Best Domestic Frequent Flyer Program: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
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Frequent domestic travelers love the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card. Not only is Southwest Airlines one of the most popular airlines, the card offers perks such as free first and second checked bags, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees. The reputation, in addition to the many features included with the card, makes it an attractive card for frequent travelers. (See also: 5 Best Co-Branded Airline Credit Cards)
How This Card Works
You can earn two points for each dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases as well as two points for each dollar spent on participating hotel and car rental partner purchases, and one point for each dollar spent on all other purchases. There is an annual fee $99.
Bonus Offer: Earn up to 75,000 points. Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, earn 35,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 6 months your account is open.
These points can be redeemed for flights, gift cards, car rentals, and hotel stays, with the most value in redeeming for Wanna Get Away flights, which are Southwest's least expensive tickets.
Other Benefits
Bags fly free. Southwest Airlines allows free first and second check bags, which with other airlines, can cost as much as $60 per flight.
No change fees. Southwest Airlines also does not charge change fees, which is an important benefit in the event you need to change your flight. If you have a family emergency, for example, you could end up paying a change fee of as much as $200 with other airlines.
Anniversary bonus. You'll also receive an anniversary bonus of 6,000 points each year on your anniversary date.
Pros
Bonus offer. The bonus offer could be enough for at least one round trip Wanna Get Away fare. (See also: 5 Best Sign-Up Bonuses for Airline Miles Credit Cards)
No foreign transaction fee. There are many travel rewards cards which still charge foreign transaction fees as much as 3% on purchases made abroad. This card does not charge this fee, which allows you to fully maximize the rewards potential, especially if you travel outside of the United States frequently. (See also: Best Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees)
Cons
Points expiration. Your points don't expire as long as you have flight or partner activity every 24 months. This is something to consider if you only plan on taking the occasional trip every few years. You will lose the points you have accumulated if you don't have earning or redemption activity at least once, every couple years. (See also: 5 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards)
Who This Card Is Best For
Because there is no foreign transaction fee, if you frequently travel outside of the United States, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card is an important card to carry with you. This card is also best for those who will use their anniversary bonus, ideally on Wanna Get Away fares, in order to help compensate for the annual fee.
The information related to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier credit card has been collected by Wise Bread and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
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