Although I do not consider myself particularly loyal to any airline, I have sustained, and loved, my Priority credit card southwest rapid rewards® (see rates and rates) For several years.
The annual $ 75 flight credit and the 7,500 anniversary bonus (with a value of $ 101 for our August 2025 Valuations) More than compensated by the annual rate, even for a casual steering wheel of Southwest Airlines. Despite the The tumultuous chain of airline changes Earlier this year, I still keep the card.
But Southwest’s recent credit card renewal It is the drop that filled the glass.
Here is why I am canceling my Southwest card before the new annual rate reaches my account, and with what other cards I am considering replacing it.
Why am I canceling my southwest card
Not only is the Priority card The annual rate that increases by more than 50%, from $ 149 to $ 229, but the annual flight credit of $ 75, the most valuable benefit of the card, in my opinion, is disappearing, with nothing to replace it. The credit will no longer be part of the benefits of the card after December 31.
This upper level card does not even include a promotional flight discount once a year as the lowest annual rate Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier credit card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus credit card (see rates and rates).
The information for the premier credit card of Southwest Rapid Rewards has been independently collected by the type of points. The details of the card on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
What does the renewed priority card offer?
The highlight of the card change of the card is the ability to update to Southwest’s Orthogroom seats (Step to debut in 2026) within 48 hours after the game for me and up to eight colleagues, when they are available. This would be worth more if it often flew towards the southwest with a large family, but because we are usually only me and my partner once or twice a year, it does not seem worth the annual rate of $ 229.
Also, because Southwest Route Network It is mainly limited to flights within the USA and the Caribbean, the extra -legged space does not make as much difference as in, for example, a transatlantic flight.
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Another new benefit: Priority card holders can earn 2,500 level rating points (compared to 1,500) for $ 5,000 spent. But with how little I fly towards the southwest, it is unlikely that I approach the state anyway.
Similarly, the new profit structure, which includes 4 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases of the southwest (compared to 3 points per dollar) and 2 points per dollar spent on service stations and restaurants (compared to 1 point per dollar), I do not move the needle.
Since I have another Cards that earn rewards To the same or better rates in restaurants and gas, I only use my priority card for the occasional southwest ticket, so I do not see this as an improvement.
As a result, plan to cancel my card before the new annual rate appears on my card anniversary next spring.
It is clear that Southwest is trying to model, and his credit cards, in larger airlines, but still has a long way to go. In a couple of years, I can consider re -applied for a Southwest Credit Cardespecially if the airline has been built Stronger associations and incorporated more long distance flights.
Until then, here are the letters that I am considering filling the hole that remains in my heart, and my wallet, for my beloved southwest card.
Related: Is it worth the airline credit cards?
United explorer card
From my operations base, Denver’s International Airport (DEN) is a Hub of United Airlines, a Cobranded United card It is at the top of my list.
He Explorer United card℠ (see rates and rates) is comparable to Southwest priorityWith an annual $ 150 rate ($ 0 for the first year) and a free billed bag for the card holder and a travel companion.
I could drive me United mileageplus Balance with the 60,000 -mile welcome bonus (after spending $ 3,000 on purchases in the first three months, my account is open) and another 10,000 miles if I add a Authorized user In the first three months.
Together, those miles are worth approximately $ 910 according to our August 2025 Valuations.
Since it often reserves stays in short hotels, I hope to maximize cards of up to $ 100 in annual credits in prepaid hotels through United Hotels, which would help compensate for the annual rate. I could also use both of the card United Club Lounge Pass every year.
On the other hand, the rest of the “coupon book”
In addition, because we fly quite frequently, my husband already has the United Quest℠ card (see rates and rates).
The explorer provides some advantages that the search is not, but I am not sure that it makes sense to pay an annual rate for a second United card.
Related: 4 reasons why someone in your family needs a United credit card
Delta Card Skymiles Gold American Express
Delta Air Lines response to United explorer cardhe Delta Skymiles ® Gold American Express cardIt has an annual rate of $ 150, with an annual introductory rate of $ 0 the first year (see rates and rates) -And a 50,000 mile welcome offer after spending $ 2,000 on purchases in its first six months of card membership.
Skymile delta awards rates are not excellent, but this card would give me access to 15% discount on channels and the Pay with miles characteristic to help my miles go further.
Add that to the fact that I hold the American Express® Gold Card And I win members of membership of Amex, which can be transferred to Skymiles with a 1: 1 relationship, and this card could make a lot of sense.
Similar to the Explorer card, the Skymiles Gold offers a free reviewed bag and up to $ 100 in declaration loans for the prepaid hotel reserves of Delta Stays.
Revenue rates (2 miles per dollar spent in Delta, restaurants worldwide and American supermarkets; 1 mile per dollar spent on other purchases) are not special, but the advantages could make this card useful to carry in the long term.
My only deterrent element is the fact that Delta does not have a great presence in Den; I will have to investigate a bit to see what type of flights could book in Delta before submitting the application.
Related: 5 things you need to know about Delta Skymiles
Airplan Credit Card
The main US airlines. UU. They are not the only ones I am considering for my next credit card. Air Canada’s offer, the Aeropan® credit card (see rates and rates), it is also a contender.
One reason is that I can transfer all my coins to Air Canada Aeropan In a 1: 1 relationship: American Express membership rewards points, Chase Ultimate Rewards Points and Capital a mile.
Another is that Air Canada is a United partner, which means that there should be no shortage of awards flights outside my origin airport.
Currently, this card offers an attractive welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $ 4,000 on purchases in the first three months that your account is open, but the ongoing advantages could make it a valuable addition to my wallet in the coming years.
For an annual rate of $ 95, I was able to obtain valuable discounts on prize flights and a free check bag for me and up to eight companions.
In addition, he would get a temporary state of Aeropan 25K (and, therefore, Star alliance Elite Silver status) for the year I open the card and the following calendar year. If I decide to request the Airplan card, I will wait until the beginning of 2026 to maximize my temporary status.
End
The renewal of Rapid Rewards credit cards could be an improvement for southwest loyal ones, but disappointed this casual steering wheel of the southwest.
Fortunately, there are many alternatives with similar advantages and modest annual rates.
If you feel in the same way, look at our rounding The best credit cards in the airline and the The best cards to achieve elite status. Then, take into account things like your origin airport, the transfer partners of your credit card and your next travel plans before choosing the best for you.
For the rates and rates of Delta Skymiles Gold, click here.
