Why Im Ditching My Southwest Credit Card for Better Options

After several years of enjoying the benefits of my Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, I’ve decided to cancel it. While I’ve never been particularly loyal to any airline, the perks of this card have suited my occasional travel needs—until now. With recent changes to the card’s structure and benefits, it no longer meets my expectations or travel habits. Here’s a breakdown of my decision and the alternatives I’m considering.

The first major red flag came when I learned that the annual fee for the Priority card is increasing from $149 to $229—a more than 50% hike. To make matters worse, the $75 annual flight credit, which I considered the card’s most valuable perk, is disappearing entirely as of December 31. This flight credit significantly offset the annual fee, especially for someone like me who only flies Southwest a few times a year.

Moreover, the revamped card lacks many of the appealing benefits that I had come to expect. Unlike the lower-tier Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier and Plus cards, the Priority card won’t even offer a once-per-year promotional flight discount. The highlight of the new benefits seems to be the option to upgrade to extra-legroom seats for myself and up to eight companions, but as someone who usually travels with just my partner, this perk feels less valuable, especially given Southwest’s limited route network primarily within the U.S. and the Caribbean.

Additionally, the new earning structure—4 points per dollar on eligible Southwest purchases and 2 points per dollar on gas and dining—doesn’t significantly impact my spending habits. I already have other credit cards that offer better rewards rates for those categories. With my limited use of Southwest, I’m not likely to reach any meaningful rewards or status, making the new structure feel underwhelming.

Given these changes, I’ve decided to cancel my Southwest card before the new annual fee takes effect next spring. While I may consider reapplying for a Southwest credit card in the future if their offerings improve, for now, I’m exploring other options that better align with my travel habits.

One of the top contenders on my list is the United℠ Explorer Card. As a Denver International Airport (DEN) hub traveler, this card offers a comparable annual fee of $150 (waived for the first year) and includes a free checked bag for myself and a companion. The welcome bonus of 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months is enticing, and I could earn an additional 10,000 miles by adding an authorized user. The potential value of these miles is approximately $910, according to recent valuations.

The United Explorer Card also provides up to $100 in annual credits on prepaid hotel bookings through United Hotels, which could help offset the annual fee. However, some of the card’s additional perks, like credits for ride-hailing services and rental cars, don’t particularly appeal to me since I don’t often use those services. My husband already holds the United Quest℠ Card, which may complicate the decision to add another United card.

Another option I’m considering is the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. With a $150 annual fee (also waived for the first year), this card offers a welcome bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first six months. Although Delta’s award rates aren’t the most competitive, the card provides a 15% discount on redemptions and the Pay with Miles feature, which could enhance the value of my miles.

The Delta Gold card also includes a free checked bag and up to $100 in statement credits for Delta Stays prepaid hotel bookings. The earning structure—2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets—while not exceptional, could still be useful, especially since I also hold the American Express® Gold Card, allowing me to transfer Membership Rewards points to SkyMiles.

Lastly, I’m exploring the Aeroplan® Credit Card from Air Canada. This card allows me to transfer various rewards currencies at a 1:1 ratio, including American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Capital One miles. The Aeroplan card currently offers a generous 75,000-point welcome bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months. With a $95 annual fee, it also provides valuable discounts on award flights and a free checked bag for myself and up to eight companions.

Importantly, opening this card would grant me temporary Aeroplan 25K status, which translates to Star Alliance Silver elite status for the year of opening and the following calendar year. I plan to wait until early 2026 to apply for this card to maximize the benefits of the temporary status.

While the recent changes to the Rapid Rewards credit card may appeal to dedicated Southwest flyers, they’ve left casual travelers like me seeking alternatives. Fortunately, there are several credit cards available that offer similar perks and reasonable annual fees.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, I recommend reviewing the best airline credit cards and considering factors like your home airport, travel plans, and credit card transfer partners before making a decision. Your travel experience can be significantly enhanced by choosing the right credit card, so take the time to find one that aligns with your needs.

In conclusion, while I’ve enjoyed my time with the Southwest credit card, the recent changes prompted my decision to explore other options that better fit my travel lifestyle. Whether it’s the United Explorer, Delta SkyMiles Gold, or Aeroplan card, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in my travel journey.