Chase Southwest Airlines card
WARNING: The Southwest Airlines credit card is a popular choice for frequent fliers, but is the promotion for free flights too good to be true? Guess what... it's not! But there are still some important things you need to know in 2012 about the new program...

Southwest Airlines credit card review (the new Rapid Rewards Plus version)
The Southwest Visa cards are issued by Chase bank. Last year we saw the launch of the new Rapid Rewards Plus. It's available in both a consumer and business version.
Best Offer Available: Get a bonus of 25,000 points after your very first purchase
(that's enough for over $400 in "Wanna Get Away" airfare)
What is the annual fee?
The annual fee for this Southwest Airlines card is $69, which is comparable to many other airline credit cards. However unlike those other guys, this card comes with a recurring points bonus every year. On your cardmember anniversary you get 3,000 bonus points (that's enough to score you $50.00 worth of "Wanna Get Away" fares). So when you take that into account, the annual fee is actually quite reasonable.

How do the rewards work?
The old Southwest Airlines credit card rewards program was a bit more complicated. Fortunately the new program they launched in early 2011 is simpler and even better...
  • 1 point per $1 on regular purchases
  • 2 points per $1 on Southwest Airlines purchases (flights, in-flight food/beverage, etc)
  • 2 points per $1 at partner car rental companies:
Southwest car rental partners
  • 2 points per $1 at partner hotels:
Southwest hotel partners

As you can see there are quite a few hotels on that list! But what’s most impressive about the Southwest Airline credit card points is their value…
  • Many other credit cards: 10,000 points = $100.00 airfare credit
  • Southwest Airlines card: 6,000 points = $100.00 credit for "Wanna Get Away" airfare
    Note: Sept 11th security fee of up to $10 per round trip on reward flights.
WARNING: Don’t let other inferior airline cards screw you on rewards! When you run the numbers on the Southwest card, you will see a $350 "Wanna Get Away" flight is yours for only 21,000 points. Compare that to the typical 25,000+ mile minimum that many airline cards require for a free roundtrip flight.

Are there any special benefits?
Yes! If you have qualifying credit, you will be approved for the Visa Signature version. This tier of credit card offers the following benefits for free:
Purchase Security* – Have you ever bought an item, only to have something horrible happen to it days or weeks later? Eligible purchases made on your Southwest Airlines Visa Signature card are covered up to 90 days from date of purchase against theft, vandalism, fire damage, accidentally discharged water or certain weather conditions. At their discretion they will pay to repair, replace, or reimburse you – up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder.
Complimentary Concierge* – Enjoy free Visa Signature phone concierge service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver* – This benefit covers eligible rentals against collision damage and theft.
Lost Luggage Reimbursement* – When you use your Signature-version credit card to pay for the entire cost of an eligible common carrier ticket (i.e. airline ticket) there is coverage for your carry-on bags and checked luggage if they're lost or stolen, up to $3,000 per trip.
Travel Accident Insurance* – With a covered Visa Signature card, receive travel accident insurance when you pay for tickets (eligible common carrier tickets) in full using the card. This coverage applies to accidental death and dismemberment with up to $250,000 in coverage for eligible incidents.
*Check and confirm with Southwest Airlines credit card customer service for details, exclusions, and limitations. Benefits subject to change without notice.
Free bags?
Both your first AND second bags are free… yet another great reason to choose the Southwest Airlines credit card application!

Verdict?
With the new rewards program, benefits, and lucrative signup offer, without a doubt this credit card is a top choice for the airline-affiliated category.

Southwest Airlines Credit Card Promotion (sponsored)
This is the absolute best Southwest signup promotion you will find! After your very first purchase you will get enough points to score over $400 in "Wanna Get Away" airfare: