Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
It depends on your spending: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card wins Grocery-heavy, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card wins Dining-heavy. Where you actually spend decides this comparison.
Fees and perks at a glance
Annual fees: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card $99/yr · Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card $229/yr. The $130 gap has to be earned back in credits or perks.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Signup bonus: 50,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card Signup bonus: 60,000 points after $2,000 spend in 3 months
Earn comparison by category
| Category | Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Dining | 1.40%1x × 1.4¢ | 2.80%2x × 1.4¢ |
| Groceries | 2.80%2x × 1.4¢ | 1.40%1x × 1.4¢ |
| Gas / EV charging | 2.80%2x × 1.4¢ | 2.80%2x × 1.4¢ |
| Travel | 1.40%1x × 1.4¢ | 1.40%1x × 1.4¢ |
| Everything else | 1.40%1x × 1.4¢ | 1.40%1x × 1.4¢ |
| Southwest purchases | 2.80%2x × 1.4¢ | 5.60%4x × 1.4¢ |
Verdict by spending profile
| Category | Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Dining-heavy | 1.40% | 2.80% |
| Grocery-heavy | 2.80% | 1.40% |
| Gas-heavy | 2.80% | 2.80% |
| Travel-heavy | 1.40% | 1.40% |
| Everyday spending | 1.40% | 1.40% |
How is this comparison computed?
Effective return = category earn rate × point value. Example: 4x × 2.0¢ = 8.00% back (estimate).
This page compares the two cards' catalog earn rates only. Signup bonus amounts change over time, so they are not in the table.
Every % here is an estimate: point values are catalog assumptions, and actual value depends on how you redeem.
This page compares two cards only. Inside DanHana, the same math re-ranks by the cards in your own wallet -- so your personal best may differ.
Frequently asked questions
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: which one is better?
It depends on your spending: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card wins Grocery-heavy, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card wins Dining-heavy. Where you actually spend decides this comparison.
How do the annual fees compare?
Annual fees: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card $99/yr · Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card $229/yr. The $130 gap has to be earned back in credits or perks.
Where is the biggest gap?
Southwest purchases is where Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card leads by the most: 2.80% vs 5.60% (2x × 1.4¢ vs 4x × 1.4¢).
Are these returns guaranteed?
No -- every figure here is an estimate. Point values are catalog assumptions (e.g. Membership Rewards 2.0¢, Ultimate Rewards 1.5¢, cash back 1.0¢), and your actual value depends on how you redeem. Bonus rates can have annual caps, and issuers change terms -- check the card's official terms before applying.
Sources
Page updated: October 28, 2026