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Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Chase Freedom UnlimitedChase | Southwest Rapid Rewards PlusChase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $69 |
| APR | 18.24% - 27.74% | 19.49% - 27.99% |
| Signup Bonus | $250 bonus after spending $500 in 3 months | 40,000 points plus Companion Pass after spending $5,000 in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 5% on travel via Chase, 3% on dining & drugstores, 1.5% on everything else | 2X on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel/car partners, and local transit & commuting, 1X on everything else |
| Credit Score | good | good |
| Pros | 1.5% base rate beats most flat-rate cards 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers Pairs perfectly with Chase Sapphire for point transfers | Companion Pass with signup bonus — a friend flies free on every trip Low $69 annual fee for an airline card 25% back on in-flight purchases and 2 free checked bags (Southwest standard) |
| Cons | 3% foreign transaction fee Points worth more when paired with a Sapphire card No premium perks | Companion Pass from signup is limited-time offer Southwest flies domestically only (no international routes) 2X earn rate limited to Southwest and partner purchases |
| View Details → | View Details → |
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Verdict
Our Pick: Chase Freedom Unlimited
With a 4.6/5 rating, the Chase Freedom Unlimited edges out the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus (4.2/5). No annual fee makes it easy to justify. The Freedom Unlimited is the best no-fee companion card. With 1.5% on everything plus 3% on dining, it earns strong rewards solo — and becomes elite when paired with a Chase Sapphire for point transfers.