Enhanced Benefits Offered by Chase Southwest Credit Cards for Active U.S. Military Personnel, Exceeding $2,400
In a significant move to support active-duty military members, Chase Southwest Airlines-branded credit cards offer a range of benefits that are designed to provide financial relief and added value. These benefits are made possible by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA), which offer important protections for service members regarding credit card benefits.
**Interest Rate Caps**
For credit cards obtained prior to active-duty service, interest rates are capped at 6% during active duty under the SCRA. However, Chase goes a step further by capping interest rates at 4% for cards acquired before active-duty service, which is lower than the statutory 6% cap. For credit cards obtained during active-duty service (after September 20, 2017), the MLA caps the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) at 36%, including interest, fees, and other charges.
**Fee Waivers**
Chase waives all associated card fees, such as annual fees, for active-duty military members and their spouses, except for late payment or returned check fees. This applies especially to cards obtained after September 20, 2017. Furthermore, all personal Chase credit cards, including Southwest Airlines-branded cards, have their annual fees waived for active-duty servicemembers and eligible spouses under the MLA protections.
**Eligibility & Process**
To receive these benefits, active-duty military members must notify Chase (or any credit card issuer) in writing about their active-duty status and provide a copy of their military orders. Chase verifies eligibility via the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center or MLA database. Benefits apply during active duty and sometimes for a period after service, depending on the type of debt.
**Additional Benefits**
Using your Southwest credit card for inflight purchases could trigger a rebate and save you money. You could also receive priority boarding opportunities. For eligible items that have manufacturer's warranties of 3 years or less, the warranty will be extended for 1 additional year. Each Chase Southwest credit card comes with a welcome offer that is typically worth hundreds of dollars and can be earned after meeting minimum spending requirements in the period immediately after card approval.
With the Southwest Plus card and the Southwest Premier card, you'll be reimbursed for 2 EarlyBird Check-In purchases each year. EarlyBird Check-In starts at $15 but can be as high as $25, depending on the flight. With the Southwest Priority card, you'll receive 4 Upgraded Boardings ($30 each) per year.
Lastly, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers an annual fee waiver, and the potential value of up to $1,500 in benefits, including earning potential and redemption options, referral bonus opportunities, and anniversary bonus points. It's worth noting that the Roadside Dispatch service offers a discounted fee for stranded roadside situations, and for credit cards obtained during active-duty military service, Car Rental Insurance and Baggage Insurance are travel protections and benefits offered by Chase Southwest cards, with potential values of $200 and $100 respectively.
In summary, for active-duty military members, Chase Southwest Airlines credit cards benefit from waived annual fees and capped interest rates at or below legal limits (4% or 6% APR depending on acquisition date). These protections stem from the SCRA and MLA and require verification of military status to activate.
- As a travel-related perk, using your Southwest credit card for inflight purchases could result in a monetary rebate, providing some financial relief during your travels.
- In addition to financial benefits, these Southwest Airlines-branded credit cards may also provide lifestyle advantages, such as extended warranties on eligible items and priority boarding opportunities.
- For sports enthusiasts, the Southwest Priority card offers up to $120 per year in reimbursed upgraded boardings, providing an edge in your sports travel experiences.
