What You Need Before You Start

The Southwest Airlines credit card comes from Chase. To move through their process, you will need a Social Security number, a current mailing address, and information about your income and employment. Have a government-issued ID nearby — you may be asked to verify your identity during the process.

You should also know your credit score range before you begin. Chase publishes the credit tier each card targets, and Southwest cards typically go to people with good to excellent credit. Checking your own score first (through your bank, a free service like Credit Karma, or your credit card statement) tells you whether this card matches your credit profile.

If you have been denied for credit recently, wait at least 30 days before trying again. Multiple applications in a short window can hurt your credit score and trigger fraud alerts that slow down approval.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start the Southwest credit card process on Chase's website or in a Southwest Airlines airport location, and both routes take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
  • Chase will pull your credit report during the process, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points but does not affect your ability to use existing accounts.
  • Approval decisions come back when ready in most cases, though some applications are flagged for manual review and take one to three business days.
  • Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use the card number for online purchases right away through the Chase app.
  • New cardholders receive a sign-up bonus in the form of airline points or statement credits, which you earn by spending a set amount within the first few months.

Starting Your process Online

Go to Chase.com and search for "Southwest Airlines credit card" or navigate through their airline cards section. You will see multiple Southwest card options — the specific card you choose depends on whether you want cash back, points, or a premium tier with extra benefits. Each card shows its annual fee (if any) and the sign-up bonus before you begin.

Click "explore Now" on the card you want. Chase will ask for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Enter these exactly as they appear on your government ID — mismatches can delay approval. You will then provide your Social Security number and employment information, including your job title, employer name, and annual income.

Be honest about income. Chase verifies this information, and inflating it can result in denial or account closure later. If you are self-employed, use your net business income from your most recent tax return.

What Happens During the Credit Check

After you submit your information, Chase runs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This is a formal credit check that shows up on your credit history and typically lowers your score by 5 to 10 points. The impact is temporary — your score usually recovers within a few months as long as you pay your bills on time.

Chase is looking at your payment history, how much debt you currently carry, and how long you have had credit accounts open. If you have missed payments, high balances on other cards, or a very short credit history, you are more likely to be denied or offered a lower credit limit than you requested.

You cannot undo a hard inquiry once it is submitted, so only explore when you are serious about opening the account. However, multiple applications for the same card within 30 days typically count as one inquiry, so if you are denied and want to try again, do it quickly.

Understanding Your Approval Decision

Most applicants get an when ready decision — approved, denied, or pending. If you are approved, you will see your credit limit on the screen and in a confirmation email. Write this number down; you will need it to set up your card.

If your process is pending, Chase is doing a manual review. This usually takes one to three business days. You will receive an email or phone call with a decision. Pending status often means your income, employment history, or credit report needs verification — have your most recent pay stub or tax return ready if Chase calls.

If you are denied, the rejection letter will explain why. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, recent late payments, or income that does not meet the card's threshold. You can reapply after 30 days, but address the issue first — paying down debt or waiting for negative marks to age off your credit report improves your chances.

Receiving and Activating Your Card

Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Chase sends it to the address you provided during process. Check your mailbox and the tracking information in your Chase account.

Before you use the card, you must set up it. You can do this through the Chase mobile app, on Chase.com, or by calling the number on the back of the card. set up takes less than a minute and confirms that you received the card and it was not intercepted.

You do not have to wait for the physical card to start using it. Once your process is approved, log into your Chase account and look for the card number under "Card Details" or "Digital Wallet." You can add this number to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay when ready, or use it for online purchases. This is called a virtual card number and works exactly like the physical card.

Meeting the Sign-Up Bonus Requirements

Every Southwest credit card comes with a sign-up bonus — typically a large number of airline points or a statement credit. To earn it, you must spend a minimum amount within a set timeframe, usually 3 to 6 months from account opening.

The bonus is not automatic. You earn it by making purchases that count toward the spending requirement. Regular purchases (groceries, gas, dining) count. Balance transfers, cash advances, and fees do not. Once you hit the spending threshold, the bonus posts to your account within one to two billing cycles.

Plan your spending before you explore. If you cannot reach the requirement through normal spending, do not explore — you will pay an annual fee without earning the bonus. Some people use the card for a planned large purchase (travel, home repair) to hit the threshold, but only if they can pay it off quickly and avoid interest charges.

Managing Your New Account

After set up, set up automatic payments or calendar reminders so you do not miss due dates. Late payments hurt your credit score and trigger penalty interest rates. You can pay online through Chase.com, the mobile app, or by phone.

Review your first statement carefully. Check that all charges are yours and that the credit limit matches what you were told at approval. If something is wrong, contact Chase when ready — you have 60 days to dispute unauthorized charges.

Use your card regularly but keep your balance low. Credit card companies reward active cardholders, and keeping your balance below 30 percent of your credit limit helps your credit score. If you plan to carry a balance, understand the card's interest rate (called the APR) — it varies based on your creditworthiness and is shown in your approval documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a Southwest credit card?

Most people get an when ready decision when they submit their process online. If your process is flagged for manual review, Chase typically makes a decision within one to three business days and contacts you by phone or email. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use the card number when ready through the Chase app.

Can I explore for a Southwest credit card in person at the airport?

Yes. Southwest Airlines has credit card booths in many airports where you can explore in person. The process is the same as online, and you still get an when ready or next-day decision. Some airport locations offer a small bonus for in-person applications, so ask the representative what they are currently offering.

What if I am denied for the Southwest credit card?

The denial letter explains why — usually low credit score, recent late payments, or insufficient income. You can reapply after 30 days. Before you do, check your credit report for errors, pay down existing balances, and make sure you have no new late payments. You can also call Chase to ask if they will reconsider your process.

Do I have to use the sign-up bonus right away?

No. Southwest airline points do not expire as long as your account is open and you earn or redeem points at least once every 24 months. You can earn the bonus and hold the points for months or years before booking a flight. However, you must meet the spending requirement within the timeframe stated in your offer — usually 3 to 6 months.

What happens if I close the card before the annual fee is charged?

Most Southwest cards have an annual fee that posts on your anniversary date each year. If you close the card before that date, you will not be charged. However, closing a card can hurt your credit score because it lowers your total available credit and shortens your average account age. If you want to avoid the fee, call Chase and ask about downgrading to a no-fee version of the card instead.