World of Hyatt 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 rewards structure that earns extra points on Southwest purchases and at gas stations and grocery stores.
• While it has an annual fee (See Rates & Fees), the card includes valuable perks like two EarlyBird Check-In® credits each year.
• The 3,000 bonus points awarded on your cardmember anniversary help offset the card's annual cost (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• All points earned count toward qualifying for the valuable Southwest Companion Pass®.
• You receive bonus points each year on your cardmember anniversary.
• Enjoy useful perks like EarlyBird Check-In® credits and a complimentary DashPass membership for a limited time.

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Cons

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• Lacks premium travel benefits like airport lounge access or upgraded boarding, which are available on higher-tier cards.
• Points are most valuable when redeemed for Southwest flights, limiting flexibility for other types of travel rewards.
• The card does not offer an annual travel credit and may not be ideal for international travel.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus vs World of Hyatt

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, World of Hyatt or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, depends entirely on your travel style and brand loyalty.

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• The World of Hyatt Credit Card is ideal for frequent travelers who are loyal to Hyatt properties. It's particularly beneficial for those looking to achieve elite status within the World of Hyatt program.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is designed for budget-conscious travelers and those loyal to Southwest Airlines. It is a strong choice for flyers aiming to earn the Southwest Companion Pass.

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Redemption

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The World of Hyatt Credit Card: Points are primarily redeemed for stays at Hyatt's portfolio of hotels and resorts, though they can also be transferred to airline partners or used for unique experiences.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Points are redeemed for flights on Southwest Airlines, where the point value is tied to the cash price of the ticket, but they can also be used for gift cards, merchandise, and other travel-related purchases.

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Travel Perks

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• Travel Portals: The World of Hyatt card's ecosystem is centered around booking stays at Hyatt hotels or transferring points to airline partners. In contrast, the Southwest Plus card's points are primarily for booking flights directly with Southwest Airlines, though other travel and merchandise are also available through its portal.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: For international travelers, the World of Hyatt card is a strong contender as it does not charge foreign transaction fees. The Southwest Plus card, however, does include a fee for transactions made abroad.
• Lounge Access: Neither card offers direct airport lounge access. However, the World of Hyatt card provides a head start toward elite status, which can unlock access to Hyatt Club lounges at their properties. The Southwest Plus card does not offer a similar benefit.
• Annual Travel Benefits: Each card offers distinct yearly perks. The World of Hyatt card provides a free night certificate valid at a qualifying hotel, while the Southwest Plus card includes two EarlyBird Check-In® opportunities annually and a percentage back on in-flight purchases.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For a more personalized approach, a tool like Kudos can help you compare thousands of credit cards to find the best fit for your unique spending habits.

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• Test Drive Any Card: One of its standout features allows you to test drive credit cards by simulating your potential earnings using your actual spending data—all before you apply and without a hard credit pull.
• Personalized Recommendations: The platform analyzes your transaction history to provide data-driven card recommendations, helping you maximize rewards.
• Approval Odds Analysis: Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Welcome Offer Guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer for a card you got through Kudos within three months, the platform will match it.

Who Should Choose the World of Hyatt?

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The World of Hyatt Credit Card® is a top choice for frequent Hyatt guests who can fully leverage the bonus points on stays and the accelerated path to elite status. It also appeals to value-oriented travelers, as the annual free night certificate can easily offset the $95 annual fee. Additionally, international adventurers and families benefit from the card's lack of foreign transaction fees and the ability to add authorized users to pool points faster.

Who Should Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus?

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The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is a great fit for occasional Southwest flyers and budget-conscious travelers who want access to the airline's perks without a hefty annual fee. It's also an excellent starting point for credit card beginners and anyone strategically working toward earning the coveted Southwest Companion Pass. Ultimately, this card serves as a valuable entry point for Southwest loyalists looking to maximize their rewards within the airline's ecosystem.

Alternatives to Consider

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After this World of Hyatt vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus comparison, you might find that neither card perfectly aligns with your travel goals. Fortunately, the travel credit card market is vast, and other options 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 rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending: Make sure you can naturally meet the minimum spend for the welcome offer.
• Know the issuer's rules: Be aware of application restrictions, like Chase's 5/24 rule, before you apply.

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Application Strategy

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• Look for pre-approval tools: These can help you gauge your approval odds without a hard credit inquiry.
• Align cards with your goals: Some cards are key for specific benefits, like the Southwest Companion Pass or Hyatt elite status.
• Try different application methods: Sometimes different browsers or links can yield better welcome offers.

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 between World of Hyatt and Southwest Rapid Rewards?

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No, you cannot directly transfer points between World of Hyatt and Southwest Rapid Rewards. However, both are transfer partners of Chase Ultimate Rewards, which allows you to move points from an eligible Chase card to either program.

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Which program offers better elite status benefits?

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World of Hyatt is widely regarded for its valuable elite status benefits, including confirmed suite upgrades and late check-out, which often provide more tangible value than Southwest's A-List status perks. Southwest's elite status primarily focuses on earning bonuses and priority boarding.

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Do points expire in the World of Hyatt or Southwest Rapid Rewards programs?

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World of Hyatt points expire after 24 months of inactivity, but any qualifying account activity will reset the clock. Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire.

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