Latest news with #RapidRewards
CNBC
6 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Southwest offers new 100,000-point bonus as it revamps its credit cards
Southwest Airline's seating policy isn't the only thing that's changing; the airline and Chase announced updates to the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards — adding enhanced benefits like pre-flight seat selection and early boarding, new earning categories and a welcome bonus any loyal Southwest flyer would love. For a limited time, now through Sep. 17, new Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier or Plus consumer credit cardmembers can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first five months from account opening. This is double the previous welcome bonus of 50,000 points, and it marks Southwest's best points offer this year. Along with the additional perks come other costs: card annual fees are increasing and Southwest will be expiring a few current benefits and reward categories. Here's a breakdown by card: Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent Saint offers three packages for credit repair services and a 90-day money-back guarantee for services. It has received an A rating and is accredited by the Better Business Credit People's Credit Report Repair service is relatively affordable compared to other programs in the space. Even the most basic package (the standard package) includes unlimited challenges to all three credit bureaus. Upgrading to the premium package includes escalated disputes and monthly credit score reports and score refreshes. On Chase's site On Chase's site Good to Excellent670–850 19.99% - 28.49% variable $99 Earn 100,000 points. See rates and fees. Terms apply. Member FDIC. Read our Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card review. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is an affordable card that makes sense for the occasional Southwest $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus annual fee is rising from $69 to $99, a $30 hike. Good to Excellent670–850 20.49% - 27.49% variable $149 Earn 100,000 bonus points. Terms apply. Information about the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication. Read our Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card review The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is Southwest's mid-tier card and is valuable if you regularly travel to or from destinations Southwest serves.5%, minimum $5 The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier annual fee is increasing from $99 to $149, a $50 rise. On Chase's site On Chase's site Good to Excellent670–850 19.99% - 28.49% variable $229 Earn 100,000 points. See rates and fees. Terms apply. Member FDIC. Read our Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card review. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a perfect fit for serious Southwest fans who can easily maximize its benefits like upgraded boardings and an annual travel Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority annual fee is being hiked from $149 to $229, an $80 increase. Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability. Good to Excellent670–850Earn 75,000 bonus points On Chase's site See rates and fees. Terms apply. Good to Excellent670–850Earn 75,000 miles Terms apply. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Business is currently unavailable for new users, but carries a $99 annual fee. On Chase's site On Chase's site You can earn unlimited tier qualifying points for spending with this card. Good to Excellent670–850 19.99% - 28.49% variable $149 Earn 60,000 points See rates and fees. Terms apply. Member FDIC. Read our Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card review The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card can help your business save on Southwest travel but offers less value for other $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business annual fee is increasing from $99 to $149, a $50 rise. On Chase's site On Chase's site Every account anniversary year you'll receive a 9,000-point bonus. Good to Excellent670–850 19.99% - 28.49% variable $299 Earn 80,000 points See rates and fees. Terms apply. Member FDIC. The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is Southwest's most premium business credit card and can be incredibly rewarding for frequent flyers, especially those chasing the Southwest Companion Pass or other Southwest elite $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business annual fee is being bumped up from $199 to $299, a $100 increase. If you fly on Southwest with some frequency, chances are you'll be able to get some extra value out of these cards. Not only will you have opportunities when you book with Southwest, but with the addition of new rewards categories, you have more opportunities to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards, which can be redeemed for valuable rewards like flights and hotel stays. The Southwest cards are losing some benefits in categories like transit, internet and phone services, plus increasing annual fees. While a Southwest credit card may still make sense if you frequently travel with Southwest, it might be harder to earn rewards points if you don't often spend in the new rewards categories. Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox. Sign up here. At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chase and Southwest Airlines® Introduce New Benefits on Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards evolve to complement Southwest Airlines' new Customer experience, offering Cardmembers more value, new accelerated earn categories and elevating their travel with Southwest® To celebrate, through September 17th, new Southwest Rapid Rewards Consumer Credit Cardmembers can earn 100K bonus points, the best Rapid Rewards points offer this year WILMINGTON, Del. & DALLAS, July 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Chase and Southwest Airlines Co. launch new and enhanced benefits on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards from Chase. The Cards' benefits and new earn categories now make everyday spending and flying with Southwest Airlines even more rewarding and reflect the airline's new Customer experience. Providing Cardmembers with more value, choice, flexibility and comfort, the new Card benefits include first checked bag free, pre-flight seat selection and upgrades to Extra Legroom seats with any fare bundle, as well as earlier boarding. Cardmembers can also earn more points on new everyday spending categories including on qualifying gas station, grocery store and restaurant purchases. To celebrate the launch, through September 17th, new Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier or Plus Consumer Credit Cardmembers can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 5 months from account opening – the best points offer