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Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card - FREE FLIGHT vs The Platinum Card® from American Express

Compare Rewards, Interest Rates, Fees, and Benefits

Southwest Credit Card is an excellent airline card for frequent domestic travelers. How does it compare to American Express Platinum Card, an airline status charge card? Read our comparison chart below.

Keep in mind, the Southwest Credit Card has a $69 annual fee, while the American Express Platinum Card has a $450 annual fee.


 Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card - FREE FLIGHTThe Platinum Card® from American Express
 Apply for Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card - FREE FLIGHTApply for The Platinum Card® from American Express
 

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card - FREE FLIGHT

The Platinum Card® from American Express

 Personal Credit CardPersonal Charge Card
 
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsBonus Airline RewardsNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on Rewards
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsInstant Approval
 
  • NOW! Earn a FREE FLIGHT after your first purchase
  • Get 3,000 Points every year on your Card member Anniversary that can be redeemed for a $50 Wanna Get Away® Fare
  • Now you can redeem for International Travel, Hotels, Gift Cards and more.
  • Earn unlimited FREE FLIGHTS - 2 Points per $1 Spent on Southwest Purchases and 1 Point per $1 Spent on EVERYTHING else
  • Your Bags Fly FREE! No Blackout Dates, Points Dont Expire, and Unlimited Reward Seats!
  • No Change fees if you need to change your flight, you wont be charged a fee
  • September 11th Security Fee Applies
  • 25,000 Membership Rewards® points bonus when you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership
  • GLOBAL Travel benefits: Access over 600 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select, no foreign transaction fees, skip U.S. customs lines with Global Entry.
  • Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.*
  • Receive a companion ticket for discounted travel when you purchase a qualifying First- or Business-Class international ticket. Additional charges/taxes apply.
  • 24/7 Platinum Card® Concierge service for assistance with reservations, travel, gifts, and more
  • FINE HOTELS & RESORTS Program: exclusive upgrades and amenities at over 700 boutique, resort, and luxury hotels worldwide
  • Use Membership Rewards Pay with Points for part or all of your travel and get 20% of
 

Card Interest Rates & Fees

Purchases APRas low as 15.24% (Variable) based on your creditworthiness and other factors 
Balance Transfers APRas low as 15.24% (Variable) based on your creditworthiness and other factors 
Annual Fee$69 annual fee$450 annual fee
 

Card Rewards & Benefits

Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsIntroductory Bonus Airline Rewards: Earn a FREE FLIGHT after your first purchase 
Introductory Bonus Reward Points Introductory Bonus Reward Points: 25,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership
Airline RewardsAirline Rewards: 2 Points per $1 Spent on Southwest Purchases and 1 Point per $1 Spent on EVERYTHING elseAirline Rewards: Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.*
Point Rewards Point Rewards: Earn 1 point for virtually every dollar spent.
Travel Rewards Travel Rewards: Use Membership Rewards Pay with Points for part or all of your travel and get 20% of those points back every time.
Bonus Airline RewardsBonus Airline Rewards: Get 3,000 Points every year on your Card member Anniversary that can be redeemed for a $50 Wanna Get Away® Fare 
Airline StatusAirline Status: Your 1st and 2nd bags fly free. Weight and size limits apply.Airline Status: Airport Club Access including American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, US Airways Club - Gain instant access for you and 2 companions whenever you fly at partner airport lounges around the world. In addition to your existing lounge privileges, you have access to Priority Pass™ Select, which offers entry to more than 600 participating airport lounges worldwide, no matter what class or airline you fly. Enroll on American Express website to receive your complimentary Priority Pass Select membership card.
 Go to issuer's official application, terms, and detailsGo to issuer's official application, terms, and details
 

CreditDonkey® Card Reviews

 Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card - FREE FLIGHTThe Platinum Card® from American Express
Pros & ConsPros:
  • Free flight after first purchase
  • 3000 anniversary points every year
Cons:
  • $69 annual fee
Pros:
  • Travel perks
  • 25,000 bonus points
  • Concierge service
Cons:
  • $450 annual fee
Bottom LineExcellent airline card for frequent domestic travelers... Read full reviewExcellent charge card for frequent travelers... Read full review
 Apply for Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card - FREE FLIGHTApply for The Platinum Card® from American Express

See issuer's website for details including terms and conditions. While reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate and updated information, the information shown on this site may vary, be out of date, or not applicable to you. All information is provided without warranty. When you click on the Apply Now button, you can review the terms and conditions on the issuer's website.

