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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
This comparison aims to help you decide between the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card. Both cards offer unique benefits tailored to specific travel preferences and spending behaviors. Understanding their features will assist you in making an informed choice based on your financial goals and travel habits.
Card Overviews
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers who prefer staying at IHG Hotels & Resorts. With a robust rewards program, cardholders can earn points on various purchases while enjoying benefits like free night stays and elite status.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card caters to loyal Southwest Airlines travelers. It offers a competitive rewards structure for airline purchases, along with travel credits and benefits that enhance the flying experience.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $99 | $149 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months | Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | Up to 26 points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels; 5 points on travel, gas, and restaurants; 3 points on all other purchases | 3X points on Southwest® purchases; 2X points on local transit, commuting, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Additional Benefits | Anniversary Free Night, Automatic Platinum Elite status, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit | $75 Southwest® travel credit each year, 7,500 anniversary points |
Rewards Highlights
- Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Pros and Cons
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Pros:
- High rewards potential at IHG properties
- Valuable welcome bonus
- Automatic elite status
- Anniversary Free Night benefit
- Cons:
- Annual fee may be a consideration for some users
- Best value is primarily for IHG loyalists
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Pros:
- Strong rewards on Southwest purchases
- Annual travel credit helps offset the annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Bonus anniversary points each year
- Cons:
- Limited redemption options compared to hotel rewards
- Annual fee is higher than many other airline cards
Who Should Consider Which Card?
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Ideal for travelers who frequently stay at IHG properties and want to maximize hotel rewards and benefits.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Best suited for loyal Southwest Airlines customers who travel often and want to earn points on airline purchases and enjoy additional travel credits.
Conclusion
Both the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offer valuable rewards and benefits. It's essential to consider your individual needs, travel habits, and spending patterns to make the best choice for your financial goals.