If you’re a frequent flyer with Southwest Airlines and looking to boost your Rapid Rewards Points balance, you might be considering the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card. However, there’s another card on the market that might be even better for you. Enter the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. In this article, we’ll compare both cards, highlight their benefits and rewards, and help you decide which card suits your needs best.
How the Cards Stack Up
Let’s take a look at how the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card stack up against each other. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards | Rapid Rewards Points | Ultimate Rewards Points |
| Earnings | 3x on Southwest Airlines | 5x on travel purchased through Chase, 2x on all other travel |
| 2x on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners | 3x on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services | |
| 2x on local transit, commuting, and rideshare | 1x on all other purchases | |
| Additional Perks | 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually | Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, primary auto rental collision damage waiver insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty |
Based on these features, it’s clear that the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a more robust set of rewards and additional perks compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card.
Welcome Bonus Winner
When it comes to welcome bonuses, both cards offer attractive options. The Southwest Premier card provides a 60,000 bonus points and a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months. On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a slightly better value by providing more points that can be used for cash-back, travel redemptions through Chase Ultimate Rewards, or transferred to various airline partners, including Southwest. Therefore, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card takes the crown in this category.
Rewards Winner
In terms of rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card emerges as the clear winner. Not only do you earn more points on most purchases, but the Ultimate Rewards points are also more valuable and flexible. You can transfer them to Southwest Airlines, redeem them for cash, book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, or transfer them to travel partners for international flights or hotel stays. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card gives you more options and higher value for your rewards.
Annual Fee and APR
In terms of the annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card wins by a small margin, charging $4 less than the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card. However, the difference in the annual fee is not significant enough to sway most cardmembers either way. When it comes to the APR, both cards offer similar rates, making this category a tie.
Additional Perks
Once again, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card outshines the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card in terms of additional perks. It offers extensive travel insurance protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary auto rental collision damage waiver insurance, baggage delay insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. Moreover, the card provides purchase protection and extended warranty benefits. While the Southwest Premier card offers some unique perks like 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points and two EarlyBird Check-Ins annually, the overall insurance protections and additional perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card make it the winner in this category.
Our Take
For most travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is the better choice. With its earning potential, flexible rewards currency, and comprehensive travel insurance protections, it offers a superior value package compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card. The ability to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Airlines and other travel partners makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card more versatile and valuable. Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns more points and provides better benefits, making it the top recommendation for most travelers.
Why You Would Still Opt for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
The only reason you might choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card over the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is if you are specifically pursuing the Southwest Companion Pass or A-List status with the airline. Points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards do not count towards qualifying for these benefits. If you’re aiming for the Companion Pass or A-List status, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card might be the better option for you.
Bottom Line: More Value for Travelers
When compared to other mid-tier premium travel cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card stands out as a top choice for travelers. Its superior earning potential, flexible rewards currency, and comprehensive travel insurances give it an edge over the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card. Most travelers in search of a travel credit card should opt for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Do Chase Ultimate Rewards count towards the Companion Pass if I transfer to Southwest?
Chase Ultimate Rewards transferred to Southwest do not count towards the Companion Pass or A-List status. -
Can I have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card at the same time?
Chase allows you to have multiple Southwest Airlines credit cards or a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and one or more Southwest Airlines credit cards. However, you cannot hold more than one Chase Sapphire card. -
Does Chase Sapphire work with Southwest?
Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve earn Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to Southwest Airlines. These cards also allow you to convert Ultimate Rewards points earned on other cards to Southwest Rapid Rewards. -
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card good for flights?
Yes, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an excellent choice for booking flights. It earns two points per dollar on all travel, or five points per dollar when booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Additionally, it offers trip delay and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
Remember, if you’re interested in learning more about personal finances, check out Personal Finances Blog for insightful articles and tips. Happy travels and happy saving!