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Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority vs Wyndham Earner Plus: Which Is Better In 2025?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: This card is ideal for frequent Southwest flyers looking to maximize rewards on travel, as well as on grocery and restaurant spending.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: This card is best for Wyndham loyalists and those looking to earn high rewards on gas, dining, and grocery purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a look at why we think the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority card is a top choice for Southwest flyers.
- The card is packed with valuable perks for frequent flyers, including four upgraded boardings per year and 25% back on inflight purchases.
- Although it comes with an annual fee, the card offers a $75 annual Southwest travel credit that helps reduce the out-of-pocket cost.
- The 6,000 anniversary bonus points can offset a significant portion of the remaining annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Every purchase helps you earn toward the coveted Southwest Companion Pass®, one of the most valuable perks in travel.
- Enjoy an elevated travel experience with benefits like complimentary upgraded boardings and credits for inflight purchases.
- Redeem your points with flexibility, as there are no blackout dates or seat restrictions on Southwest-operated flights.
Cons
- Its value is almost exclusively tied to Southwest, offering limited flexibility for travelers who aren't loyal to the airline.
- It lacks premium perks found on competing travel cards, such as airport lounge access.
- The annual fee is higher than other Southwest co-branded cards, and there is no introductory APR offer.
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This section breaks down why the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card stands out.
- The card offers accelerated rewards on gas, dining, and grocery purchases, in addition to bonus points on Wyndham hotel stays.
- Cardholders receive automatic Wyndham Rewards PLATINUM status and other travel perks, though it does come with an annual fee (See Rates & Fees).
- The 7,500 anniversary bonus points can easily offset the annual fee if redeemed for up to one free night award (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Earn bonus points on common spending categories, including gas, dining, and groceries.
- Receive automatic Platinum elite status in the Wyndham Rewards program, unlocking hotel benefits like late checkout.
- No foreign transaction fees make it a good option for international travel.
Cons
- The card charges an annual fee, and the anniversary bonus points are only enough for a stay at lower-tier hotels.
- Its rewards are best for Wyndham loyalists, as points have limited value when redeemed for anything other than hotel stays within the brand's portfolio.
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
Categories
Deciding which is better, Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority or Wyndham Earner Plus, depends entirely on your travel habits and brand loyalty. This comparison breaks down who each card is best for to help you choose.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card - This card is designed for frequent Southwest flyers and travelers pursuing the Companion Pass®. It is especially valuable for domestic travelers and families who can maximize the airline-specific benefits.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card - This card is best suited for travelers who regularly stay at Wyndham properties and want to earn rewards on everyday spending like gas and groceries. It offers a path to elite status and is ideal for those who will redeem points for hotel stays.
Redemption
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Points earned with this card are redeemed through the Rapid Rewards program, primarily for flights on Southwest Airlines, though they can also be used for other travel like hotels and rental cars.
Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: Points are redeemed for stays across Wyndham's extensive portfolio of hotels, but can also be used for tours, activities, gift cards, or transferred to various travel partners.
Travel Perks
- Foreign Transaction Fees: The Southwest Priority card is the clear choice for international travel, as it has no foreign transaction fees. In contrast, the Wyndham Earner Plus card does include a fee for purchases made abroad.
- Travel Portals: Both cards operate within their respective brand ecosystems. With the Southwest card, you'll redeem points through the Rapid Rewards portal for flights. The Wyndham card uses the Wyndham Rewards portal, where points can be used for hotel stays, tours, and activities.
- On-the-Ground Perks: While neither card offers traditional airport lounge access, they provide valuable brand-specific benefits. The Southwest Priority card includes several Upgraded Boardings each year and an annual travel credit. The Wyndham Earner Plus card grants you automatic Platinum elite status, unlocking perks like early check-in and late checkout.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
If you're looking for a way to compare top-rated cards based on your own spending, Kudos is a financial companion that can help.
- Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply.
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- Manage all your cards in one place, track your spending, and monitor your credit score.
- Access new user bonuses, including a welcome offer guarantee and cash back on your first purchase.
Who Should Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is tailor-made for frequent Southwest flyers who can fully leverage its annual travel credit and upgraded boarding perks. It's also a strategic choice for loyalists aiming to fast-track their way to A-List status or the coveted Companion Pass® through credit card spending. Ultimately, the card delivers maximum value for domestic travelers and families who primarily fly Southwest's extensive network several times per year.
Who Should Choose the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus?
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is tailor-made for loyalists of the Wyndham brand, according to a NerdWallet review. It’s ideal for those who frequently stay at Wyndham properties and want to maximize rewards on hotel spending, gas, and groceries. Cardholders who can take full advantage of the high earning rates and automatic Platinum status perks will find the $75 annual fee a worthwhile investment.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither card in our Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority vs. Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus comparison feels like the perfect match, don't fret. Several other travel rewards cards offer compelling benefits that might be better suited to your needs.
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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 to ensure you meet the card’s requirements.
- Plan your spending to meet any welcome offer threshold naturally.
- Research the card’s benefits to understand how you will use the rewards.
Application Strategy
- Know the issuer's rules - Be aware of application restrictions like Chase's 5/24 rule.
- Consider co-branded cards carefully - A card like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is most valuable if you're loyal to the brand.
- Time your application strategically - Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet the welcome offer spending requirement.
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
Can I transfer points between Southwest Rapid Rewards and Wyndham Rewards?
No, you cannot directly transfer points between the two loyalty programs. The points you earn with each card are specific to that program and its partners.
Which card is better if I don't fly Southwest or stay at Wyndham hotels often?
If you don't frequently use either brand, you should evaluate which loyalty program offers more value for your specific travel style through their respective partner networks. A general travel rewards card might also be a better fit for your wallet.
Do the points earned from these cards expire?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire. Wyndham Rewards points will expire if your account has no qualifying activity for 18 consecutive months, or automatically four years after they are earned.
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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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