Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card: Is the Fee Worth It?

Updated May 2026 to reflect new benefits, refreshed structure, and current Southwest card offers.

My Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card renews this month, and every year I ask myself the same question — is the fee still worth it? We’re flying Southwest less often these days, but the perks still catch my attention: free checked bags, upgraded boarding, anniversary points, and now an elevated 80,000‑point offer that reminded me why this card has stayed in my wallet for so long.

Even with the changes that rolled out in 2025, the Priority card continues to deliver solid value for families who fly Southwest a few times a year. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, what still matters, and how to decide if this card deserves a spot in your lineup.

Want to see how this card fits into my real‑life setup? Here’s what’s in my wallet right now and how I use each card to earn the most points.

This post contains affiliate links and personal referral links. I’m not a credit card affiliate — any credit card links you see here are my personal referral links, which may earn me bonus points if you choose to use them. For everything else, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products and tools we personally use and love. Thank you for supporting No Point Left Behind and helping me keep this content free.

🧭 Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card Overview

The Priority card has always been the top‑tier personal Southwest card, offering more perks than the Plus ($69) and Premier ($99) versions. Before the fee increase, the $149 price point made it a sweet spot for frequent Southwest flyers who wanted elevated benefits without going full premium.

Even though we’re flying Southwest less often these days, this card used to be a no‑brainer for our family. With the 2025 updates, I had to take a fresh look to see if it still earns its place in my wallet.

🔄 What’s New for 2025–2026

These updates are what pushed me to reevaluate the card this year:

• Annual fee increased to $229 (mine renewed at $149 this cycle)

• Preferred seating at booking at no additional charge

• First checked bag free for the cardmember + up to 8 guests

• Boarding Group 5 for cardmembers and guests on the same reservation

• $75 travel credit ends after 2025

I’ll be honest — before I listed everything out, I was ready to cancel. But once I looked at our upcoming travel, the math surprised me.

⭐ Key Benefits of the Southwest Priority Card

Here’s what you get with the card today:

• 7,500 anniversary points each year

• $75 annual Southwest travel credit (through 2025)

• Four upgraded boardings per year (when available)

• 20% back on in‑flight purchases

• No foreign transaction fees

• Tier‑qualifying points toward A‑List status

• Free checked bags for you + up to 8 guests

• Preferred seating at booking

These perks alone can offset the fee if you fly Southwest even a couple of times a year.

🧳 Real‑Life Value: How I Use This Card

We have two Southwest flights booked for next year, including our annual ski trip. Just the free checked bags for that trip save us $100.

I’m actually flying to New Orleans this weekend on Southwest Rapid Rewards points — another example of how this card continues to pay for itself.

I also love booking the cheapest Wanna Get Away fare with points and then using my card benefits to select preferred seats. It’s a simple way to stretch points further without sacrificing comfort.

💰 Is the $229 Annual Fee Worth It?

Here’s my honest take:

• If you fly Southwest 2+ times per year, the perks easily outweigh the fee.

• If you value free bags, preferred seating, and upgraded boardings, this card delivers.

• If you’re chasing the Companion Pass, this card helps you earn qualifying points faster.

For our family, the math still works — I’m keeping the card for another year and will reevaluate next renewal.

👥 Who Should Consider This Card

This card is a great fit for:

• Families who fly Southwest a few times a year

• Travelers who want free bags + preferred seating

• Anyone working toward the Companion Pass

• People who value simple, flexible points

• Flyers who want upgraded boarding without paying out of pocket

If you love simple, flexible points for family trips — like our Zion National Park adventure — Southwest points are some of the easiest to earn and redeem.

🔁 Alternatives to the Southwest Priority Card

If you’re not sure this is the right fit, consider:

• Southwest Premier Card — lower fee, fewer perks

• Southwest Plus Card — budget‑friendly option

• Chase Sapphire Preferred — flexible points, great for beginners

• Chase Ink Business Cards — huge bonuses + points that transfer to Southwest

🧡 Final Thoughts

Even though we’re flying Southwest less often, the perks still add up for our family — especially with two Southwest trips already on the calendar. The free bags alone cover a big chunk of the fee, and preferred seating makes travel days smoother.

For now, the Priority card stays in my wallet. I’ll reassess next year as our travel patterns evolve.

👉 Interested in a Southwest Card?

If you’re thinking about adding a Southwest card to your wallet, you can check out the current offers using my personal referral link. If you use it, I may earn a bonus — and I always appreciate the support.

See the current Southwest card offers

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⭐ About the Author

Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she teaches families how to travel smarter using points, miles, and simple credit card strategies. She’s been travel hacking for over 20 years and has paid cash for only one plane ticket since 2019 — every other flight has been booked on points.

Julie travels 12–15 times a year with her husband Brandon, their sons Tanner and Finn, her parents (the unofficial mascots of the Retiree Travel Hub), and her best friends. Whether it’s a Southwest ski trip, a Princess spa day, or a last‑minute Europe deal, she shows readers how to make every trip count without overspending.

Follow along for real‑life strategies, beginner‑friendly tips, and the exact tools she uses to keep travel affordable and fun.