this year. "Our Customers love the exceptional value they get from our award-winning Rapid Rewards program," said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President Customer & Brand at Southwest Airlines. "We're rewarding our credit Cardmembers with new benefits, making it easier to earn points and exclusive options to elevate their travel experience." "The changes we are making to our Rapid Rewards Credit Card portfolio will meet the new needs of Southwest travelers and provide greater value to our Cardmembers," said Chris Cracchiolo, President of Co-Brand Credit Cards at Chase. "As Southwest continues on its transformational journey, we are proud to be their partner and together will ensure that being a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember remains one of the most rewarding ways to fly with Southwest." Cardmembers continue to receive many benefits they love, including anniversary bonus points, accelerated earn on Southwest flights, an exclusive one-time boost of 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points per calendar year, a 25% discount on inflight purchases and access to exclusive Rapid Rewards® Access Events. Certain Cards also continue to earn points towards Tier Status, with the Priority and Performance Cards now earning 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) towards A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually, previously 1,500 TQPs. Existing earn categories across the Card portfolio, including the ability to earn 2X points on internet, cable and phone services, Rapid Rewards Hotels and Car Rental Partners and more, are available through the end of the year. Plus and Premier Consumer and Business Cardmembers continue to have access to their two EarlyBird Check-In®s, and Priority and Performance Cards continue to have access to their four Upgraded Boardings for flights operating in 2025. The exciting updates take effect today for new and existing Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. New Benefits for Southwest Rapid Rewards Consumer Credit Cards The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card ($229 Annual Fee) features new benefits such as: Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 4X points on Southwest Airlines eligible purchases, previously 3X points 2X points at gas stations and restaurants, with no annual cap Standard or Preferred seat selection at booking, when available for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Unlimited upgrades to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours prior to departure, when available and at no additional charge, for the Cardmember and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, can board in Group 5 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) towards A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually, previously 1,500 TQPs Find additional benefits and details here The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card ($149 Annual Fee) offers new benefits including; Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 2X points on first $8,000 in combined spend at grocery stores and restaurants each anniversary year Standard or Preferred seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available, for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, can board in Group 5 One promotional code for a 15% flight discount each anniversary year (except Basic fare) Find full list of benefits and additional details here The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card ($99 Annual Fee) offers the following new benefits: Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 2X points on first $5,000 in combined spend at gas stations and grocery stores each anniversary year Standard seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available, for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, can board in Group 5 One promotional code for a 10% flight discount each anniversary year (except Basic fare) No foreign transaction fees Find full list of benefits and additional details here New Benefits for Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Credit Cards The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card ($299 Annual Fee) provides rewards across every step of a business trip, including: Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 2X points on spend at gas stations and restaurants, with no annual cap 2X points on all hotel purchases 2X points on local transit, rideshare and commuting Standard or Preferred Seat Selection at booking, when available, for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Unlimited upgrades to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours prior to departure, when available and at no additional charge, for the Cardmember and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, can board in Group 5 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) towards A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually, previously 1,500 TQPs Find additional benefits and details here The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card ($149 Annual Fee) new benefits include: Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 2X points on first $8,000 in combined spend at gas stations and restaurants each anniversary year Standard or Preferred Seat Selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available, for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservations, can board in Group 5 2,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) towards A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually, previously 1,500 TQPs Promotional code for a 15% flight discount each anniversary year (except Basic fare) Find additional benefits and details here The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Business Card ($99 Annual Fee) offers the following new benefits: Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 2X points on first $5,000 in combined spend at gas stations and restaurants each anniversary year Standard seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available, for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, can board in Group 5 Promotional code for a 10% flight discount each anniversary year (except Basic fare) No foreign transaction fees Find additional benefits and details here Existing Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmembers' annual fees will be adjusted on their 2026 Anniversary date. Seating and boarding benefits will roll out when Southwest begins selling assigned seating on July 29, 2025, and operating with assigned seating on January 27, 2026. To learn more about Southwest's reimagined Customer experience, please visit To learn more about Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase, please click here. About Chase Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America with assets of $4.6 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves more than 85 million consumers and 7 million small businesses, with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: Nearly 5,000 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, nearly 15,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to About Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. By empowering its more than 72,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 140 million Customers carried in 2024. