Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: Which Is Better In 2025?

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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

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• This card provides several valuable perks for frequent Southwest flyers, including four upgraded boardings per year and 25% back on inflight purchases.
• All points earned with the card count toward qualifying for the highly coveted Companion Pass®, which can significantly boost your travel value.
• The card's $75 annual Southwest travel credit combined with the 6,000 anniversary bonus points can offset a large portion of the annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Generous Welcome Bonus: The card offers a substantial welcome bonus after meeting an initial spending requirement, giving you a significant head start on earning rewards.
• Valuable Travel Perks: Cardholders receive an annual travel credit, anniversary bonus points, and upgraded boardings, which enhance the travel experience on Southwest.
• Companion Pass Shortcut: All points earned with the card, including the welcome bonus, count toward qualifying for the coveted Southwest Companion Pass®, which can provide immense value.

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Cons

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• The card comes with a high annual fee and lacks some premium perks found on competing travel cards, like airport lounge access.
• Its value is heavily tied to flying with a single airline, offering limited flexibility for travelers who fly with other carriers or want more versatile redemption options.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority vs Chase Sapphire Preferred®

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, depends entirely on your travel habits and loyalty to a specific airline.

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• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is ideal for frequent travelers who want flexible rewards and robust travel protections without a premium annual fee.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: This card is best suited for frequent Southwest flyers and travelers looking to earn the valuable Companion Pass®.

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Redemption

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Points earned with this card offer significant flexibility, allowing you to redeem them for travel through the Chase portal, transfer them to various airline and hotel partners, or opt for cash back.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Rewards earned with this card are redeemed as points directly for Southwest Airlines flights, making it a straightforward option for those loyal to the airline.

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Travel Perks

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• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card provides a versatile travel ecosystem built around the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program. It does not include airport lounge access, but its key benefits are:
  • No foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.
  • An annual credit for hotel stays booked through the Chase portal.
  • Points can be transferred to a wide array of airline and hotel loyalty programs.
  • Robust travel insurance protections, including an auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation/interruption coverage.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: This card's travel ecosystem is tailored specifically for the loyal Southwest flyer. While it doesn't offer airport lounge access, its perks include:
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • An annual travel credit applicable to Southwest purchases.
  • Four Upgraded Boardings per year, securing an earlier boarding position.
  • A yearly anniversary bonus of Rapid Rewards points.
  • All points earned contribute toward qualifying for the Southwest Companion Pass®.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the right choice, you can use a financial companion platform like Kudos to compare top-rated cards and see which one best fits your spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see personalized earnings projections before you apply.
• Receive personalized card recommendations based on your actual transaction history.
• Explore a database of nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the perfect match for your wallet.
• Track all your card perks and earn additional rewards when you shop at your favorite stores.
• Monitor your credit score and spending habits all in one place.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred®?

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want to earn significant rewards without committing to a premium card's high annual fee. This card is particularly well-suited for individuals who spend regularly on dining and travel, as it offers bonus points in these categories along with valuable travel protections. Ultimately, as detailed in this comprehensive review, it's designed for users seeking a powerful, mid-tier travel card that provides flexible redemption options and strong overall value.

Who Should Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority?

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The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is tailor-made for frequent Southwest flyers who can fully leverage its premium perks, such as the annual travel credit and upgraded boardings. It's also an excellent tool for loyalists aiming to earn A-List status or the coveted Companion Pass®, as all points earned contribute toward these goals. Even families and occasional domestic travelers can extract significant value from the card's benefits, as detailed in this complete review, thanks to flexible policies and early boarding perks.

Alternatives to Consider

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So, you've reviewed the Chase Sapphire Preferred® vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority comparison and neither card feels quite right for your wallet. Fortunately, the world of travel rewards cards is vast, and there are several other top-tier alternatives to consider.

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score. You will generally need good to excellent credit for approval.
• Understand application rules. Be aware of issuer policies, like the Chase 5/24 rule, which can affect eligibility.
• Have a rewards plan. Know how you will use the points and benefits to maximize the card's value.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application - Align it with large planned purchases to help meet any spending requirements for a welcome offer.
• Leverage program perks - Consider how a new card can help you qualify for benefits like the Southwest Companion Pass®.
• Look for the best offer - Don't settle for a lower welcome bonus if elevated offers are known to be available.

Our Methodology

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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.

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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

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Can I transfer points from my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to Southwest?

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Yes, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points earned with your Sapphire Preferred card to your Southwest Rapid Rewards® account. The points transfer at a 1:1 ratio, making it a flexible way to book award flights on Southwest.

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Which card is better for earning a Companion Pass?

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The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card is the superior option for earning the coveted Companion Pass. Points earned from the card's welcome bonus and everyday spending count toward the qualification, while points transferred from partners like Chase do not.

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Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card good for international travel?

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for traveling abroad as it charges no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, its points can be transferred to a wide variety of international airline and hotel partners, offering more versatility than a co-branded card.

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