Earn 3x Southwest Miles on Dining With These Chase Credit Cards

Get more than just a lump-sum sign-up bonus with the Southwest credit cards by Chase.

While we spend a lot of time talking about transferable points, some of the best travel rewards credit cards are actually co-branded hotel and airline cards. With these options, you can directly earn hotel points or airline miles with your favorite brands.

Unfortunately, many co-branded travel cards simply don't compare with regular points cards when it comes to everyday spending categories. So, after you earn the sign-up bonus, your hotel or airline cards may sit around and gather dust.

The Southwest credit cards from Chase have found the best of both worlds. For a limited time, new cardholders not only earn a solid bundle of Southwest frequent flyer miles, but you'll also get a boost on one of the most popular, everyday spending categories. Read on to learn more about the bonus rewards for your dining purchases.

All three Southwest credit cards are eligible for the same sign-up bonus

Right now, all three of the Chase and Southwest co-branded credit cards earn the same two-part sign-up bonus. To start, you can earn 50,000 Southwest miles for spending just $2,000 on your new Southwest credit card in the first three months of opening your account, plus 50,000 points after spending $12,000 total on purchases in the first 12 months

Choosing the best Southwest card

Perhaps the best part of the current sign-up bonus is that all three of the Southwest credit cards from Chase are eligible for the same bonus. That means you don't have to go for the most expensive card just to make sure you get the best bonus. In fact, you could go for the cheapest option and earn the same exact bonus.

Moreover, all three cards have the same purchase rewards, offering 2x miles per point on every Southwest purchase, plus 1x mile per dollar on everything else. That said, don't discount the pricier card if you can take advantage of the extra perks. Here's a look at the three options:

1. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

The most expensive of the three Southwest cards from Chase, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card comes with a $149 annual fee. However, you'll get a number of benefits that the other two cards won't offer. For example, each year on your anniversary you'll receive 7,500 bonus miles (enough for a free domestic flight if used wisely).

Your extra annual fee will also come with an annual $75 Southwest travel credit, which you can apply to ticket purchases. Plus, when available, you'll enjoy four upgraded boardings each year. If you're a Southwest regular, this option could be well worth the annual fee.

2. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

If the $149 annual fee seems a little steep despite the perks, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is the next step down. The middle card of the pack has a $99 annual fee, making it a bit more affordable than its more expensive sibling. However, you'll receive fewer perks.

The annual anniversary bonus is smaller, for one thing; you'll only receive 6,000 miles on your anniversary. Additionally, there's no travel credit or upgrades available.

3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the most affordable of the three -- but also the least rewarding. While you'll get the same sign-up bonus and purchase rewards as the other two cards, this option has the fewest perks.

Specifically, although you'll still get an annual anniversary bonus with this card, it's only for 3,000 miles. And there's no travel credit or other special perks. If you're really interested in the sign-up bonus but don't travel Southwest regularly, this might be the best option.

Earn now, fly later

Vaccinations are ramping up and we're all itching to get back to our travels -- but we're not quite there yet. With the latest Southwest sign-up bonuses, you'll be able to spend the next year collecting miles so that you're ready to go as soon as it's safe to get back in the air. Since your Southwest miles don't expire, now is a great time to start stocking up.