Choosing between the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card ($95/yr) and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card ($149/yr) comes down to where you spend most. Both cards can deliver real value — let’s break it down, then run your numbers to find the winner.
Strongest in travel at 5% via portal. 5x points on travel through Chase Travel, 3x on dining and online groceries, 2x on other travel.
Perfect if: You're comfortable booking through the issuer's portal for the best rate.
Apply NowStrongest in travel at 3%. 3x on Southwest purchases, 2x on groceries and restaurants up to $8,000/year.
Perfect if: You want a strong rewards rate with no spending caps to worry about.
Apply Now| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $149 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 75,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months | 50,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 0% |
| Base Reward Rate | <strong>1.0%</strong> | <strong>1.0%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | <strong>5%</strong> | 3% |
| Dining Rewards | <strong>3%</strong> | 1% |
| Groceries Rewards | <strong>3%</strong> | 1% |
| Key Benefits | 5x points on travel through Chase Travel, 3x on dining and online groceries, 2x on other travel. | 3x on Southwest purchases, 2x on groceries and restaurants up to $8,000/year. |
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card pulls ahead for travel, dining, groceries spending.
The $54/year fee difference means Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card needs to earn at least that much more in rewards to justify its cost.
Not sure which fits your life? Enter your spending below and we’ll do the math.
Enter your typical monthly spending and we’ll show you exactly which card earns more — including fees and bonuses.