Applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card is a simple and rewarding experience. Designed for Southwest Airlines enthusiasts, it offers 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months.
Additionally, cardholders enjoy an annual bonus of 3,000 points. This article will guide you through the straightforward application process and highlight the card’s benefits.
What is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card is a specialized credit card for frequent flyers of Southwest Airlines. It offers a unique blend of rewards and benefits tailored to enhance your travel experience.
This card is designed to reward loyalty and make flying with Southwest more rewarding and convenient.
User Perspectives and Key Features
On a scale of 1-10, user satisfaction with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card generally ranks high, reflecting its value and utility for regular travelers.
Most users appreciate the balance between the annual fee and the rewards, rating it around 8 for overall satisfaction. To understand why, let’s explore its key features:
- Earn as You Fly: For every dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, you earn 2 points, making every trip more rewarding.
- Enhanced Travel Experience: Cardholders enjoy perks like EarlyBird Check-In, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable journey.
- Anniversary Rewards: Each year, you receive 3,000 bonus points on your card anniversary, adding value to your membership.
- Companion Pass Qualifying Points: Gain a boost towards the coveted Southwest Companion Pass, enhancing your travel flexibility.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card internationally without incurring extra charges, perfect for the global traveler.
Now, let’s delve into the specific benefits that make this card a must-have for Southwest enthusiasts.
You Will Enjoy Rewarding Travel Perks
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card offers significant travel perks that enhance your flying experience. These include priority boarding options and exclusive check-in facilities.
These conveniences ensure a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience, from the airport to the skies.
You Will Get Anniversary Points
Annually, the card rewards you with 3,000 bonus points, a token of appreciation for your continued patronage. These points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or other travel-related services, offering tangible value year after year.
You Will Have Access to Valuable Rewards Points
With this card, every purchase earns you points, with increased rewards for Southwest purchases. These points accumulate quickly, offering you significant savings on future flights and services, making each purchase more rewarding.
Let’s now look at some of the additional, less-known perks that come with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card.
Unlock the Southwest Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass is a standout feature of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card. It allows you to bring a companion on your Southwest flights for just the cost of taxes and fees.
This pass can lead to substantial savings, especially if you travel frequently.
Celebrate Each Anniversary with Bonus Points
Each year, as a token of appreciation, the card grants you 3,000 bonus points on your account anniversary. These points can be a significant boost, especially when planning your next trip, adding more value to your travel budget.
EarlyBird Check-Ins for a Smooth Journey
The card offers reimbursement for up to two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year. This feature allows you early boarding, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred seat and ensuring a more comfortable flight experience.
Online Application for Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card
If there’s one thing you need to know, it’s how to apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card online. The process is straightforward, and understanding the requirements is key to a smooth application.
When you start your application, ensure you meet these essential criteria:
- A good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or above).
- Verifiable income is sufficient to meet credit obligations.
- Legal residency in the United States.
- Age requirement: Must be at least 18 years old (19 in some states).
- A valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Step-by-Step Online Application Guide
Applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card online involves a few simple steps:
- Visit the official Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card application page.
- Choose to apply as a guest or sign in if you’re an existing Chase customer.
- Fill in the application form with personal details like your name, address, income, and employment information.
- Review and agree to the terms and conditions of the credit card.
- Submit your application and await confirmation from Chase on the next steps.
One critical aspect of applying for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card is being prepared. Here are three key points to consider:
- Thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of the card.
- Ensure all your documents, such as proof of income and identification, are up to date and readily available.
- Double-check your application for accuracy to avoid delays or rejection.
Credit Score Needed for a Southwest Credit Card
To be eligible for Southwest Rapid Rewards cards, a good credit score is typically necessary. FICO® defines a good score as 670 or higher. However, it’s possible to be approved or denied even if your score doesn’t meet this threshold.
Breaking Down FICO Score Categories
- Extremely Low: 300 to 579
- Below Average: 580 to 669
- Acceptable: 670 to 739
- Above Average: 740 to 799
- Outstanding: 800 to 850 Your FICO® 8 score, ranging from 300 to 850, is a key metric for lenders.
- Higher scores suggest a better likelihood of timely and complete bill payments.
Five Pillars of FICO Scores
- Timely Payments (35%): Consistency in paying bills on time.
- Credit Utilization (30%): The ratio of used credit to available credit.
- Credit History Duration (15%): The length of time you’ve had credit.
- Recent Credit Activities (10%): Frequency of opening new accounts.
- Variety of Credit Types (10%): Diversity in credit sources, like loans and credit cards.
- Credit scores play a pivotal role but aren’t the sole factor in approval decisions.
Lenders also evaluate your income, credit history length, and recent credit card acquisitions. A more extended credit history and higher income generally improve your approval chances.
Chase’s Unique 5/24 Rule
Chase implements a 5/24 rule for its credit cards, including co-branded ones. This rule disqualifies applicants who have opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months.
Handling Credit Card Application Rejections
In case of a rejection, issuers are obligated to explain the reason within 60 days. You might have the opportunity to negotiate with Chase for approval, provided you present a strong justification.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card stands as a valuable asset for regular Southwest flyers.
With its generous point system, including a welcome bonus and anniversary points, it’s a card that rewards loyalty and frequent travel. Now, with the right knowledge and preparation, you’re set to apply and start reaping the benefits.
Additional Information
The card comes with a variable Annual Percentage Rate (APR) ranging from 21.49% to 28.49%. This rate can fluctuate based on the market, so it’s important to stay informed about your current rate.
Remember, paying your balance in full each month can help you avoid interest charges.
Customer Service Contact
Have questions or need assistance? Chase Customer Service is there to help. Whether you have inquiries about your application status, card benefits, or account management, you can reach them at 1-800-432-3117.
Their team is equipped to provide the support you need.
Mailing Correspondence
For those who prefer or require sending documents via mail or need to handle matters that require physical correspondence, you can send mail to Chase Card Services at P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington, DE 19850.
Whether it’s for document submission or other inquiries, this address will direct your mail to the right place.
Disclaimer
It’s crucial to note that rates and fees associated with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card are subject to change. To ensure you have the most current information, always confirm directly with Chase.
Staying updated will help you manage your account more effectively and make informed financial decisions.