Southwest to give Rapid Rewards cardholders tier points for card spending from 2027

Southwest Airlines announced changes to its Rapid Rewards program on October 15, 2026. Two of them concern the co-branded credit cards the airline offers with Chase.

Beginning January 1, 2027, every Rapid Rewards credit cardholder, including holders of the Plus card, will earn 1 Tier Qualifying Point for each $1 spent on purchases with a Rapid Rewards card from Chase. Tier Qualifying Points count toward the airline's A-List and A-List Preferred status levels, so card spending will now contribute to reaching them.

Southwest also said a new premium Rapid Rewards credit card, issued by Chase, will launch in 2027. Holders of that card are slated to receive access to the Southwest Icon Lounge network. The airline described the lounge network as a partnership with Chase, with the first location at Nashville International Airport expected to open in late 2027.

The announcement does not state an annual fee, welcome offer, earning rates or an application date for the new premium card. It also does not list any changes to the fees of the existing consumer or business cards. The card-spend change applies to all Rapid Rewards cards from Chase, so it affects current cardholders without any action described in the release.