Just yesterday, I wrote about the fact that we’re seeing a flurry of new premium credit card launches. However, at the same time, issuers are also ramping up annual fees at the same time. Most recently, Chase ramped up the annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve all the way up to $795. Now, Chase will also be increasing annual fees on their co-branded credit cards with Southwest.
Southwest Credit Cards: Chase to increase annual fees
As per Doctor of Credit, Chase is about to increase annual fees on their co-branded lineup with Southwest.
| Credit Card Name | Annual Fee Previously | New Annual Fee | Percentage Increase |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card | $69 | $99 | 43% |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card | $99 | $149 | 51% |
|
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card |
$149 | $229 | 54% |
|
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card |
$99 | $149 | 51% |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card | $199 | $299 | 50% |
These annual fees increases come close on the heels of other increases that we’re seeing across the board from different issuers, particularly on premium credit card products.
| Issuer | Credit Card Launched/Relaunched | Date of Launch/Relaunch | New Annual Fee |
| Chase | Chase Sapphire Reserve | June 17, 2025 | $795 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business | June 17, 2025 | $795 | |
| American Express | Amex Platinum Card | Fall 2025 | *$895 |
| Business Platinum Card | Fall 2025 | *$895 | |
| Citi | Citi Strata Elite | July 27, 2025 | *$595 |
| * estimated/ to be confirmed | |||
The Pundit’s Mantra
While Chase will be adding new benefits to these cards, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more annual fee increases. Given the trend off late, I won’t be surprised if Chase refreshes their co-branded cards with Marriott as well, having already made changes to their United and Southwest lineup.
I currently do no have any co-branded airline credit card in my portfolio. I continue to carry the Amex Platinum Card (Charles Schwab version), in addition to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card by American Express. When it comes to Chase, I’ve carried the Chase Sapphire Preferred card for over 7 years and don’t intend to cancel it any time soon.
What’s your strategy going forward with co-branded Southwest credit cards? Do you plan to keep or cancel once the higher annual fees kick in? Tell us in the comments section.
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New Credit Card Offers
American Express Business Credit Cards
- Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards points with the Business Platinum Card
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Chase Sapphire Cards
- Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $500 statement credit with the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
- Earn 200,000 bonus points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card for Business
Co Branded Hilton Honors Cards
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- Earn 175,000 bonus points with the Hilton Business Card
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