Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
On the criteria below, Chase Freedom Unlimited wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Chase
Chase Freedom Unlimited wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Chase Freedom Unlimited wins on first-year math, annual fee, and earning ceiling; Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card wins on foreign transactions.
Pick the Chase Freedom Unlimited if year-one math is your priority; take the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
3 vs 1- First-year math Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited is $99 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited earns more on its best category (5× vs 2×).
- Foreign transactions Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- Free
- $99
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $200
- —
- First-year net
- +$200
- $-99
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Chase Travel, Dining, Drugstores
- Airfare, Gas, Groceries
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- 3.00%
- None
- Reward currency
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.