Although I do not consider myself particularly loyal for any one airline, but I have held – and love – my Southwest Rapid Rapids® priority credit card (Look Rates and fees) For many years.
$ 75 Annual Flight Credit and 7,500 Anniversary Point Bonus ($ 101 by our August 2025) Valuation) More than annual fees, even for a casual South -West Airlines Flyer. despite Airline changes crook string Earlier this year, I still kept the card.
But Southwest’s recent credit card revamp The last straw is.
Here I am canceling my Southwest card, before the new annual fee hits my account, and what other cards I am considering.
Why am I canceling my southwest card
Not only Priority card The annual fee is increasing by more than 50%, from $ 149 to $ $ 229, but the annual $ 75 flight credit – the most valuable perch of the card, my view – disappearing, is nothing to change. Credit will not be part of the card benefits after 31 December.
This top-tier card does not include flight exemption of a once-year preacher flight like a low-annual fee. Southwest Rapid Reports® Premier Credit Card And Southwest Rapid Rapids® Plus Credit Card (Look Rates and fees,
Southwest Rapid Rapids Premier Credit Card information has been collected independently by Points Gai. The card details on this page or the card have not been provided by the issuer.
What does the revived priority card offer?
The main attraction of the card makeover, it seems, the ability to upgrade in the southwest Additional Lagroom seats (Set to debut in 2026) When available for yourself and within 48 hours of departure to maximum eight comrades. This would be a greater value if I often fly with a large family to the south -west, but because it is usually just me and my partner once or twice a year, it does not seem worth the $ 229 annual fee.
Also, because Southwest route network Mostly limited to flights within the US and Caribbean, the additional legroom does not make much difference in the form of a transatlantic flight.
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Another new perk: Priority card holders can earn 2,500 tier qualifying points (above 1,500) for each $ 5,000. But how little I fly in the south -west, I am unlikely to get closer to the situation anyway.
Similarly, the new -earning composition, including 4 points per dollar, does not transfer the needle to the south -west procurement (from 3 points per dollar) and 2 points per dollar gas stations and 2 points spent at the restaurant (above 1 point per dollar), the needle, not transferring the needle for me.
Since i have others Card that earns awards At the same or better rates on food and gas, I only use my priority card for south -western tickets, so I do not see it as improvement.
As a result, I am planning to cancel my card before the new annual fee pop up on the anniversary of my card in the next spring.
It is clear that the South -West is trying to model itself, and on its credit card, large airlines, but still a long way to go. In a few years, I can consider re -applying for one Southwest credit cardEspecially if the airline has created Strong participation Included more long-term flights.
Till then, here are the cards that I am considering to fill the hole left in my heart – and my wallet – by my dear South -West card.
Connected: Are the airline credit cards worth it now?
United Explorer Card
Since the base of my house, Denver International Airport (DEN) is a United Airlines Hub, A United Cobrend Card At the top of my list.
United Explorer Card (Look Rates and fees) It is comparable Southwest priorityWith an annual fee of $ 150 ($ 0 for the first year) and a free check bag for cardholder and a travel partner.
I could promote myself United mileagePlus Balance with 60,000-mile welcome bonus (my account is open after spending $ 3,000 on purchase in the first three months) and if I add another 10,000 miles Authorized user In the first three months.
Together, the price of those miles is approximately $ 910 based on our August 2025 Valuation,
Since I often book short hotel stays, I hope to maximize the card to $ 100 in the annual credit on prepaid hotel booking through the United Hotel, which will help offset the annual fee. I could also use two of the card once United Club Lounge Passes every year.
On the other hand, the rest of the explorer is not very useful for the “coupon-book” of the card “Style Credit” for the rest-ride-hinge services (annual opt-in required), rental cars, JSX and Instacart (through 31 December, 2027).
Also, because we fly unitedly often, my husband already wear United Quest Card (Look Rates and fees,
The explorer provides some allowances that do not discover, but I am not sure that it makes sense to pay the annual fee for a second joint card.
Connected: 4 Reasons someone in your family needs United Credit Card
Delta Skymiles Gold American Express Card
Delta Air Lines reply United Explorer Card, Delta Skymails® Gold American Express Card$ 150 is the annual fee – introductory annual fee of the first year with $ 0 (see) Rates and fees-And your first six months of card membership is welcome after spending $ 2,000 on purchase.
Delta Skymiles award rates are not great, but this card will provide me access to me 15% redemption And this Pay with miles Facility to help my mile go further.
Add to the fact that I catch American Express® Gold Card And Amex membership award points, which can be transferred to Skymiles in 1: 1 ratio, and this card matters a lot.
Similar to the explorer card, Skymiles Gold offers a free check bag and up to $ 100 in the statement of delta steps prepaid hotel booking.
The earning rate (2 miles per dollar delta, the restaurant was spent worldwide and in the US supermarket;
My only preventive is the fact that Dane does not have a huge appearance of delta; I will need to do some research to see what kind of flights I can book on delta before applying.
Connected: 5 things you need to know about delta skymills
Airoplan Credit Card
Major US Airlines are not the only one I am considering for my next credit card. Air Canada offered, Aeroplan® credit card (Look Rates and fees), Is also a claimant.
One reason I can transfer all my currencies Air 1: 1 in ratio: American Express Membership Award points, Chase the final award points And Capital a mile,
Another is that Air Canada is a partner of United, which means that there should be no shortage of reward flights from my home airport.
This card currently offers an attractive 75,000-point welcome bonus, when you spend $ 4,000 on shopping in the first three months, your account is open, but the ongoing allowances may be a meaningful addition to my wallet for the coming years.
For $ 95 annual fee, I could get valuable discount on award flights and a free check bag for myself and up to eight colleagues.
In addition, I get temporary aeroplan 25k position (and, thus, Star Alliance Silver Elite Status) For the year in which I open the card and the following calendar year. If I decide to apply for aeroplan card, I will wait until the beginning of 2026 to maximize my temporary position.
Connected: International travelers PSA: Why should you consider Air Canada and Chase Aroplan Card here
Ground level
The Rapid Report Credit Card Rewmps may be an improvement for southwest loyalists, but disappointed this casual South -West Flyer.
Fortunately, there are lots of options with similar allowances and minor annual fees.
If you are feeling the same way, see our roundup Best Airline Credit Card And this Best Card to reach the status of the aristocracyThen the factor of your home airport, your credit card transfer partner and your upcoming travel plans before choosing the best for you.
Click for Delta Skymiles Gold Rates and Fee, Click Here,
