Best ways to use Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority points
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority earns Southwest Rapid Rewards points. Here's how to use them well — transfer partners, sweet spots, and when it's worth holding the card.
Card snapshot
Issuer
Chase
Program
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Annual fee
$149
Earning rates
- 3× on Southwest purchases
- 2× on rideshare
- 2× on transit, internet, cable, phone
- 1× on everything else
Top benefits
- $75 Southwest travel credit annually
- 4 upgraded boardings per year
- 25% back on inflight purchases
- 7,500 anniversary bonus points
Best ways to use the points
- Work toward Companion Pass (125K points in a calendar year = free companion all year)
- Southwest's free checked bags make this an economy-class bargain
- Two free bags × 4 trips × 2 bags each = $960/yr in pre-existing value
Drawbacks
- Southwest points are cash-redemption-only (no partner awards)
- Southwest doesn't fly transatlantic/transpacific
Our verdict
The Companion Pass is the single best airline loyalty benefit in the US. Pair Priority + a Southwest biz card and earn both sign-up bonuses in one calendar year to trigger it.
Find award availability before you transfer
Points transfers are almost always non-reversible. Use AwardLocker to confirm saver space first, then move your Southwest Rapid Rewards points only when you're ready to book.
Check availability →