Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Worth the $69 Annual Fee?
On rewards alone, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card never out-earns the no-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card — its $69 fee has to be justified by credits and perks, not the earn rates.
Rates verified 2026-05-12.
Method: we compare what the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card earns against the best no-annual-fee card in the same category — the Hilton Honors American Express Card — because the alternative to paying a fee is not earning nothing, it is a good free card. Full methodology.
Three spending levels
| Profile | Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | Hilton Honors American Express Card | After the $69 fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light spender ($1,200/mo) | $144/yr | $542/yr | −$467 behind |
| Typical spender ($2,400/mo) | $288/yr | $1,082/yr | −$863 behind |
| Heavy spender ($4,500/mo) | $540/yr | $2,030/yr | −$1,559 behind |
The breakeven curve
| Monthly spend | Margin vs. Hilton Honors American Express Card (after fee) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | −$235 | keep the free card |
| $1,000 | −$400 | keep the free card |
| $1,500 | −$566 | keep the free card |
| $2,400 | −$863 | keep the free card |
| $3,500 | −$1,227 | keep the free card |
| $5,000 | −$1,724 | keep the free card |
| $7,500 | −$2,552 | keep the free card |
Caveats that can move this math: 2X on Southwest purchases. Statement credits and perks are not counted unless you would have spent that money anyway.