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting 1 Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q1 2025 2 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of June 30, 2025 View source version on Contacts Media Contacts Chase Card Services Stephanie Scorzelli, Chase Southwest Airlines Visit the Southwest Newsroom at for multimedia assets and other Company news. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-boarding-southwest-airplane-SWBOARDING0725-5755de9262514313bfc2e02312fde3bb.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
24-07-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
Southwest Airlines Reveals Details About Its New Seating and Boarding Policy
Southwest Airlines will debut its new assigned seating policy in January 2026, bringing an end to the airline's once signature process of open seating. The airline's new boarding procedure will go into effect for flights scheduled on and after Jan. 27, 2026, according to Southwest, during which passengers will board through group zones and sit in assigned seats. While the process won't fully roll out until next year, travelers will be able to start booking tickets and reserving seats for after the January launch starting July 29. 'Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our Customers, including the ability to select Extra Legroom seats, and removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin,' Tony Roach, the executive vice president for customer and brand at Southwest, said in a statement. 'This is an important step in our evolution, and we're excited to pair these enhancements with our legendary Customer Service.' When travelers are able to choose their seat will vary depending on the type of fare they book and if they are members of Southwest's loyalty programs. Rapid Rewards Credit Card members, for example, will be able to select a seat at booking or within 48 hours of their scheduled departure (depending on which card they hold), while A-List and A-List Preferred customers will be able to select their seat at booking, all regardless of the type of fare they purchase. In addition, passengers will also have the option of purchasing a seat upgrade. Southwest said the seating policy change will offer customers more options and control over their travel experience. The new boarding process will include several groups. Top-tier loyalty members and those with premium seats will board first, while passengers traveling on a "basic" fare will board last. The new policy has been the talk of the travel industry since as early as April 2024 when speculation started to spread as executives, including CEO Bob Jordan, made comments about the future of the airline. This is also not the first major change for Southwest this year. In May, the airline ended another long-enjoyed (and often tested) perk: its 54-year-old policy of offering free checked bags. However, travelers who are members of Southwest's loyalty program—as well as credit card holders—can still enjoy free bags when they fly. That same month, Southwest overhauled its fare classes, introducing new options of "Choice Extra," "Choice Preferred," "Choice," and "Basic."
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
American Airlines Flight Cuts Rumors Explained: Is it real or fake? Here's all details
American Airlines Flight Cuts Rumors Addressed American Airlines Issues Clarification Over Flight Cuts Rumors Live Events Airlines See Decline in Domestic Travel Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating New Baggage Fees at Southwest FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The airline has responded to growing speculation about large-scale flight cancellations set for next month. At the same time, Southwest Airlines is introducing changes to its longstanding policies. These developments highlight the current shifts in the US airline industry, shaped by declining domestic travel and changing customer were online reports that American Airlines would cancel hundreds of flights in August. Social media and local news said flights out of Chicago's O'Hare airport were being reported that the number of weekly flights from Chicago to Dallas Fort-Worth would drop from 98 to 85. Other reported reductions included routes between Chicago and cities like El Paso, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and New York's LaGuardia Airport. Six weekly flights between Chicago and LaGuardia were reportedly cut. American Airlines denied that these reductions were new. A spokesperson told The U.S. Sun, 'American has not made any recent adjustments to its flight schedules for August.'The spokesperson added that the airline currently offers up to 6,700 daily flights. This is more than any other US airline and is part of efforts to connect travelers during the late summer schedules remain unchanged, American Airlines acknowledged a drop in domestic travel. CEO Robert Isom told CNBC that domestic leisure travel declined starting in trend came as concerns about a possible recession emerged. Many linked it to economic uncertainty following former President Donald Trump's tariff Jordan, the CEO of Southwest Airlines, said the decline was quick and noticeable. He said, 'That is a very rapid fall-off. It's probably the most that I have seen absent Covid.'Jordan also said the drop may have been driven by the tariff-related economic news. He added that the trend could still American Airlines clarified flight rumors, Southwest Airlines announced policy changes. Southwest will phase out its open seating policy by early 2026. This change has led to criticism from long-time passengers said they preferred open seating and may avoid Southwest in the future. The policy was one feature that made the airline different from also introduced fees for checked baggage in May. Customers now pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. However, members of Southwest's Rapid Rewards program still receive two checked bags for Jordan told The New York Times that change can be challenging. He also said the move was based on customer demand for more stated, 'If you don't follow your customers, you look up one day and your products just aren't attractive any longer.' Jordan said the new fee model is about giving travelers more American Airlines said it has not made any recent changes to its August flight will end its open seating policy and introduce checked baggage fees for most passengers.
