Southwest Airlines announced it will no longer offer two free checked bags for every passenger starting May 28, 2025. The airline will only allow two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and passengers on Business Select fares, and one free checked bag to A-List members. Luckily, there’s another way to secure a free checked bag: You’ll get the perk as a Southwest credit cardholder.
But that’s not all these cards offer. In fact, now is one of the best times of the year to consider a Southwest credit card. Here’s how you can choose the right Rapid Rewards card for your travels and what to know ahead of the policy change:
Related: Best airline credit cards for 2025
Southwest’s “Two bags fly free” policy has long been a major money-saver for frequent Southwest flyers — especially when two checked bags on a domestic flight with other airlines could cost as much as $100 one-way.
You do still have some time to take advantage of the perk if you’re flying Southwest in the near future. The airline will not charge for checked baggage for flights booked before May 28, 2025. The airline hasn’t yet given details on the cost you’ll pay to check your first or second bag after this date.
The checked baggage cost is just one of several changes Southwest is rolling out, including a new assigned seating program expected later this year.
For one, the airline announced a new Basic fare, making up the lowest-cost tickets starting on the same date, though there aren’t yet details on how the new fare will differ from Southwest’s existing fare classes.
It also recently updated the number of Rapid Rewards points you can earn when purchasing different fare types on a qualifying flight.
Without A-List boosts, you’ll earn 14 points per dollar spent on qualifying flights in Business Select (the same fare class that will still get a free checked bag), 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying flights with a refundable Anytime ticket, 6 points per dollar on Wanna Get Away+ fare, and 2 points per dollar on Wanna Get Away flights.
Related: How to earn elite airline status with a credit card
Even without A-List or A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards status or a Business Select ticket, you can still get one free checked bag with a Southwest credit card.
If you typically travel with a lot of luggage, keep in mind that you’ll now only get your first checked bag free as a cardholder.
We don’t yet know exactly what Southwest will charge for baggage, but you’ll likely save a significant amount on baggage fees if you fly with the airline a few times each year. As a comparison, JetBlue charges $35 off-peak and $40 during peak season flights, while American Airlines charges $40 for your first checked bag on domestic flights — though costs can differ depending on status and fare class.
Assuming Southwest’s future baggage fees are similar to other U.S. airlines, this benefit can quickly help you recoup the annual fee cost of a Southwest Rapid Rewards card.
If you prefer flying Southwest and want to prepare for the changes coming later this year, now is a great time to consider opening a Southwest Rapid Rewards card.
After you’re approved for any of Southwest’s three consumer credit cards and spend at least $4,000 within the first three months, you’ll earn a valuable two-part welcome bonus:
You must fly 100 one-way qualifying flights or earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year to earn the pass otherwise. With it, you can bring a companion along with you on Southwest flights for free (not including taxes and fees).
To earn the limited-time Companion Pass bonus, you must apply by March 31, 2025.
Learn more: Earn Southwest’s Companion Pass as a limited-time welcome offer
Here’s a look at each of the Southwest Rapid Rewards cards to help determine which is right for you:
Annual fee
$69
Welcome offer
Earn Companion Pass® plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
Rewards rate
2x on Southwest purchases2x on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners2x on local transit and commuting, including rideshare2x on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming1x on all other purchases
Benefits
3,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary2 EarlyBird Check-In each year
Why we like it: The Rapid Rewards Plus card has the lowest annual fee among Southwest’s credit cards at $69 and offers slightly lower rewards on Southwest purchases. But it still has some valuable benefits alongside the free checked bag perk starting in May. You’ll get access to EarlyBird Check-Ins twice each year; 3,000 points on your cardmember anniversary; 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year; and 25% back on eligible in-flight purchases. Combined with rewards you can use toward future flights, this card can make a great option if you prefer flying Southwest but aren’t a frequent traveler.
Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Annual fee
$149
Welcome offer
Earn Companion Pass® plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
Rewards rate
3x on Southwest purchases2x on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners2x on local transit and commuting, including rideshare2x on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming1x on all other purchases
Benefits
7,500 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary$75 Southwest travel credit each year10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points boost each year
Why we like it: The Rapid Rewards Priority card is the most premium Southwest credit card with a $149 annual fee — though it’s also the only card to offer a $75 annual travel credit for Southwest spending. You’ll get some elevated perks, including 7,500 points each cardmember anniversary and four Upgraded Boardings (positions A1-A15) per year. Otherwise, the Rapid Rewards Priority card is similar to the Rapid Rewards Premier: 1,500 tier-qualifying points for every $5,000 you spend; 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year; 25% off in-flight purchases; and no foreign transaction fees.
This card is a solid option if you fly frequently and Southwest is your preferred airline. You can quickly recoup half the card’s fee when you use the annual travel credit alone. Plus, Upgraded Boarding costs typically start at $30; if you fly at least four times each year and use this annual benefit, you can get more than $100 in added value.
Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Annual fee
$99
Welcome offer
Earn Companion Pass® plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
Rewards rate
3x points on Southwest purchases2x points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners2x points local transit and commuting, including rideshare2x points on internet, cable, and phone services, plus select streaming1x points on all other purchases
Benefits
Earn 6,000 points each year on your account anniversary, plus 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually2 EarlyBird check-ins each yearGet 25% back on inflight purchasesEarn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $5,000 you spend on the card
Why we like it: With a Rapid Rewards Premier card, you’ll boost your rewards on Southwest purchases to 3x per dollar for a slightly higher $99 annual fee. This card also has some increased benefits, like 6,000 points each year on your cardmember anniversary and the ability to earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 in purchases. Beyond that, you’ll get the same 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually, 2 Early Bird Check-Ins, and 25% off in-flight spending as the Rapid Rewards Plus. The Rapid Rewards Premier also charges no foreign transaction fees, so it could be a better option if you plan to travel abroad with your card.
Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
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