Head to head

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card vs. Discover it Cash Back

On the criteria below, Discover it Cash Back wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

Chase

Discover it Cash Back

Discover

At a glance

Discover it Cash Back wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card wins on travel insurance; Discover it Cash Back wins on first-year math, annual fee, and earning ceiling.

Pick the Discover it Cash Back if year-one math is your priority; take the Discover it Cash Back if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

1 vs 3
  • First-year math Discover it Cash Back

    Discover it Cash Back wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Discover it Cash Back

    Discover it Cash Back is $99 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling Discover it Cash Back

    Discover it Cash Back earns more on its best category (5× vs 2×).

  • Travel insurance Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

    Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card carries built-in travel insurance.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$99
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
First-year net
$-99
+$0
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Airfare, Gas, Groceries
Rotating Quarterly
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
No
Elite status
No
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
None
Reward currency
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Discover Cashback

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.