United Gateway vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: Which Is Better In 2025?

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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

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• It offers a straightforward way to earn points on Southwest purchases, as well as at gas stations and grocery stores.
• Despite its annual fee, the card provides valuable perks like anniversary bonus points and travel protections that frequent Southwest flyers can appreciate.
• The combination of 3,000 anniversary bonus points and two EarlyBird Check-In® credits, valued at up to $50, can nearly offset the card's annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Every point you earn—from the welcome bonus to everyday purchases—counts toward qualifying for the highly sought-after Southwest Companion Pass®.
• Offers a suite of travel and purchase protections, including coverage for delayed or lost luggage and extended warranties on eligible items.
• Provides annual perks like bonus points and EarlyBird Check-In® credits that deliver consistent value year after year.

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Cons

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• Lacks premium travel benefits like upgraded boarding and airport lounge access.
• Points are most valuable when redeemed for Southwest flights, which limits flexibility for travelers who fly other airlines.
• The card’s earning rates are less competitive than some other travel cards, and it doesn't offer an annual travel credit.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus vs United Gateway

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, the United Gateway or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, the choice ultimately depends on your airline loyalty and travel style. Each card caters to a different type of traveler, from the occasional flyer to the dedicated airline loyalist.

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• United Gateway℠ Card: This card is an excellent entry-level choice for occasional United Airlines flyers and budget-conscious travelers. It's designed for those who want to earn MileagePlus miles on everyday spending without committing to an annual fee.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This card is tailored for Southwest loyalists and those aiming to earn the airline's Companion Pass. It's a solid option for travelers who fly Southwest several times a year and want to accumulate points on their flights and other purchases.

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Redemption

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United Gateway℠ Card: Points are redeemed through the United MileagePlus program for flights on United and its extensive network of Star Alliance partners. Miles can also be used for other travel-related purchases, including hotel stays, car rentals, and unique experiences.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Points are redeemed for any available seat on any Southwest flight, with no blackout dates. You can also use your points for gift cards, merchandise, and international flights through the airline's shopping and travel portals.

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Travel Perks

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• Travel Portals & Partners: The United Gateway℠ Card provides access to the United MileagePlus program, allowing for bookings on United and its extensive network of Star Alliance partners. In contrast, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card redeems points through the Southwest portal for any available seat on the airline's flights.
• Anniversary Bonus: Cardholders of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card receive bonus points each year on their account anniversary, a perk not offered by the United Gateway℠ Card.
• In-Flight Benefits: Both cards provide a statement credit for in-flight purchases made with their respective airlines.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: A foreign transaction fee applies to purchases made abroad with either card.
• Airport Lounge Access: Neither of these cards includes complimentary access to airport lounges.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For those looking to make a data-driven decision, tools like Kudos can help you compare thousands of cards to find the best fit for your spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see projected annual rewards before you apply.
• Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Get personalized card recommendations tailored to your unique spending history.
• Unlock a $100 Kudos Kickstart+ reward by adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
• Take advantage of a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better public offer if you find one within three months.

Who Should Choose the United Gateway?

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The United Gateway℠ Card is an excellent choice for occasional United Airlines flyers who want to earn MileagePlus miles without committing to an annual fee. It's also well-suited for credit card beginners and budget-conscious travelers, thanks to its straightforward rewards structure and lack of foreign transaction fees. As a no-fee United option from Chase, it easily integrates with other accounts for existing customers.

Who Should Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus?

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The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus card is an excellent choice for occasional Southwest flyers and those just starting their journey with travel rewards. It provides a low-cost entry point into the airline's loyalty program, allowing cardholders to earn points toward the coveted Companion Pass without the burden of a high annual fee. As detailed in this complete 2025 guide, it's particularly valuable for budget-conscious travelers who are loyal to Southwest but don't fly frequently enough to justify a premium card.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our United Gateway vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus comparison has you concluding that neither card is the right fit, don't worry. There are plenty of other travel rewards cards on the market that might better suit your spending habits and travel goals.

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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. You will typically need good to excellent credit to be approved for a rewards credit card.
• Plan your spending. Ensure you can meet the minimum spending requirement for any introductory offer through your regular purchases.
• Research issuer rules. Be aware of any application restrictions, as some issuers limit how many new cards you can open.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application. - Align it with a large planned purchase to help meet the introductory offer's spending requirement.
• Choose the right card. - Select a card that aligns with your spending habits and travel patterns to maximize its value.
• Understand unique perks. - Look for benefits like points that count toward elite status or a companion pass to get more value.

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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Do the United Gateway and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus cards have annual fees?

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Annual fees can vary between airline credit cards, with some entry-level options offering no annual fee. It's essential to review the terms for both the United Gateway℠ Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, as their fee structures may differ.

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What kind of travel benefits can I expect?

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Airline co-branded cards often provide benefits like preferred boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases. The specific perks for the United Gateway℠ Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card will differ, aligning with each airline's loyalty program.

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Are there foreign transaction fees with these cards?

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Whether a card charges foreign transaction fees is a key factor for international travelers. Some airline cards waive these fees while others do not, so be sure to check the cardholder agreements for the United Gateway℠ Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card.

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