Southwest Airlines no longer offers two free checked bags for each passenger — the airline allows two free checked bags for passengers on Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and Business Select fares, and one free checked bag for A-List members. Fortunately, there’s another way to secure a free checked bag: You’ll get the benefit as a Southwest credit cardholder.
But not all these cards offer. In fact, now is the best time of year to consider a Southwest credit card. Here’s how you can choose the right Rapid Rewards card for your trip and what to know before the policy changes:
Related: The best airline credit cards for 2026
Southwest’s “two bags fly free” policy has long been a major money saver for frequent Southwest travelers — especially when two checked bags on a domestic flight with other airlines can cost $100 one-way. Now, Southwest flights charge $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second.
The cost of checked baggage is just one of several changes Southwest has rolled out, including a new assigned seat program that went into effect earlier this year.
For one, the airline announced a new base fare, making it the lowest-cost ticket starting from that date. It has also updated the number of Rapid Rewards points you can earn when purchasing different fare types on eligible flights.
Without A-List Boosts, you’ll earn 14 points per dollar spent on qualifying flights on Business Select (the same fare class that still gets a free checked bag), 10 points per dollar on qualifying flights with any refundable ticket, 6 points per dollar on Wanna Get Away+ fares, and 2 points per flight on Wanna Get Away+ fares.
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 Selection ticket, you can still get one free checked bag with a Southwest credit card.
If you usually travel with a lot of luggage, keep in mind that you’ll now get your first checked bag free as a cardholder.
If you fly with an airline a few times each year, you’ll still save a significant amount of money on baggage fees. By comparison, JetBlue charges $35 off-peak and $40 on peak season flights, while American Airlines charges $40 for your first checked bag on domestic flights — though costs can vary by status and fare class.
Assuming Southwest’s baggage fees are similar to other US airlines, this benefit can help you quickly recoup the annual fee cost of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Card.
Related: The best travel credit cards
Here’s a look at each of the Southwest Rapid Rewards cards to help determine which one is right for you:
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Annual fee
$99
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Welcome offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
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Award rate
- 2x on Southwest purchases
- 2x per year on the first $5,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and grocery stores
- 1x on all other purchases
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Advantages
- 3,000 bonus points after your cardmember anniversary
- First checked bag free for you and 8 additional passengers on the same reservation
- Standard seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available
Why we like it: The Rapid Rewards Plus card has the lowest annual fee of Southwest’s credit cards at $99 and offers slightly fewer rewards on Southwest purchases. But it still has some valuable perks, including the free checked bag perk. You will receive 3,000 points on your Cardmember anniversary; 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year; and 25% refundable on in-flight purchases. Combined with rewards you can use on future flights, this card can make a great choice if you want to fly Southwest but aren’t a frequent traveler.
Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
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Annual fee
$229
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Welcome offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
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Award rate
- 4x on Southwest purchases
- 2x at gas stations and restaurants
- 1x on all other purchases
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Advantages
- 7,500 bonus points after your cardmember anniversary
- Enjoy the first checked bag free for you and 8 additional passengers on the same reservation, plus unlimited upgrades to extra legroom seats when available.
- 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points increase each year
Why we like it: The Rapid Rewards Priority Card is Southwest’s most premium credit card with a $229 annual fee. You’ll get some advanced benefits, but the Rapid Rewards Priority Card is similar to the Rapid Rewards Premier: 2,500 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.
If you fly frequently and Southwest is your favorite airline, this card is a solid choice. You can repay half of the card’s fees immediately by using the annual travel credit alone. Also, 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
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Award rate
- 3x points on Southwest purchases
- 2x on first $8,000 in combined purchases at grocery stores and restaurants per year
- 1x points on all other purchases
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Advantages
- Earn 6,000 points every year on your account anniversary
- First checked bag free for you and 8 additional passengers on the same reservation
- Get 25% back on flight purchases
- 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points increase each year
Why we like it: With the Rapid Rewards Premier Card, you’ll boost your rewards up to 3x per dollar on Southwest purchases for a slightly higher $149 annual fee. This card also has some added benefits, such as the ability to earn 6,000 points each year on your cardmember anniversary and 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status on every $5,000 in purchases. In addition, you’ll earn 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually and 25% off spending on flights as Rapid Rewards Plus. Rapid Rewards Premier also charges no foreign transaction fees, so it could be a good option if you plan to travel abroad with your card.
Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
All information about the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card has been independently collected by Yahoo Finance. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Card is no longer available through Yahoo Finance.
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions are solely those of Yahoo Finance and not of any other entity. Details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are correct as at the date of publication. All products or services are offered without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site does not contain all offers currently available. A credit score alone does not imply a guarantee or approval for any financial product.
