Chase Freedom Flex vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: Which Is Better In 2025?

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2159", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Additional Travel Benefits" } ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

Here’s a closer look at why the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus card stands out.

‍

• All points earned with the card, including from spending and bonuses, count toward the coveted Southwest Companion Pass.
• It provides valuable travel benefits like two EarlyBird Check-In® credits annually and baggage delay insurance, which are great perks for an entry-level airline card.
• The 3,000 anniversary bonus points and two annual EarlyBird Check-In® credits (valued at up to $50) can offset nearly the entire $99 annual fee. (publisher-formulated estimate)

‍

Pros

‍

• A simple rewards structure helps you earn points on everyday purchases like gas and groceries, not just on flights.
• New cardmembers can earn a large welcome bonus after meeting the minimum spend.
• Cardholder protections include coverage for baggage delays, lost luggage, and damaged or stolen purchases.

‍

Cons

‍

• It lacks premium travel benefits like airport lounge access or an annual travel credit.
• The rewards earning rates are modest compared to other travel cards.
• Points are most valuable when redeemed for Southwest flights, which limits redemption flexibility.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus vs Chase Freedom Flex®

‍

Categories

‍

Deciding which is better, Chase Freedom Flex® or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus, depends entirely on your spending habits and financial goals. Each card excels in different areas, catering to distinct types of consumers.

‍

• Chase Freedom Flex® is an excellent choice for no-fee card seekers. It's designed for savvy spenders who want to maximize rewards on everyday purchases without paying an annual fee.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is best suited for frequent travelers, particularly those loyal to Southwest Airlines. This card helps users earn rewards toward flights and enjoy travel-related perks.

‍

Redemption

‍

Chase Freedom Flex®: Rewards are earned as points that can be redeemed for cash back, travel booked through the Chase portal, gift cards, and more, providing a high degree of flexibility.

‍

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Points are redeemed directly with Southwest Airlines for flights, making it a straightforward option for earning rewards toward air travel.

‍

Travel Perks

‍

• Chase Freedom Flex®: While not a dedicated travel card, it offers access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal for booking flights, hotels, and car rentals. The card is less suited for international travel as it carries a foreign transaction fee and does not include premium benefits like airport lounge access.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This card’s travel ecosystem is built entirely around Southwest Airlines. It provides perks directly related to the airline, such as anniversary bonus points, EarlyBird Check-In® services annually, and savings on in-flight purchases. It also has a foreign transaction fee and lacks benefits like lounge access.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

For those looking to dive deeper, Kudos offers a comprehensive platform to compare thousands of credit cards based on your personal spending habits.

‍

• Test drive credit cards: Before you apply, you can simulate potential earnings from any card using your actual spending data, with no hard credit pull required.
• Personalized approval odds: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval chances based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer for a card you get through Kudos within three months, Kudos will match it.
• Kudos Boost rewards: Earn additional rewards on top of your credit card points when shopping at your favorite stores.
• Financial management tools: Monitor your transactions, spending habits, and credit score all in one place.
• Exclusive bonuses: Unlock special offers like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ reward or a $20 sign-up bonus for making an eligible purchase.

Who Should Choose the Chase Freedom Flex®?

‍

The Chase Freedom Flex® is an excellent choice for savvy spenders who enjoy maximizing rewards through rotating quarterly bonus categories without paying an annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for those who frequently dine out or make drugstore purchases, as it offers elevated cash back in those areas. Additionally, it's a key component for cardholders building a "Chase trifecta" to pool and maximize Ultimate Rewards® points across multiple cards.

Who Should Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus?

‍

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is an excellent choice for occasional Southwest flyers who want to earn rewards without committing to a high annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers and those strategically working toward earning the valuable Southwest Companion Pass. As detailed in a complete 2025 guide, this card serves as a great entry point for credit card beginners or Southwest loyalists who don't need premium travel perks.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

So, you've seen the Chase Freedom Flex® vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus comparison and neither card feels like the right choice. Not to worry—plenty of other fish in the sea, or in this case, cards in the market, might be your perfect match.

‍

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["2894", "509"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["2% Cash Back", "Exceptional Value"]} ]]

Tips for Application Success

‍

Before You Apply

‍

• Check your credit score - Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Know the issuer's rules - Some issuers have restrictions based on how many cards you've recently opened.
• Have a spending plan - Make sure you can meet any welcome offer spending requirements without overspending.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Time your application strategically - Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet the spending requirement.
• Research redemption options - Know how you'll use your points or miles to maximize their value.
• Consider issuer-specific policies - Be aware of rules like Chase's 5/24 to improve your approval odds.

Our Methodology

‍

We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

‍

Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

Can I transfer points from my Chase Freedom Flex℠ to Southwest Airlines?

‍

Yes, but indirectly. To transfer the Chase Ultimate Rewards® points earned on your Freedom Flex℠ card to Southwest Rapid Rewards®, you must also hold a premium Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

‍

Which card is better for everyday spending?

‍

For most people, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is superior for everyday spending because of its rotating bonus categories and elevated rewards on dining and at drugstores. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card is more tailored to earning points on Southwest purchases and with the airline's partners.

‍

Can I have both the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card?

‍

Yes, you can hold both cards simultaneously since they are different products. Many cardholders use this strategy to earn flexible points for general spending with the Freedom Flex℠ while enjoying airline-specific benefits with the Southwest Plus card.

‍