latest SWA RR Premier VISA offer

[dznyacct]

So, I was on SWA's website looking at flights to Florida for my snowbird parents and I saw the offer for the Rapid Rewards Premier VISA. 50,000 points after your first purchase, 6,000 points on your anniversary and an annual fee of $99. I had looked at getting a RR VISA a few weeks ago and called SWA with some questions. At that time I was told that if I called SWA and they transferred me to Chase, I would receive an additional 5,000 points . Well, I called SWA this afternoon because I wanted to make sure that I could use those 50,000 points to buy tickets for somone other than myself (DH, DS and DSGF for our WDW/DCL/WDW trip next May ). I was told that yes, I could . The SWA rep then transferred me to Chase. I was told by the Chase rep that there were no additional points for my call being transferred from SWA AND if I applied over the phone, I would only receive 25,000 points; the same number of points that they were offereing if you got a RR Plus VISA . I told her thank you and I would apply online . Well, I applied online and was instantly approved . If airfare ends up where I think it will, our flights to Orlando will be paid for . I just wanted to give you all a heads up about the difference in offers depending on how/where you apply .

 

[MissManda]

Good information! I saw that deal as well for the 50,000 points. I was planning on calling Chase to see if I could get a different Chase card that I rarely ever use switched to the SW Rapid Reward Card. I might not waste my time though and just apply on line to ensure I get the 50,000 points.

I was so excited when I saw this offer. I've been trying to decide to drive or fly (5 people) and this will definately make that decision much easier if I can get several tickets free!!!

 

[keishashadow]

As long as you're happy with the offer, then it's a great deal.

The $99 annual fee is a deal-breaker for me, combined with fact that Chase is involvedwho has a long history of raising interest rates on existing balances, certainly not a concern if you're the type to pay the balance.

DH & I each use our own account set up with Barclay to rack up points (signature visa AirTran branded cards). Waiting to see what happens when the merger details are settled

 

[maciec]

As long as you're happy with the offer, then it's a great deal.

The $99 annual fee is a deal-breaker for me, combined with fact that Chase is involvedwho has a long history of raising interest rates on existing balances, certainly not a concern if you're the type to pay the balance.

DH & I each use our own account set up with Barclay to rack up points (signature visa AirTran branded cards). Waiting to see what happens when the merger details are settled

I am an Airtran Visa holder as well. I applied for the SW RR card because this offer was too good to pass up. 50,000 miles will buy my family 4 RT tickets to Orlando. I'm not sure that I will keep the card yet or not. I am not crazy about Southwest.

 

[monarchsfan16]

As long as you're happy with the offer, then it's a great deal.

The $99 annual fee is a deal-breaker for me, combined with fact that Chase is involvedwho has a long history of raising interest rates on existing balances, certainly not a concern if you're the type to pay the balance.

Just so you know, that annual fee pays for itself. You get 6,000 points every year on your card member anniversary. That's equivalent to $100 in airfare.

 

[MissManda]

I mainly signed up for the 50,000 points. When travelling with a party of 5 people to Disney next summer, those points will go a long way and will cut costs tremensously. If prices stay close to what they are now, I can get at least 4 round trip tickets with these points. Not so much worried about the annual fee. The card can always be cancelled. If we keep it, I figure that the 6,000 point you get every year offsets the cost (as long as you use those points). We normally fly Air Tran but with them changing over to SW, we might end up using SW more often and the card might come in handy in the future as well.

 

[keishashadow]

Just so you know, that annual fee pays for itself. You get 6,000 points every year on your card member anniversary. That's equivalent to $100 in airfare.

Only if you use them and the price is right. I've been known to gift the set of tix of $50 vouchers i get from AT to family members when SWA works out more economically and when i have leftover credits to utilize.

I've worked in the banking industry, fyi there's a large % of people who don't use the 'gift' that is accrued w/annual fees. It's a two-for SWA as it builds brand loyalty as customers are compelled to use their services whether there is a better travel deal out there or not because they already 'paid for it'.

I work part-time as a realtor & will throw out there that a CC application is a hard pull on credit report. fyi, if anybody is purchasing a new home, I've had pre-approved clients suddendly refused for mortgages when the final credit pull is made shortly before closing because they went out & got new line of available credit or made a large purchase on an existing card that raised their debt to ratio.

We travel enough that I could alternate between AT & SWA for the best price in the past & work both reward programs, jury is out as to how captive my small market will become.

 

[madaboutMickey]

I got this off in the mail but through it away when I saw the $99 yearly fee. Now I'm starting to rethink this because we are planning a trip to Disney Nove 2012 with our grown children and their families. These extra flights would help alot! So I have a few questions that I couldn't find answers for on SW's website.
The website mentions 2 rt flights in connection to the 50,000 points. Is this just an example? I see others talking about using these points for more than 2 flights. Or is that the catch? You need to use them on the more expensive flights.
Once you make your first purchase with the Visa card and you receive the points, do they expire if not used within a certain time period or does travel have to be complete by a certain date? Just trying to figure out if I sign up for this, is it too far from next year's trip for this to be beneficial.