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Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Southwest Rapid Rewards PlusChase | U.S. Bank Smartly Visa SignatureU.S. Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Annual Fee | $69 | $0 |
| APR | 19.49% - 27.99% | 17.49% - 27.49% |
| Signup Bonus | 40,000 points plus Companion Pass after spending $5,000 in 3 months | None publicly listed |
| Rewards Rate | 2X on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel/car partners, and local transit & commuting, 1X on everything else | 2% cash back on every purchase, up to 4% with qualifying U.S. Bank Smartly Savings balance |
| Credit Score | good | good |
| Pros | 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) | 2% unlimited cash back with no annual fee — matches Citi Double Cash Up to 4% back with qualifying U.S. Bank Smartly Savings balance 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers |
| Cons | Companion Pass from signup is limited-time offer Southwest flies domestically only (no international routes) 2X earn rate limited to Southwest and partner purchases | Best rates (3-4%) require U.S. Bank banking relationship with large balances No signup bonus publicly listed Limited to U.S. Bank ecosystem for maximum value |
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Verdict
Our Pick: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Both cards tie at 4.2/5, but At $69/yr, the value proposition is strong. The Southwest Plus is the entry point to the Southwest ecosystem. The Companion Pass promotion alone can save hundreds — a friend flies free on every booking for the rest of the qualifying year plus the next.