The basic steps to get a Southwest card
You can open a Southwest credit card account directly through Southwest Airlines' website or through the card issuer's site. The process takes about 15 minutes and happens entirely online. You'll need your Social Security number, a current mailing address, and information about your income and employment.
Southwest offers several different credit cards — the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Card are the most common. Each one has different annual fees and different rewards rates, so you'll choose which one fits your situation before you start.
Once you submit your information, the card issuer (Chase Bank) reviews your process and makes a decision within minutes to a few days. If you're approved, your card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using it as soon as it arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You explore online through Southwest Airlines or Chase Bank's website, and the entire process takes about 15 minutes.
- You'll need your Social Security number, current address, and information about your income to complete the process.
- The card issuer makes a decision within minutes to a few days, and your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- Each Southwest card has a different annual fee and rewards structure, so compare them before you explore.
- Your credit score affects whether you're approved and what interest rate you receive, though Southwest cards are available to people with a range of credit histories.
What information you'll need to provide
Have your Social Security number ready — the card issuer uses this to check your credit report. You'll also need your current mailing address, phone number, and email address.
The process asks about your annual household income (not just your salary, but income from all sources you rely on). You'll list your current employer and how long you've worked there. If you're self-employed or retired, you'll describe your income source instead. Be honest here — the issuer verifies income on some applications, and false information can result in account closure.
You may be asked about other credit accounts you hold, though this is optional on most applications. If you've moved in the last two years, have that address information available as well.
How credit score affects your chances
Southwest credit cards are generally available to people with fair credit and above, though the exact score threshold varies. Chase doesn't publish a minimum credit score requirement, but most people approved have a score of 650 or higher. If your score is lower, you may still be approved — the issuer looks at your full financial picture, not just the number.
Your credit score also determines your interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate). A higher score usually means a lower APR. The card issuer tells you the APR you'll receive before you finish the process, so you can see the exact cost before you commit.
If you're denied, you can request a reconsideration by calling Chase directly. Sometimes providing additional income information or explaining a recent hardship can change the decision. You're also may have access to to a free copy of your credit report if you were denied — you can order it at annualcreditreport.com.
The difference between personal and business Southwest cards
Southwest offers a business version of its credit card for people who own a business or are self-employed. The business card works the same way as the personal card — you explore online, get a decision within days, and earn rewards on purchases. The main difference is that the business card reports to business credit bureaus in addition to personal credit bureaus, and the rewards can be used for business travel.
You'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or your Social Security number to explore for the business card. If you're a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number. The business card has its own annual fee, separate from any personal Southwest card you hold.
What happens after you're approved
Once you receive your card, you can set up it through the issuer's website or by calling the number on the back of the card. set up takes a few minutes. After that, you can use the card for purchases right away.
Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. This statement shows your balance, your minimum payment due, and your due date. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you won't pay any interest. If you carry a balance, interest charges begin to accrue.
You'll start earning Southwest Rapid Rewards points on every purchase. Most cards earn 1 point per dollar spent, though some categories earn more. You can check your points balance anytime through the Southwest website or mobile app, and you can use your points to book flights, upgrades, or other travel rewards.
Annual fees and when they're charged
Each Southwest credit card has an annual fee that appears on your statement once per year. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card has one annual fee amount, while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card has a different amount. The business card has its own fee structure. These fees are charged on your account anniversary — the date you opened the card — every year you hold the card.
You can cancel your card anytime to stop paying the annual fee. If you cancel before your anniversary date, you won't be charged that year's fee. If you cancel after the fee posts, you can call the issuer and ask for a refund if you cancel within a short window (usually 30 days of the charge).
Some people keep their Southwest card for the sign-up bonus and rewards, then cancel after the first year. Others keep it longer because the rewards they earn outweigh the annual fee. The math depends on how much you spend and how often you fly Southwest.
Sign-up bonuses and how they work
Southwest credit cards typically offer a sign-up bonus — a large number of points awarded after you meet a spending requirement. For example, a card might offer 50,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months. This bonus is in addition to the points you earn on those purchases.
The spending requirement is real — you have to make that amount of purchases within the stated timeframe to earn the bonus. The clock starts when your account opens, not when your card arrives. Authorized user purchases count toward the requirement, so if you add a family member to your account, their spending counts too.
Once you meet the requirement, the bonus points post to your account within one to two billing cycles. You can then use those points for flights, seat upgrades, or other rewards. The bonus is one-time per person — you can't earn the same bonus twice on the same card product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore if I have bad credit?
Southwest cards are typically available to people with fair credit (usually 650 or above), but approval isn't may provide at any score. If you're denied, you can call Chase to request reconsideration or wait a few months and reapply after your credit improves. Building credit takes time, but it increases your chances of approval on future applications.
What's the difference between the Premier and Plus cards?
The Premier Card has a lower annual fee but fewer perks, while the Plus Card has a higher annual fee and includes benefits like priority boarding and a free checked bag. Choose based on how often you fly Southwest and whether those benefits are worth the extra cost to you.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most decisions come within minutes to a few days. You'll see a message on the screen or receive an email telling you whether you're approved, denied, or pending further review. If pending, the issuer may call you to verify information. Your physical card arrives 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Can I use my points right after I earn them?
Yes. Points post to your account as you make purchases, and you can use them to book flights anytime. Sign-up bonus points take one to two billing cycles to appear after you meet the spending requirement, but regular purchase points are available when ready.
What if I'm denied?
You can request reconsideration by calling Chase within 30 days of the denial. You're also may have access to to a free credit report from annualcreditreport.com to see what information the issuer reviewed. Common reasons for denial include recent negative marks on your credit report, high existing debt, or insufficient income — addressing these can help you succeed on a future process.