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Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier vs United Gateway: Which Is Better In 2025?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is ideal for earning accelerated rewards on Southwest flights and everyday purchases like groceries, streaming services, and local transit.
- The United Gateway℠ Card is a no-annual-fee card for occasional United flyers to earn miles on airline purchases, gas, and local transit.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a breakdown of why we like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card.
- The card offers multiple bonus categories for earning points, including accelerated rewards on all Southwest purchases.
- While there is an annual fee, the card waives foreign transaction fees for purchases made abroad.
- The 6,000 bonus points you receive each anniversary help offset a significant portion of the card's annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Cardholders get a head start on earning the coveted Southwest Companion Pass® each year and can earn elite status qualifying points through spending.
- The card includes several travel-day perks that add value, such as complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins and priority boarding for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation.
- Travelers can save on baggage fees with a free first checked bag for the primary cardmember and up to eight other passengers on their itinerary.
Cons
- The card’s annual fee is high for its tier, and the anniversary bonus doesn't fully offset the cost.
- Several bonus earning categories are being discontinued, and points can't be transferred to other travel partners, limiting their flexibility.
- It lacks premium travel perks like airport lounge access or credits for expedited screening programs, which are often available on similarly priced cards.
United Gateway Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why the United Gateway℠ Card stands out.
- It's an accessible travel card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (See Rates & Fees), making it a great entry point for United flyers.
- Cardholders receive valuable travel protections, including an auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation coverage.
- The break-even on this card is immediate, as the absence of an annual fee means all rewards earned translate directly into value (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- New cardholders can take advantage of an introductory mileage bonus and a promotional APR on purchases.
- Earns United MileagePlus miles on everyday spending, with accelerated earnings at gas stations and on local transit.
- Includes useful protections like an auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation coverage, and purchase protection.
Cons
- The introductory bonus is smaller and the bonus rewards categories are more limited compared to premium travel cards.
- Lacks premium airline perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and airport lounge access.
- Does not offer long-term benefits like anniversary bonus miles or a companion certificate.
United Gateway vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier
Categories
When deciding which is better, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier or United Gateway, it's important to consider your travel habits and loyalty to a specific airline.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is best for loyal or semi-frequent Southwest flyers looking to earn points and enjoy travel benefits with the airline. It's a good fit for those who want to work toward elite status or the Companion Pass.
- United Gateway℠ Card is an entry-level option for occasional United flyers and credit card beginners. This card is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to earn travel rewards without an annual fee.
Redemption
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Points can be redeemed for any available seat on Southwest-operated flights without blackout dates. Your points can also be used for other travel-related purchases, merchandise, and gift cards.
United Gateway℠ Card: Rewards are earned as miles in the United MileagePlus program, which can be used for flights with United and its extensive network of Star Alliance partners. Miles are also redeemable for travel upgrades, hotel stays, and unique experiences.
Travel Perks
- Foreign Transaction Fees: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is built for travel with no foreign transaction fees. The United Gateway℠ Card, on the other hand, does charge a fee for transactions made abroad.
- Airline Network: Your redemption options are limited to Southwest Airlines with the Southwest Premier card. The United Gateway℠ Card provides broader access to award flights through United's extensive network of Star Alliance partners.
- Airport Perks: While neither card includes airport lounge access, they each offer other travel conveniences. The Southwest Premier card provides two EarlyBird Check-In® opportunities each year, and the United Gateway℠ Card offers a discount on in-flight purchases.
- Anniversary Bonus: The Southwest Premier card rewards loyalty by granting bonus points every year on your cardmember anniversary. The United Gateway℠ Card does not have a comparable anniversary bonus.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
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Who Should Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is tailored for the semi-frequent Southwest Airlines flyer who wants a good balance of travel perks without paying a top-tier annual fee. This card is ideal for those who value benefits like anniversary bonus points, two annual EarlyBird Check-Ins, and a free first checked bag, but don't need the extensive perks of a more premium card. It strikes a balance for loyal customers seeking tangible rewards and benefits, as this comprehensive review explains.
Who Should Choose the United Gateway?
The United Gateway℠ Card is an excellent choice for occasional United Airlines flyers who want to earn miles without committing to an annual fee. It's also well-suited for credit card beginners and budget-conscious travelers, as it offers a way to earn travel rewards and avoid foreign transaction fees on international trips. Ultimately, this card serves as a straightforward entry point for anyone looking to start a relationship with the United MileagePlus program without a significant financial investment.
Alternatives to Consider
If our Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier vs United Gateway comparison has left you wanting more, don't worry. There are plenty of other travel rewards cards that might be a better fit for your wallet and travel style.
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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
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score - Most rewards cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
- Know the issuer’s rules - Be aware of application restrictions, like Chase's 5/24 rule, before you apply.
- Confirm bonus eligibility - Many issuers restrict welcome offers if you've had the card or a similar one before.
Application Strategy
- Time your application strategically - Plan to apply before a large purchase to help meet the welcome offer's spending requirement.
- Don't settle for a lesser offer - If you see a higher welcome bonus advertised, try different browsers or links to find it.
- Understand card family rules - Issuers may restrict bonuses if you have or recently had a card in the same product family.
Our Methodology
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.
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
Which card is better for international travel?
The United Gateway℠ Card is generally better for international travel as United has a larger global network with more international partners than Southwest. Southwest primarily flies within the U.S. and to nearby international destinations.
Can I transfer points from other programs to Southwest or United?
Yes, you can transfer points from programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards® to both United MileagePlus and Southwest Rapid Rewards. This flexibility allows you to combine points from different sources for award travel.
Do the points earned with these cards expire?
United MileagePlus miles do not expire, giving you peace of mind. Southwest Rapid Rewards points will not expire as long as your account remains open and you have qualifying activity at least once every 24 months.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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