. It also gives you 6,000 points every account anniversary. The card has a manageable annual fee of $99. And there are plenty of other worthwhile perks, including 2 free checked bags on Southwest flights.… read full answer

For bigger spenders, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card might be better. It has pretty much the same perks as the Premier card, but its annual bonus is 7,500 points. Plus, it gives 4 upgraded boardings each year, a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and 20% back on in-flight purchases. But its annual fee is a bit higher than the Premier card’s, at $149.

To qualify for a Southwest Airlines credit card, you will typically need a minimum good credit score. That’s a score between 700 and 749, depending on the credit report and model used.

The credit score is important, but for the most part, it’s a barometer to assess your chances of being approved. If your income, payment history and other factors are above board, a credit score bordering 700 and even dipping into the 600s should put you in the running to qualify for a card.… read full answer

The Southwest Rapids Rewards cards are co-branded with Chase and are on the Visa network. Cards include the Rapid Rewards Priority, Plus, and the Premier. Each earns you 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first three months.

There’s Premier Business card, which is similar to its companion card, but offers a larger initial bonus. If you’re a business owner, you’ll need a minimum excellent credit score (750+) in order to get that one.

Here are the Southwest Airlines credit cards:

• Rapid Rewards Priority: Earn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first three months. 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases. Receive 7,500 anniversary bonus points and a $75 travel credit each year. No foreign transaction fee. $149 annual fee
• Rapid Reward Plus: Earn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first three months. 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases and partner hotel bookings and car rentals. No blackout dates or seat restrictions when you redeem. Free first and second checked bags. 3% foreign transaction fee. $69 annual fee.
• Rapid Rewards Premier: Earn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first three months. 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases and partner hotel bookings and car rentals. No blackout dates or seat restrictions when you redeem. Free first and second checked bags. No foreign transaction fee. $99 annual fee.
• Rapid Rewards Premier Business: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months. 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases and partner hotel bookings and car rentals. No blackout dates or seat restrictions when you redeem. Receive 6,000 anniversary bonus points each year. Free first and second checked bags. No foreign transaction fee. $99 annual fee.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards cards require a good credit score (excellent for the Premier Business card), and with it, come initial bonuses and rewards earnings for frequent Southwest flyers.

If you’re not loyal to Southwest and prefer to redeem rewards points toward other airline purchases, the Chase family offers some great alternatives. One of the best is the Sapphire Preferred. You’ll get earns 50,000 bonus points, worth $625 when redeemed for travel when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. There is a $95 annual fee, which is waived for the first year.