What the Southwest Airlines Credit Card Does
The Southwest Airlines credit card is issued by Chase and earns points on every purchase you make. Those points convert into Southwest flight tickets, seat upgrades, and other travel perks. You do not have to fly Southwest to earn points — you earn them on groceries, gas, restaurants, and everyday spending. The card comes with an annual fee, which varies depending on which version of the card you choose.
The main draw is the sign-up bonus. When you open a new Southwest card and spend a certain amount within the first few months, Chase gives you a large number of bonus points upfront. That bonus alone often covers the cost of a round-trip domestic flight. After that, you earn points at a set rate on all purchases, plus bonus points in certain categories like dining or gas.
Southwest points never expire as long as your account stays active, which means you can hold them indefinitely and use them when prices are lowest or when you find a flight you want.
Key Takeaways
- The Southwest card earns points on all purchases, with higher earning rates in bonus categories that change by card version.
- A sign-up bonus gives you thousands of points after you spend a set amount in the first few months, often enough for a free flight.
- Points convert directly into Southwest flight tickets at no additional cost, and you can also use them for seat upgrades and other travel benefits.
- The card charges an annual fee, but cardholders get two free checked bags on every Southwest flight, which can save hundreds of dollars per year.
- Points do not expire as long as you keep the account open and use it at least once every 24 months.
How to Open a Southwest Credit Card Account
You start by visiting Chase's website or calling Chase directly to begin the account opening process. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Chase will pull your credit report to make a lending decision, which takes a few minutes. You will see an approval decision right away — either approved, approved with conditions, or denied.
If you are approved, Chase mails your physical card within 7 to 10 business days. You can also request a temporary digital card number to start earning points when ready while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. Once the card arrives, you set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Chase mobile app.
After set up, you have a set window — usually 3 months — to spend the required amount and earn the sign-up bonus. The spending requirement varies by card version and changes periodically, so check the current offer before you open the account.
Understanding Points, Earning Rates, and Redemption
Southwest has three main credit card versions: the Southwest Rapid Rewards card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card. Each one earns points at different rates and comes with different annual fees and perks.
On all three cards, you earn a base rate of points on every dollar you spend. The bonus categories — where you earn extra points — differ by card. For example, one version might earn bonus points on dining and gas, while another earns bonus points on hotels and car rentals. Check the specific card's terms to see which categories match your spending habits.
To redeem points, you log into your Southwest account online or use the Southwest mobile app, search for a flight, and select "points" as your payment method instead of a credit card. The number of points required depends on the flight's price and demand — a short domestic flight might cost 5,000 points, while a longer or peak-season flight might cost 10,000 or more. You can also use points to upgrade your seat, add a companion ticket, or purchase gift cards.
Annual Fees, Perks, and Whether the Card Pays for Itself
Each Southwest card version charges a different annual fee. The basic Rapid Rewards card has the lowest fee, while the Premier card has a higher fee but includes more travel perks. The fee posts to your account on the anniversary of your account opening date each year.
The biggest perk that offsets the annual fee is two free checked bags on every Southwest flight. If you fly Southwest twice a year and check bags both times, that alone saves you $60 to $80 annually, which covers or nearly covers the annual fee. Other perks include priority boarding, discounts on in-flight purchases, and anniversary bonus points on higher-tier cards.
If you do not fly Southwest regularly or do not check bags, the annual fee may not be worth it. In that case, you might downgrade to a no-annual-fee card or close the account after you use your sign-up bonus. If you do close the account, your points remain in your Southwest account indefinitely — you do not lose them when you close the credit card.
How to Pay Your Balance and Avoid Interest Charges
Your Southwest credit card bill works like any other credit card. Chase sends you a monthly statement showing what you spent, your minimum payment due, and your due date. You can pay online through the Chase website or app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Chase branch.
If you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance into the next month, Chase charges interest at the card's annual percentage rate, or APR. That rate varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions — you see your specific APR in your account terms.
To avoid interest charges, set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due, or better yet, the full balance each month. You can change your payment due date if it does not align with your paycheck or budget.
Managing Your Account and Monitoring Your Points Balance
Once your account is open, you manage it through the Chase website or the Chase mobile app. You can view your current points balance, check your statement, make payments, set up alerts, and update your personal information all in one place. The Southwest Rapid Rewards program also has its own website and app where you can see your points balance, search for award flights, and manage your reservations.
Your points balance appears in both your Southwest account and your Chase credit card account — they are the same pool of points, just displayed in two different places. If you have multiple Southwest credit cards or have earned points through Southwest flights themselves, all those points combine into one Rapid Rewards account.
Chase and Southwest send periodic emails about bonus point offers, limited-time promotions, and changes to the program. You can opt out of marketing emails, but you should stay aware of major changes to earning rates or redemption values, as those can affect your strategy for using the card.
Common Situations and What Happens Next
If you miss a payment, Chase reports the late payment to credit bureaus after 30 days, which damages your credit score. If you miss a payment by 60 days or more, Chase may close your account and send the debt to collections. If you think you will miss a payment, call Chase before the due date to discuss options — they may be able to work with you on timing or temporarily lower your payment.
If you want to close your Southwest credit card account, you can do so by calling Chase or requesting closure through the app. Your points do not disappear — they stay in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account. However, your points will expire if you do not use your Southwest account for 24 consecutive months. Using the account means earning or redeeming points, so even if you close the credit card, you can keep your points alive by booking a Southwest flight or using another way to earn Rapid Rewards points.
If you are denied for the card, you can call Chase's reconsideration line to ask why and potentially reapply. You can also wait a few months, improve your credit score, and explore again. Each process pulls your credit report, so space out applications to avoid multiple hard inquiries in a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Southwest points on airlines other than Southwest?
No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points work only for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and Southwest-related purchases like gift cards. You cannot transfer points to other airlines or use them on non-Southwest bookings. If you want points that work across multiple airlines, you would need a different airline credit card.
What happens to my points if I close the credit card?
Your points stay in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account and do not disappear when you close the credit card. However, points expire if your account is inactive for 24 consecutive months. To keep your points alive, you need to earn or redeem points at least once every 24 months — you do not have to use the credit card itself.
How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?
The sign-up bonus alone often covers a domestic round-trip flight, which typically costs 6,000 to 10,000 points depending on the route and season. After that, everyday spending earns points slowly — you might earn 1 to 2 points per dollar spent. A $5,000 spending month at 1.5 points per dollar earns 7,500 points, enough for one flight. The exact timeline depends on how much you spend and which card version you have.
Do I have to use my Southwest card to earn points?
No. You earn Rapid Rewards points by flying Southwest, booking through the Southwest website, shopping through the Rapid Rewards shopping portal, and using partner credit cards. The credit card is one way to earn, but not the only way. However, the credit card typically earns points fastest because you earn on every purchase.
What is the difference between the three Southwest card versions?
The Rapid Rewards card has the lowest annual fee and basic perks. The Rapid Rewards Plus card has a higher fee but adds benefits like anniversary bonus points and priority boarding. The Rapid Rewards Premier card has the highest fee and the most perks, including higher anniversary bonuses and elite status benefits. Choose based on how often you fly Southwest and whether the extra perks justify the higher fee.