Although I don’t think I’m particularly loyal to any airline, I have and have loved – Southwest RapidRewards® Priority Credit Card (See Rates and Fees) Years.
Even the flyer for Casual Southwest Airlines, even the annual flight credits valued at $75 each year and the 7,500th Anniversary Points bonus (our valuation of $101 in August 2025), is even more. Despite the turbulent changes in airlines earlier this year, I still retained this card.
But Southwest’s recent credit card remodel is the last straw.
That’s why I’m canceling the Southwest card before the new annual fee hits my account, and other cards I’m considering replacing it.
Why I Cancel My Southwest Card
Not only Priority card The annual fee has increased by more than 50%, from $149 to $229, but I think the annual $75 flight credit (the most valuable revitalization of the card I think) is disappearing without replacing it. After December 31, credit will no longer be part of the card’s benefits.
This top card does not even include annual promotional flight discounts, such as the lower grade fee Southwest Airlines RepadRewards® Premier credit card and Southwest RapidRewards® Plus Credit Card (See rates and fees).
Information on the Southwest Quick Reward Prime Minister’s Credit Card has been independently collected by Tocts Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
What does the modified priority card provide?
It seems the highlight of the card’s makeover is the ability to upgrade to Southwest’s super seats within 48 hours of my own departure (which will debut in 2026) and up to eight companions if available. It would be worth it if I often fly the Southwest with a large family, but since it’s usually just me and my partner once or twice a year, it doesn’t seem to be worth the $229 annual fee.
Additionally, since the Southwest route network is mostly limited to flights in the United States and the Caribbean, there is not as much extra legroom as it does in the transatlantic.
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Another new benefit: Priority cardholders can earn 2,500 tiers of qualifying (from level 1,500) per $5,000. However, since I have very little flight level with Southwest, it is unlikely that I will be close to status anyway.
Likewise, the new revenue structure, including purchases per dollar in qualified Southwest (increased from 3 points per dollar) and 2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants (increased from 1 point per dollar) that doesn’t bring me needles.
Since I have other cards that reward the same or higher for dining and gasoline rewards, I almost only use the priority card for the occasional Southwest ticket, so I don’t think it’s an improvement.
As a result, I plan to cancel the card before a new annual fee appears next spring on my card anniversary.
Apparently, Southwest Airlines is trying to model itself and credit cards on larger airlines, but there is still a long way to go. In a few years, I might consider reapplying for a Southwest credit card, especially if the airline has established a stronger partnership and incorporated more long-haul flights.
Before that, this is the card I was considering using my beloved Southwest greeting card to fill the remaining holes in my heart and the purse.
Related: Is the airline credit card worth it?
United Explorer Card
Since my local base, Denver International Airport (DEN), is a United Airlines hub, I ranked No. 1 on my list.
this United ℠Explorer Card (See rates and fees) with Southwest prioritiesannual fee is $150 ($0 for the first year), and a free check bag for a free cardholder and a travel companion.
I can increase my joint MiLeagePlus balance with a 60,000-mile welcome bonus (my account is open after spending $3,000 in the first three months), and another 10,000 miles if I add an authorized user in the first three months.
Based on our August 2025 valuation, these miles are worth approximately $910.
Since I often book short hotel accommodations, I hope to get up to $100 in annual credits on prepaid hotel bookings via United Hotels, which will help offset the annual fee. I can also use the card twice a year with the former United Club Lounge pass.
On the other hand, the “coupon” style credit for the rest of the Explorer card – for rides (annual choice required), car rental, JSX and Instacart (until December 31, 2027), is not very useful to me.
Plus, since we often fly fairly, my husband already holds UnitedQuest℠ Card (See rates and fees).
Explorer provides some benefits that tasks don’t have, but I’m not sure if it makes sense to pay an annual fee for the second joint card.
Related: 4 reasons why someone in your family needs a joint credit card
Delta Skymiles Gold American Express Card
Delta Air Lines’ answer United Explorer Cardthis DeltaSkymiles® Gold American Express Cardthere is an annual introductory annual fee of $150 – the first year of the year introductory annual charge (see Fees and Fees), and a 50,000-mile welcome after you spend $2,000 purchases within the first six months of a card member.
The reward rate for Delta Skymiles is not high, but this card will give me a 15% redemption discount and get a salary for the Miles feature to help me grow further.
Add to the facts I hold American Express® Gold Card And earn AMEX membership reward points that can be transferred to Skymiles at a 1:1 ratio, and this card may make sense.
Similar to the Explorer card, Skymiles Gold offers a free shipping bag that can be used for up to a statement lender for Delta Stay Prepaid Hotel reservations.
The income rate (2 miles per dollar spent in Delta, global restaurants and U.S. supermarkets; restaurants that cost 1 mile on other purchases) is nothing special, but the allowance can make this card a useful card for long-term carrying.
My only deterrent is that Delta has no huge presence on Den. I need to do some research to see what flights can be booked in the Delta before applying.
Related: 5 Things to Know About Skymiles in Delta
Aeroplan Credit Card
Major U.S. airlines aren’t the only ones I’m considering my next credit card. Air Canada products, Aeroplan® Credit Card (See rates and fees) is also a competitor.
One reason is that I can transfer all currencies to Air Canada Airlines in a 1:1 ratio: American Express membership bonus points, chase ultimate bonus points and capital one mile.
Another is that Air Canada is a partner of Manchester United, which means there are many reward flights departing from my airport.
The card currently offers an attractive 75,000 welcome bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months of your account opening, but the ongoing allowance may make my wallet a worthy addition for the years to come.
For just a $95 annual fee, I can offer myself and up to eight companions valuable discounts on reward flights and a free check bag.
Also, I will get temporary Aeroplan 25K status (and therefore Star Alliance Silver Elite identity) in the year when I open the card and the next calendar year. If I decide to apply for an Aeroplan card, I will wait until early 2026 to maximize my temporary status.
Related: PSA for International Travelers: That’s Why You Should Consider Air Canada and Chase Aeroplan Cards
Bottom line
The quick rewards credit card remodel might be an improvement for Southwest loyalists, but it disappoints this casual Southwest flyer.
Fortunately, there are many alternatives with similar privileges and modest annual fees.
If you feel the same way, check out our review of the best airline credit cards and the best cards to achieve elite status. Then think about things like your home airport, credit card transfer partners, and upcoming travel plans before choosing the one that suits you best.
For rates and fees for Delta Skymiles Gold, click here.
