Southwest Launches Rapid Rewards Debit Card: What You Need to Know

Southwest Airlines has introduced a fresh offering in its loyalty lineup: the Rapid Rewards Debit Card. While debit-card affinity products aren’t common among major airlines, this card opens up new ways for everyday spenders (and those without credit card access) to earn points toward flights — including the coveted Companion Pass.

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💡 Key Card Details

Here’s a breakdown of what’s reportedly included with the new Rapid Rewards Debit Card:

• Welcome Bonus: Earn ~2,500 Rapid Rewards points after setting up two recurring direct deposits and spending $100 within the first 90 days.
• The ongoing earn structure:
  • 1 point per $1 spent on Southwest purchases, dining, subscriptions/streaming services, and select utilities.
  • 1 point per $2 spent on general purchases outside the elevated categories.
• Anniversary & Annual Bonuses: Each year, cardmembers may receive up to ~7,500 bonus points for certain spending thresholds and a 7,500-point annual Companion Pass–qualifying points bonus.
• Monthly Fee: A fee in the ~$6.99 range is disclosed, but it may be waived if a minimum average monthly balance (~$2,500) is maintained.
• Additional perks: No-fee ATM withdrawals within the Cirrus® network, and all points earned on the card count toward Companion Pass qualifying points.

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📊 Why This Move Matters

• Debit-card rewards products are relatively rare among major U.S. airlines; introducing one gives Southwest a unique angle, especially for cardholders who may prefer or only qualify for debit products.
• The ability to earn Companion Pass–qualifying points through a debit product is notable — especially for frequent Southwest flyers who aim to bring a companion along for free.
• Everyday spend categories such as dining and subscriptions now have an airline loyalty card route, expanding earning potential beyond flights and credit cards.

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⚠ Things You Should Know

• While the welcome bonus is worth a look, 2,500 points represent modest value compared to traditional credit-card sign-up offers.
• The elevated earn categories are limited; for many general purchases you’ll earn at a slower rate (1 point per $2) than premium credit cards provide.
• Maintaining minimum balance requirements to waive fees may be less attractive for some users.
• Because this is a debit product, card protections and benefits (like purchase protection or airline priority perks) may be weaker than credit-card counterparts.
• If your goal is maximum Rapid Rewards points or Companion Pass status, credit-card strategies may still outperform this debit route, depending on your spending profile.

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🧭 Who Should Consider It

• Southwest loyalists who fly the airline frequently and want another way to accumulate points — especially toward Companion Pass.
• People who prefer banking/debit solutions over credit cards or who may not want or qualify for a full credit-card product.
• Users with high spend in dining, streaming subscriptions, or utilities who want every dollar to earn points intelligently.

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🎯 Final Thoughts

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Debit Card expands the airline’s loyalty ecosystem in an interesting way. If you spend regularly in qualifying categories and can manage the balance and fee structure, the card offers new value — especially for those chasing the Companion Pass from alternative channels.

However, if your goal is maximum points or the richest credit-card benefits, it’s worth comparing this debit product to existing Rapid Rewards credit cards and your broader strategy.