SOUTHWEST Airlines passengers will soon face higher fees – with some Rapid Rewards credit cards now charging up to $229 a year.
The changes apply to Southwest’s popular credit cards, issued by Chase, and will impact travellers across the US.
Existing cardholders won’t pay the new prices until their 2026 renewal, but anyone signing up now will pay the higher fees straight away.
Annual charges have jumped across all tiers.
The entry-level Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card goes from $69 to $99, the Premier card rises from $99 to $149, and the top-tier Priority card soars from $149 to $229.
Business customers also take a hit, with the Premier Business card moving from $99 to $149 and the Performance Business card climbing from $199 to $299.
But Southwest and Chase are adding sweeteners to soften the blow.
New perks include free first checked bags for cardholders and up to eight companions, plus Group 5 or better boarding to grab seats sooner.
New seating structure for Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines said the following on the new seating types offered:
- “Standard Seat: Standard legroom seats, located in the back of the cabin.”
- “Preferred seat: Standard legroom seats, near the front of the cabin.”
- “Extra Legroom seat: A roomier experience with more legroom to stretch out, at the front of the cabin as well as the exit rows, with up to five additional inches* of extra legroom compared to Standard seats. Plus, earlier access to bin space, extra snacks, and complimentary premium beverages. *Five extra inches of seat pitch is available on the 737-700 aircraft. Seat pitch will vary by aircraft type”
Source: Southwest Airlines
Seat selection is also part of the deal, with cardholders able to choose their spots either when booking or within 48 hours of departure.
Priority and Performance Business cardholders will even get access to extra legroom seats when available.
Earning rates on purchases are being boosted too.
The Priority card will now give four points per dollar on Southwest purchases, up from three, and double points on restaurants and petrol.
There’s a limited-time bonus for new sign-ups as well.
Anyone who opens a personal Rapid Rewards card before September 17 can score 100,000 points after spending $4,000 in five months, enough to get close to Southwest’s Companion Pass, which lets a friend or family member fly for free (plus taxes and fees).
The revamp comes as Southwest prepares to switch to assigned seating and paid bags from January 2026.
For frequent flyers, the extra perks could still make the cards good value – if you travel enough to take advantage of them.
Southwest consumer card fee changes
HERE is the exact amount that each Southwest consumer card’s annual fees increased.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card – from $69 to $99
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card – from $99 to $149
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card – from $149 to $229
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card – from $99 to $149
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card – from $199 to $299
