A reader asked me to recommend the best airline credit card for US travelers. He was surprised by my choice. But after listening to my rationale— and hearing about the unexpected perks of flying with my chosen airline— he was ready to apply.
We all want to save money. So I’m sharing with everyone my choice for the best airline credit card for US travelers. And I think you’ll agree it makes travel surprisingly more economical and convenient.
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Fly Free On Any Flight
The purpose of an airline’s branded credit card is to earn frequent flier miles (or points) you can exchange for free travel. But most airlines restrict the use of those miles to a limited number of (frequently inconvenient) dates and routes. And they further cap the number of seats available on those few eligible flights. Attempts to cash in can be extremely frustrating.
Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards Program is different. You can use your Rapid Rewards points for free travel on any flight. There are no blackout dates, and there’s no limit to the number of seats available per flight for purchase with points. And unlike most other airlines, the points you earn on Southwest never expire.
Southwest’s Distinctive, Money-Saving Features
Southwest also distinguishes itself with a generous baggage allowance. Each passenger can check two bags for free— golf bags included!
And the airline doesn’t charge you to change a reservation. If the new booking results in a higher fare, of course you pay the difference. But if the change results in a lower fare— whether in cash or Rapid Rewards points— you get a refund (in the form of a credit) for use on future reservations. You can even cancel a booking altogether and receive a full credit for re-use. And those credits don’t expire, either!
But those aren’t the only reasons I think Southwest offers the best airline credit card for US travelers.
Great International Destinations
Many people still think of Southwest as a domestic carrier. But the airline has an extensive international route map to enticing destinations. Among them are Belize, two cities in Costa Rica, and four vacation hot spots in Mexico. And if you’re partial to islands in the Caribbean, Southwest has you covered with flights to Aruba, the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Turks and Caicos. They even fly to Cuba.
Popular US Destinations
Southwest also flies to 42 of the 50 states. Florida and California are especially well-connected, with 11 and 13 destinations respectively. But did you know Hawaii joined the list in 2019, and service to the islands continues to expand? Other fun places include Las Vegas, Nashville, New Orleans, and Puerto Rico. National park lovers can hit Yellowstone with a flight to Bozeman, or Yosemite via Fresno. Popular major cities include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York and all three of Washington, DC’s airports.
Southwest doesn’t yet fly to Canada. But with service to Bellingham, WA it will get you within an hour’s drive of Vancouver, British Columbia. (Note this route will end in August 2024.) With all these appealing destinations in mind— 121 in all— you can see why free travel on Southwest is attractive.
Awesome Perks for Cardholders
And for cardholders, travel on Southwest is even better. The airline offers three types of personal cards, with annual fees ranging from $69 to $149. I use the Rapid Rewards Priority card, which at $149 a year more than pays for itself with perks. For one thing, I automatically receive 7,500 bonus points (valued at $105) on my card anniversary. But I also get a refund for the first $75 I spend on Southwest purchases in a calendar year.
Plus, I get a full refund for my first four upgraded boardings annually. (Upgraded boarding guarantees I’ll be among the first 15 passengers onto the aircraft during general boarding, which is a nice perk given Southwest’s open seating policy.) Since the starting price for upgraded boarding is $30, that’s an additional minimum value of $120. An annual fee of $149 that buys you at least $300 in perks is a great deal in my book. And I’m still earning all those points for free travel, too.
Note the Rapid Rewards Priority card also exempts overseas travelers from foreign transaction fees.
Compare the three types of cards and their annual fees and benefits here.
Earn Free Travel Fast
Every dollar spent with any Southwest credit card earns at least one— and sometimes two or three— Rapid Rewards points. And right now, Southwest offers each new cardholder 50,000 bonus points if he/she spends $1,000 in the first three months of a new account. That’s enough for two free round trips to most places Southwest flies.
Southwest also offers bonus points for vacation packages purchased at its website and for bookings with its hotel and rental car partners.
One Final Point in Southwest’s Favor
As a frequent flyer— for both personal and business travel— I’ve flown all the major carriers and many of the smaller ones. In my experience, Southwest consistently has the friendliest, most helpful ground and flight crews in the industry. And that’s probably the most valuable perk of all.
Do your own research, and I think you’ll reach the same conclusion. Southwest offers the best airline credit card for US travelers.
Planning to use your new Southwest credit card for a visit to one of the national parks? Save even more with my guide for obtaining free entry to every national park in the US.