Blank fields indicate either the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the issuer's website for details.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Chase. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Chase, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase. This site may be compensated through Chase Affiliate Program.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.


Articles on Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card - FREE FLIGHT

    Southwest Credit Card Review: Free Flight Offer

    Southwest Credit Card Review: Free Flight Offer

    December 26, 2011 - By Neils - Review for Southwest Credit Card
    The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Visa Credit Card is offered through Chase and is a good travel points cards for customers who fly often within the United States.

    Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Chase. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Chase, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase. This site may be compensated through Chase Affiliate Program.


Articles on The Platinum Card® from American Express

    American Express Platinum Card Review: Annual Fee Worth It?

    American Express Platinum Card Review: Annual Fee Worth It?

    January 13, 2012 - By David R - Review for American Express Platinum Card
    The American Express Platinum Card is one of the most prestigious rewards cards in the market today. It is also one of the most expensive cards, with an annual fee of $450. In exchange for the high annual fee, the Platinum Card offers a number ...

    Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.


Compare Southwest Credit Card to:

United MileagePlus® Explorer
Apply for United MileagePlus® Explorer
  • Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles & first year free, a $95 value*
  • First checked bag is free for you and a companion when you fly United flights, up to a $50 value
  • Board your flight before general boarding with priority boarding privileges
  • Visit the United Club with two complimentary day passes every year, up to a $100 value
  • Earn 2 miles for each $1 spent on airline tickets purchased from United and 1 mile per $1 for everything else
  • Your miles don't expire and there is no limit to the number of miles you can earn
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsTravel RewardsBonus Airline RewardsNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on RewardsConciergeEventsCar Rental Insurance Purchase Protection
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
15.24% (Variable)
$95

Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
Apply for Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
  • Earn 30,000 bonus miles toward Award Travel when you spend $500 on the Card in the first three months from account opening
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
  • Check your first bag FREE - for up to 9 people on your reservation - on every Delta flight
  • Receive double miles on Delta purchases and 1 mile for all other eligible dollars spent
  • NEW — Priority Boarding and 20% In-Flight Savings
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsBonus Airline RewardsInstant ApprovalEventsCar Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase Protection$0 Fraud Liability Emergency Assistance
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
15.24% - 19.24% (Variable)
$95

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How to Choose the Best Airline Credit Card for You

Frequent Flyer If you’re want to rack up points or miles, look for airline credit card deals with lucrative bonus offers. If you fly frequently with one airline, signing up for a branded card with that company can be a good deal.

Compare American Express Platinum Card to:

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--N/A
Point RewardsTravel RewardsInstant ApprovalNo Pre-Set Spending Limit
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Events – select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more.
  • Purchase Protection* can protect eligible items for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if stolen or accidentally damaged. *Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company
  • Redeem Membership Rewards® points for an exclusive array of travel, shopping, dining and entertainment rewards.
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $125.
  • Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--
15.24% - 19.24% (Variable)
Introductory Bonus Hotel RewardsAirline RewardsHotel RewardsBonus Airline Rewards
  • Starpoints® BONUS: 10K with your first purchase and another 15K when you spend $5k within 6 months – enough for up to 6 free nights at a category 1 or 2 hotel.
  • Free nights, free flights: Redeem Starpoints with over 350 airlines through SPG Flights and more than 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. No blackout dates
  • 2011 SmarterTravel® Award for "Best Travel Rewards Card"
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65
Apply for Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
Chase Sapphire Preferred℠ Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred℠ Card

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--
15.24% (Variable)
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsBonus Reward Points
  • Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months - that's $500 toward travel rewards!
  • 2 points per dollar spent on travel and at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Get 20% off airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you book through Ultimate Rewards(SM)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Receive a 7% annual dividend on all new points earned - even on points already redeemed
  • 1:1 point transfer to participating frequent travel programs
  • Direct access to expert service advisors anytime
  • No Annual Fee for your first year - A $95 value
Apply for Chase Sapphire Preferred℠ Card

Relaxing Tips for Credit Card Use on Vacation

Ah, it’s time to get away for a week to relax on your vacation. But even on vacation, you have some responsibilities to manage your credit cards and your spending effectively.

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