IHG One Rewards Premier 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 we think the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus card is a solid choice for Southwest flyers.

‍

• The card offers a straightforward way to earn points on Southwest purchases, as well as on everyday spending categories like gas and groceries.
• Despite its annual fee (See Rates & Fees), the card includes valuable perks like anniversary bonus points and two EarlyBird Check-In® credits each year.
• The combination of 3,000 anniversary points and two annual EarlyBird Check-In® credits can nearly offset the card's annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

‍

Pros

‍

• All points earned with the card count toward the Southwest Companion Pass®, one of the most valuable perks in the travel industry.
• Includes useful travel benefits such as annual EarlyBird Check-In® credits and baggage delay insurance.
• Provides an annual anniversary points bonus, adding to the card's long-term value.

‍

Cons

‍

• Lacks premium travel benefits such as airport lounge access, upgraded boarding, or an annual travel credit.
• Points have limited redemption flexibility, offering the most value only when used for Southwest flights.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus vs IHG One Rewards Premier

‍

Categories

‍

When considering which is better, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, the answer comes down to your specific travel style. Each card excels in a different area, catering to either hotel loyalists or airline-specific flyers.

‍

• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card - This card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers, particularly those who regularly stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts brands. It is designed for travelers who value hotel elite status perks and can maximize benefits tied to IHG properties.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card - Best for travelers who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, this card is ideal for those looking to earn Rapid Rewards points. It is especially valuable for individuals aiming to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass.

‍

Redemption

‍

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Points earned with this card are primarily redeemed for stays across IHG's extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts. While points can also be used for other travel, merchandise, or gift cards, redemptions for hotel nights typically provide the most value.

‍

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Rapid Rewards points are used to book flights on Southwest Airlines, and their value is tied directly to the current cost of the flight. Points can also be redeemed for international flights on partner carriers, hotel stays, car rentals, and gift cards.

‍

Travel Perks

‍

• IHG One Rewards Premier: This card is built around the IHG hotel ecosystem, with its primary travel portal perk being a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night stay. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus: The ecosystem is centered on Southwest Airlines. While its portal allows for booking other travel like hotels and rental cars, the best value comes from redeeming points for Southwest flights.
• IHG One Rewards Premier: It's a strong choice for international travel because it does not charge foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus: This card is less suited for international spending, as it comes with a foreign transaction fee.
• IHG One Rewards Premier: Cardholders receive automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and its associated perks, plus an anniversary free night certificate valid at eligible IHG properties. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus: This card provides anniversary bonus points and two EarlyBird Check-In® credits annually but does not grant automatic elite status with the airline.
• IHG One Rewards Premier: Offers a statement credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus: Does not include premium travel benefits like airport lounge access or credits for trusted traveler programs.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

To make the decision easier, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your own spending habits.

‍

• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see personalized earnings projections before you apply.
• Compare nearly 3,000 credit cards, with many not linked to commissions, for an unbiased view.
• Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• Get a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months.
• Unlock rewards for joining, like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ for adding select approved cards to your wallet.

Who Should Choose the IHG One Rewards Premier?

‍

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is tailor-made for travelers who frequently stay at IHG properties like Holiday Inn, InterContinental, or Kimpton. These cardholders can maximize value through perks such as automatic Platinum Elite status and an annual free night certificate valid at hotels costing up to 40,000 points. Furthermore, travelers who book longer trips can take advantage of the fourth-reward-night-free benefit, making this card's features particularly lucrative for IHG loyalists.

Who Should Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus?

‍

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is an excellent choice for occasional Southwest flyers and budget-conscious travelers who want to earn rewards without committing to a high annual fee. It's particularly valuable for those working toward the coveted Southwest Companion Pass, as all points earned with the card count toward qualification. This card also serves as a strong entry point for credit card beginners looking to dip their toes into the world of travel rewards within the Southwest ecosystem.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

After reviewing the IHG One Rewards Premier vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus comparison, you might find that neither card is the perfect match for your wallet. Fortunately, the travel rewards card landscape is vast, with several other excellent options available.

‍

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["510", "106"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["$300 Annual Travel Credit", "Serious Points on Flights"]} ]]

‍

_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

Tips for Application Success

‍

Before You Apply

‍

• Check your credit score - Most travel rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending - Make sure you can naturally meet the minimum spend to earn the welcome bonus.
• Know the issuer's rules - Be aware of any application restrictions that could affect your eligibility for a welcome bonus.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Research the card’s ecosystem - Ensure its partners align with your travel and spending habits.
• Time your application strategically - Applying before a large purchase can help you meet the spending requirement.
• Consider the card’s role - Decide if it will be your primary card or supplement others in your wallet.

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

‍

Which card is better for frequent hotel guests?

‍

The IHG One Rewards Premier card is tailored for travelers who often stay at IHG hotels and resorts, offering specific benefits like an Anniversary Free Night and elite status within the program.

‍

Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card a good choice if I don't fly Southwest often?

‍

This card's value is maximized by frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, as its primary benefits are tied to the Rapid Rewards program. If you fly with multiple airlines, you may not get the most out of its perks.

‍

Do both cards offer an anniversary bonus?

‍

Yes, both cards provide an anniversary bonus, but they are different. The IHG Premier card offers an Anniversary Free Night, whereas the Southwest Plus card awards bonus points each year after your cardmember anniversary.

‍