Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 breakdown of why we like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card.

• It’s an accessible entry point into the Rapid Rewards program, helping you earn points toward the coveted Southwest Companion Pass® with every purchase.
• The card accelerates earnings with 2x points on Southwest® purchases, plus 2x points at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 spent annually.
• The 3,000 anniversary bonus points and two annual EarlyBird Check-In® credits provide enough value to largely offset the card's annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• It's a great entry-level card for earning points toward the valuable Southwest Companion Pass®.
• Includes useful travel perks like EarlyBird Check-In® credits and travel protections.
• Offers accelerated points earning on common spending categories like gas and groceries, in addition to Southwest purchases.

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Cons

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• Lacks premium travel benefits like airport lounge access, upgraded boarding, or in-flight discounts that are found on higher-tier cards.
• Point earning rates are modest compared to some competitors, and points are most valuable when redeemed for Southwest flights, offering limited flexibility.
• The card does not include an annual travel credit to help offset travel costs.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus vs Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus, comes down to your specific travel habits and what you value in a credit card.

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: As Chase's flagship premium travel rewards card, it is designed for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of its comprehensive, high-end benefits.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This card is also built for frequent travelers, but it specifically caters to those who often fly with Southwest Airlines and want to earn Rapid Rewards points and enjoy airline-specific perks.

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Redemption

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, points offer significant flexibility. You can redeem them for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, transfer them to various airline and hotel partners, or opt for cash back and other rewards.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus card's points are geared specifically toward flights and other services with Southwest Airlines. Redemption is straightforward but primarily limited to the airline's own offerings.

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Travel Perks

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: As a premium travel card, its ecosystem is broad and flexible. Cardholders get access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal for booking travel, complimentary airport lounge access via a Priority Pass™ Select membership, and pay no foreign transaction fees. The card also includes a valuable suite of travel protections.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This card’s ecosystem is tightly focused on its co-brand partner. All redemptions happen on the Southwest Airlines website, and perks are airline-specific, like anniversary points and EarlyBird Check-In® opportunities. It does not offer lounge access, and foreign transaction fees apply.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To eliminate the guesswork, a tool like Kudos can help you compare thousands of credit cards and find the best fit based on your actual spending habits.

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• Test drive a credit card: Before you apply, you can simulate your potential earnings with a specific card based on your real spending data—no application or hard credit pull required.
• Approval odds analysis: Receive a detailed analysis of your chances of approval for different cards, helping you apply with more confidence.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer within three months of being approved, Kudos will match it.
• Personalized recommendations: Get matched with cards that will maximize your earnings based on your unique spending history.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is built for the frequent traveler who can take full advantage of its premium benefits, from the $300 annual travel credit to airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance. Points are not earned until after the first $300 is spent annually on travel purchases. The first $300 goes toward the $300 Annual Travel Credit. It's also a great fit for those who dine out regularly and want to maximize rewards on their spending, while also appreciating the flexibility of transferring points to airline and hotel partners, as our detailed analysis shows.

Who Should Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus?

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The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is an excellent choice for occasional Southwest flyers and budget-conscious travelers who want access to the airline's perks without a high annual fee. It's also a strategic option for those working toward the coveted Companion Pass or beginners just starting with travel rewards cards. Essentially, this card is ideal for Southwest loyalists who don't fly frequently enough to justify a premium card but still want to earn valuable rewards on their flights and everyday spending.

Alternatives to Consider

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If this Chase Sapphire Reserve® vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus comparison shows that neither card is the right fit, don't fret. The travel rewards landscape is full of other cards that might better suit your goals.

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Tips for Application Success

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Applying for a premium credit card requires a bit of strategy. To boost your chances of approval, it’s smart to get your financial ducks in a row before you hit ‘submit’.

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Before You Apply:

• Check your credit score. Most premium travel cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, require an excellent credit score (generally 740+). Other cards, such as the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, may approve applicants with good credit (typically 670+).
• Plan your spending. Welcome offers require you to meet a minimum spending threshold in the first few months. Make sure you can meet this requirement through your normal spending habits without overextending your budget.
• Review your card history. Issuers like Chase consider your recent account openings. Take stock of how many new cards you’ve applied for recently to understand where you stand.

Application Strategy:

• Apply with confidence. Once you’ve done your homework, you can apply knowing you’ve prepared. Don't submit multiple applications in a short period if you're unsure.
• Be patient after applying. Don’t panic if you don’t get an instant decision. Sometimes applications go into a pending status for further review, which can take several days.
• Know your options. If your application is denied, you can often call the issuer’s reconsideration line to provide more information or ask them to take another look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® more expensive than the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus card?

Yes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® carries a higher annual fee, which is offset by premium benefits like an annual travel credit and lounge access. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card has a lower annual fee, making it a more budget-friendly option for Southwest flyers.

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How do you earn rewards with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® vs. the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points on general travel and dining, while the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus card earns Rapid Rewards® points specifically on Southwest Airlines® purchases and with its partners.

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Can I transfer points from both cards to other airlines?

Points earned with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® are transferable to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs. In contrast, points earned with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus card are used within the Southwest Rapid Rewards® program and are not transferable to other airlines.