Newsweek
22-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Southwest Airlines Makes Booking Change From July 29: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Southwest Airlines will be making a major change to its onboard seating at the end of July. America's fourth largest airline has confirmed it will transition to assigned seating, ending its unique open seating policy that has characterized the airline for more than five decades. Starting July 29, customers can begin booking tickets with seat assignments for flights departing January 27, 2026, and later. Southwest's open seating distinguished it from competitors, but seat selection fees and new fare options could boost the company's revenue by $800 million in 2025 and $1.7 billion in 2026. Why it Matters The seating refresh comes as the airline makes various changes, including introducing new charges for checked bags, which went into force earlier this year. The introduction of assigned and premium seating ends an era at Southwest, bringing its model more in line with other major U.S. airlines. The airline expects this shift to improve customer experience, provide seating certainty, and create new revenue streams, a move driven by evolving passenger preferences and industry trends. What To Know Passengers booking Southwest flights for January 27, 2026, onwards will be able to select their seats when they purchase tickets, with options ranging from standard to extra legroom at various price points. The airline is also moving to a new system with eight boarding groups, determined by a mix of seat location, passenger status, and other criteria. While loyal Southwest flyers and premium seat holders will board first. Here's how it breaks down: Groups 1 and 2 will be reserved for A-List Preferred Members and passengers who purchase an upgrade to extra legroom seat. Groups 3 through 8 will board based on seat location. Travelers with qualifying credit cards, including Rapid Rewards cardholders, will be guaranteed boarding in Group 5 or earlier. The airline is also reconfiguring aircraft to increase cabin comfort, including installing new seats with more cushioning and headrests. Southwest Boeing 737-800 airplane at Dallas Love Field airport (DAL) in the United States on November 9, 2022. Southwest Boeing 737-800 airplane at Dallas Love Field airport (DAL) in the United States on November 9, 2022. GETTY What People Are Saying Tony Roach, executive vice president of Customer & Brand at Southwest, said: "Our customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience. Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our Customers—including the ability to select Extra Legroom seats—and removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin. This is an important step in our evolution, and we're excited to pair these enhancements with our legendary Customer Service." Stephanie Shafer Modi, managing director of fares and ancillary products at Southwest, told CNBC: "We wanted to make sure that, as we designed a boarding construct that sort of paired well with assigned seating, that we were optimizing for efficiency, but also the second priority: balancing that with making sure that we're taking care of our most loyal customers, so tier members, cardholders and customers who buy our most premium products." The reaction from social media users has been varied, with some praising the move, while others have said it could have downsides. X user Ryan Smyth wrote: "As someone who loathes Southwest's current seating policy—welcome change. Open seating punishes business travels that often have to operate on tight time frames—which means I always end up in a middle seat in the back of the plane. I'll gladly pay more to avoid that nonsense." X user Patrick Daugherty wrote: "Like many, I have had a love/hate with Southwest's seating policy over the years, but it was so far ahead of its competitors when it came to making it easy to sit with your (large) family." What Happens Next Ticket bookings with assigned seats open July 29, with changes taking effect January 27, 2026. Southwest has yet to announce specific seat selection fees, which are expected to vary by route, seat type, and demand.
