💳 Chase · Visa

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Travel Benefits Guide 2026

$69
Annual Fee
Lounge Access
Primary
Rental Coverage
~3%
Foreign Tx Fee

📌 At a Glance: Top Travel Perks

Travel Benefits Breakdown

Here's exactly what you get — and what you don't — when you use the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card for travel.

✈️ Lounge Access

This card does not include airport lounge access. Consider upgrading to a premium card or purchasing a Priority Pass membership separately.

🛂 Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit

No Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit on this card.

⏱️ Trip Delay Insurance

If your trip is delayed by 12+ hours, you're covered for up to $500/person in expenses.

Covers: meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, other reasonable expenses

Delay must be 12+ hours or require overnight stay. Up to $500 per ticket.

Must book travel with this card. Keep all receipts for reimbursement.

🚫 Trip Cancellation & Interruption

Reimburses up to $10,000/person (max $20,000/trip) if you must cancel or cut short your trip.

Covered reasons: illness, severe weather, jury duty, other covered reasons

Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

🧳 Baggage Insurance

Lost/stolen/damaged baggage: Up to $3,000/person

Checked bags: up to $3,000 | Carry-on: up to $3,000

Up to $3,000 per passenger for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage.

Delayed baggage: Up to $0/person after 6+ hours. Covers clothing, toiletries, medication, personal items.

🏥 Emergency Medical & Evacuation

✅ Emergency evacuation coordination covered (transportation costs covered).

Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: 24/7 referral services. Does not cover medical costs.

🚗 Rental Car Insurance

Primary coverage — this means you do NOT need to file with your personal auto insurance first. You can decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) at the counter and save $10–30/day.

Covers: collision damage, theft

Excludes: liability, personal injury

Eligible countries: Worldwide except certain excluded countries.

Primary auto rental CDW when you decline the rental company's collision coverage.

💡 Credit card travel insurance has limits

Credit card trip insurance typically doesn't cover medical emergencies abroad. For international trips, dedicated travel health insurance is recommended.

Browse travel health guides by country →

🌍 Foreign Transaction Fees

Foreign transaction fee applies — using this card abroad will cost you an extra 2–3% on each transaction. Consider using a different card for international travel.

Rewards Structure

1x Rapid Rewards points per $1
Base rate on all purchases
2x points at restaurants and food delivery services
Dining
2x points on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)

Point / Mile Values

  • Cash back / statement credit: ~1¢ per point
  • Travel portal redemption: ~1¢ per point
  • Transfer partners: Southwest Rapid Rewards

Pros & Cons for Travelers

👍 Pros

  • ✅ Primary rental car insurance — skip the CDW at the counter
  • ✅ Trip cancellation coverage (up to $10,000/person)
  • ✅ Trip delay coverage after 12+ hours
  • ✅ Emergency medical evacuation benefit
  • ✅ Low annual fee ($69) relative to benefits

👎 Cons

  • ❌ Charges foreign transaction fees (~2–3%) on international purchases
  • ❌ No airport lounge access
  • ❌ No Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit

🎯 Who Is This Card Best For?

Southwest beginners or casual flyers who want the entry-level card to earn Rapid Rewards points and work toward the Companion Pass

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