There are many choices when it comes to credit cards nowadays and when people have their own reasons for choosing a particular card. In the way of an airline credit card the choice seems obvious: the travel rewards associated with the card. Most cards that are offered through the major issuers like Visa and MasterCard allows the user to make everyday purchases in order to build up frequent flier miles as well as other rewards but unequivocally the travel rewards are the biggest draw to airline cards.
Southwest Airlines is one such airline company that offers an airline credit card and is a rather popular choice for frequent fliers. The Southwest airlines credit card is a Visa and it issued by Chase Bank. If this is going to be a personal card you can apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Signature or if you need a company credit card for your business you can apply for the Visa Signature Business. Even with the popularity surrounding this card, when shopping around and in order to determine if this particular credit card is the right fit for you, let’s examine the pros and cons.
Pros: There are many reward based credit cards that charge an annual fee, which is merely a membership fee assessed to customers for the right to use the card, and there are some that do not charge a fee at all. However the annual fee to use the Southwest card is $69 and compared to many other airline miles credit card which may assess fees in excess of $100, the yearly fee Southwest charges is on the lower end.
Insofar as the rewards, Southwest offers very a very competitive reward system. For example, for every regular purchase you will receive 1 point for every dollar spent and for Southwest Airline purchases, affiliate car rental purchases, and affiliate hotel purchases you will receive 2 points for every dollar spent. However, here is where Southwest is a step above the competition; where with many other airline cards you have to accumulate 10,000 points in order to receive a $100 airfare credit; with Southwest 6,000 points equal a $100 Wanna Get Away airfare credit.
You can redeem your points for domestic as well as international travel, the points never expire, there are no blackout dates and unlimited reward seats. Also, you can redeem your points for auto rentals, hotel rooms, cruises, store gift cards, even theme parks.
Additionally Southwest airlines credit card offers a host of other benefits to its customers and they include but are not limited to: travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, purchase security, complimentary concierge, and auto rental collision damage waiver.
All of these perks are provided to the user at no extra cost. Another perk to consider is that with the Southwest card they will give you what is called an anniversary credit which is 3,000 points each year you renew your card. Another added bonus is as a promotion to new customers, Southwest will give you 20,000 bonus miles which equates to $333.33 worth of “Wanna Get Away” fares plus, after your first use you will get a $50 statement credit.
Cons: although the annual fee is one of the lowest in the industry, there still are companies that do not assess this fee. The variable APR is 14.24 on purchases and balance transfers, which is rather high and the Southwest card does not have a low or zero introductory rate which is generally customary for new customers.
If this sounds like an airline card you are interested in, simply go to Chase Bank’s website in order to apply.