Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs Citi Double Cash: Which Is Better In 2025?

Citi Double Cash® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at what makes the Citi Double Cash® Card a standout choice.

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• The card offers an uncomplicated and effective 2% cash back on every purchase, split between when you buy and when you pay.
• While there's no annual fee, be aware of the foreign transaction and balance transfer fees.
• Transferring a $5,000 balance could save you around $1,500 in interest over 18 months, even after accounting for the initial transfer fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Straightforward, high-earning cash back on every purchase without the hassle of tracking bonus categories.
• An extended introductory APR period for balance transfers, offering a great opportunity to manage and pay down existing debt.
• No annual fee, which means all the cash back you earn is pure value added to your wallet.

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Cons

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• A foreign transaction fee is charged on all purchases made abroad.
• The introductory 0% APR offer applies only to balance transfers, not to new purchases.
• The card does not include premium perks like travel insurance or purchase protection.

Citi Double Cash® vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card or the Citi Double Cash® Card, comes down to your personal financial goals and spending habits.

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• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: This airline co-branded card is built for frequent Southwest flyers and those loyal to the airline, offering perks that enhance the travel experience. It's particularly valuable for travelers looking to earn elite status or the coveted Companion Pass®.
• Citi Double Cash® Card: This card excels at providing straightforward, flat-rate cash back on all purchases and offering an introductory period for balance transfers. It's ideal for users who want simple rewards or need to consolidate and pay down existing debt.

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Redemption

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Rewards are earned as points that can be redeemed for Southwest flights, gift cards, merchandise, and other travel experiences. The primary value lies in using points for air travel within the Southwest network.

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Citi Double Cash® Card: This card provides rewards as straightforward cash back that you can receive as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check. You can also convert your cash back to ThankYou® Points for more flexible redemption options.

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Travel Perks

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• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: This card is deeply integrated into the Southwest Airlines ecosystem. It offers an annual travel credit for Southwest purchases, several Upgraded Boardings each year, and a 25% statement credit on in-flight purchases. However, it does not include airport lounge access and charges a foreign transaction fee.
• Citi Double Cash® Card: As a straightforward cash back card, it lacks a dedicated travel ecosystem. Its primary travel-related feature is the option to convert cash back into ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed through the Citi travel portal. The card does not offer perks like travel credits or lounge access and includes a foreign transaction fee.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the right choice, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare top-rated cards based on your own spending.

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• Test drive a credit card: Simulate how a new card would perform with your actual spending data to see projected earnings and net value before you commit, without impacting your credit score.
• Get personalized recommendations: Connect your bank accounts to receive data-driven card suggestions tailored to your unique spending habits.
• Analyze approval odds: Understand your chances of getting approved for different cards with a detailed analysis based on your credit report.
• Track sign-up bonuses: Monitor your progress toward earning valuable welcome offers on new cards for free.
• Earn extra rewards: Get Kudos Boost rewards on top of your regular card earnings when shopping with partner merchants.

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 a powerful tool for Southwest loyalists aiming to achieve A-List status or the coveted Companion Pass®, as spending on the card helps earn the necessary qualifying points. Even families and domestic travelers who fly Southwest just a few times a year can extract significant value, turning regular vacation spending into tangible travel rewards.

Who Should Choose the Citi Double Cash®?

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The Citi Double Cash® Card is an excellent choice for consumers who want a straightforward, high-earning cash back card for their everyday spending without tracking complicated categories. It's also particularly well-suited for individuals looking to consolidate and pay down existing credit card debt, thanks to its industry-leading 18-month 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. Ultimately, this card is ideal for anyone who prioritizes simple rewards, no annual fee, and a powerful tool for both earning and debt management, as detailed in this comprehensive review.

Alternatives to Consider

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So, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority vs. Citi Double Cash® comparison didn't reveal a clear winner for your wallet? Let's explore a few other top-tier cards that might be a better match.

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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

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Most premium travel cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending - Ensure you can meet the welcome offer's spending requirement without overspending.
• Have a redemption plan - Know how you plan to use your points to maximize their value before you even earn them.

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Application Strategy

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• Know the issuer's rules - Some issuers have restrictions on how many cards you can open in a certain period.
• Consider co-branded cards carefully - Ensure your loyalty to a specific airline or hotel justifies the card's benefits.
• Time your balance transfers - If applying for a balance transfer offer, be ready to initiate it soon after approval.

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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Is an airline credit card better than a cash back card?

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It depends on your spending habits and travel goals. An airline card is great for frequent flyers loyal to one airline, while a cash back card offers more flexibility for everyday spending.

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Can I use Southwest Rapid Rewards points on other airlines?

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No, Southwest Rapid Rewards points are exclusively for use on Southwest Airlines flights and with their partners. They cannot be transferred to other major airline loyalty programs.

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Does the Citi® Double Cash Card have an annual fee?

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The Citi® Double Cash Card does not have an annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for earning cash back. However, you should always check the card's current terms and conditions for the most up-to-date information.

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What is the main advantage of a simple cash back card?

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The primary advantage of a simple cash back card is its flexibility. You can redeem your rewards for a statement credit or direct deposit without being tied to a specific airline or travel portal.

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