The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority from Chase has a $229 annual fee and earns 3x points on Southwest, 2x on local transit, internet, cable, phone, and select streaming, and 1x on everything else. It gives 7,500 anniversary points, up to four upgraded boardings a year, and a free first checked bag, which matters more now that Southwest charges most flyers for bags. Figures are as of 2026. Confirm the current fee and welcome offer at Chase.
What the Southwest Priority earns
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $229 |
| Southwest purchases | 3x points |
| Transit, internet, cable, phone, streaming | 2x points |
| Everything else | 1x point |
| Anniversary | 7,500 points |
| Checked bag | First bag free |
The perks and details
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The Priority is built around Southwest flyer perks. You get 7,500 anniversary points each year, up to four upgraded boardings a year when available, a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight passengers on the same reservation, and 25% back on inflight Wi-Fi and drinks. Southwest ended free checked bags for most fares in 2025, so the card bag benefit is now a real saving. It is a Chase card, so it counts toward 5/24. Confirm the current credits at Chase.
The fee math
The fee is $229. The 7,500 anniversary points plus a free checked bag on a few trips offset most of it, and the upgraded boardings add value if you fly Southwest often. If you fly Southwest once or twice a year, the cheaper Plus card may fit better. Confirm the current fee and any welcome offer at Chase.
Compare the Southwest cards
See how the Priority compares with the other Southwest cards.
2027 changes. From January 1, 2027, the card earns 1 Southwest tier qualifying point per $1 with no cap, while welcome bonuses, anniversary points and category bonus points stop counting toward the Companion Pass. The pass itself moves to tier qualifying points: 95,000 for 3 Companion Pass trips, or Platinum (140,000) for unlimited trips. A-List becomes Silver and A-List Preferred becomes Gold. Cardmembers approved by December 2, 2026 can still count the welcome bonus toward a pass valid through 2027. Source: Southwest’s 2027 program page.
Who it fits and who it does not
It fits a frequent Southwest flyer who checks bags and wants earlier boarding and anniversary points. It fits less if you rarely fly Southwest, or if you are near your Chase 5/24 limit. Confirm current terms at Chase.
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FAQ
What is the Southwest Priority annual fee?
$229. Confirm the current fee and any welcome offer at Chase.
How many anniversary points does the Southwest Priority give?
7,500 points each year after your cardholder anniversary. Confirm current terms at Chase.
Is the free checked bag worth more now?
Yes. Southwest ended free checked bags for most fares in 2025, so the card first free checked bag is now a real benefit. Confirm current terms at Chase.
Last reviewed October 2026. We verify every rule, ratio, and figure against issuer terms and current reporting, and date each one. See our editorial standards for how we research and correct guides.
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