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Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier vs IHG One Rewards Traveler: Which Is Better In 2025?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is a mid-tier travel card for loyal Southwest customers to earn points on flights, transit, dining, and select streaming services.
- The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is an entry-level hotel card for travelers who frequent IHG properties and want to earn points toward award stays without an annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a breakdown of why we like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier.
- You'll earn elevated rewards on Southwest purchases, as well as on everyday spending categories like transit, streaming, and dining.
- While the card comes with an annual fee, it offers valuable travel perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, and it waives foreign transaction fees.
- The 6,000 bonus points you receive each account anniversary can offset more than half of the card's annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Receive an annual boost of qualifying points toward the Southwest Companion Pass® and earn tier qualifying points toward A-List status through spending.
- Enjoy a more comfortable travel day with perks like EarlyBird Check-In®, priority boarding, and discounts on inflight purchases.
- Receive a yearly anniversary points bonus and pay no foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally.
Cons
- According to one analysis, the card's annual fee is high for its tier, and the anniversary bonus doesn't fully offset the cost.
- The rewards program is somewhat restrictive, with spending caps on certain bonus categories and other categories being removed entirely.
- Compared to general travel cards, it offers fewer perks and less flexibility since your points are locked into the Southwest ecosystem.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down the key reasons why the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card stands out.
- With no annual fee or foreign transaction fees (See Rates & Fees), this card is a cost-effective choice for travelers.
- Cardholders automatically receive Silver Elite status in the IHG One Rewards program, unlocking basic perks on every stay.
- The fourth reward night free benefit can provide significant value, effectively offering a 25% discount on points for four-night award stays (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- A substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders.
- Points don't expire for cardmembers, a key perk for infrequent travelers.
- Cardholders receive a discount on point purchases and get access to reward night sales.
Cons
- The rewards program offers a lower point value compared to premium travel cards, and redemption rates can be high at popular properties.
- It provides only basic Silver Elite status and lacks robust travel protections or other premium perks like lounge access.
IHG One Rewards Traveler vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier
Categories
The question of which is better, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier or IHG One Rewards Traveler, comes down to whether you prioritize airline-specific perks or hotel benefits.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: This card is best for regular Southwest Airlines flyers who want to earn points and enjoy day-of-travel benefits. It's also a good fit for those looking to work toward elite status or the valuable Companion Pass.
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: This card is designed for occasional IHG hotel guests and budget-conscious travelers who want to earn hotel rewards without an annual commitment. It's a solid entry point for those new to hotel rewards programs or who can take advantage of its reward night benefits.
Redemption
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Points earned with this card are primarily redeemed for flights on Southwest Airlines. Cardholders can also use points for other travel-related purchases like gift cards, merchandise, and international flights with other carriers.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Rewards are redeemed for stays at IHG properties worldwide, including brands like Holiday Inn and InterContinental. Points can also be used for merchandise, gift cards, and other travel experiences.
Travel Perks
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier card enhances the travel day with two annual EarlyBird Check-Ins® and 25% back on in-flight purchases. The IHG One Rewards Traveler card, on the other hand, focuses on the stay itself, offering a fourth reward night on award bookings and automatic Silver Elite status.
- The Southwest card's ecosystem is airline-centric, but its portal expands options to include international flights, hotels, and car rentals. Conversely, the IHG card's ecosystem is rooted in its vast hotel portfolio, with the option to transfer points to airline partners.
- Neither card is ideal for frequent international travelers, as both charge foreign transaction fees. They also lack premium perks like airport lounge access.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
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Who Should Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is an excellent choice for semi-frequent Southwest Airlines flyers looking for a mid-tier card with valuable travel perks. It's particularly well-suited for travelers who can take advantage of day-of-travel benefits like EarlyBird Check-In and priority boarding, while also earning points toward the coveted Southwest Companion Pass. This card strikes a balance between a moderate annual fee and a solid suite of benefits for those loyal to the airline, as detailed in a comprehensive review.
Who Should Choose the IHG One Rewards Traveler?
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is an excellent choice for occasional travelers who frequent IHG properties but want to avoid an annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for budget-conscious individuals new to hotel rewards, offering valuable perks like a fourth reward night free on longer stays. Ultimately, this card serves as a practical, no-commitment entry point for earning rewards within the IHG ecosystem.
Alternatives to Consider
Perhaps our Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier vs IHG One Rewards Traveler comparison left you undecided, or maybe neither card quite fits your needs. Fortunately, the world of travel rewards cards is vast, and we've highlighted a few other top contenders to consider.
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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 cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
- Review application rules - Issuers often have restrictions based on recent new accounts or prior bonuses.
- Know your travel goals - Align the card’s benefits with how you actually plan to travel.
Application Strategy
- Heed issuer rules - Pay attention to restrictions like Chase's 5/24 rule or bonus eligibility timelines.
- Time your application - Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet spending requirements for a bonus.
- Don't settle for less - If you don't see the best offer, try different methods or wait for a better one.
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 international travel?
The IHG One Rewards Traveler card is generally better for international travel due to IHG's large global footprint of hotels. While Southwest flies to some international destinations, its network is more limited compared to IHG's worldwide presence.
Can I transfer points between Southwest and IHG?
No, you cannot directly transfer points between Southwest Rapid Rewards and IHG One Rewards. Both are separate loyalty programs tied to their respective co-branded credit cards.
What are the annual fees for these cards?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has a $99 annual fee. The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card has no annual fee.
Do the points from these cards expire?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains open. IHG One Rewards points can expire after 12 months of inactivity, but using the IHG Traveler card is one way to keep your account active and prevent expiration.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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