Southwest airlines credit card companion pass promotion

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Southwest Airlines is running a promotion that may help some people save money on winter trips: Companion Passes for Rapid Rewards members who qualify by taking just two flights!

The current Southwest Companion Pass promotion goes like this:

  1. Register for the offer.
  2. Purchase a round trip or two one-way flights before 11:59 PM on Thursday, September 8, 2022. (Award travel does not count. Qualifying trips must be revenue flights.)
  3. Travel that roundtrip or those two one-ways by November 17, 2022. You’ll then earn your promotional Companion Pass!
  4. A companion flies for free (excluding applicable taxes and fees) when flying Southwest with you between January 4 and March 4, 2023.

Here are the promotion’s complete terms. And you can go to the registration page here.

Granted, your “teaser” Companion Pass is good for only two months. But for people who live in cold weather areas, this promotion can give you and someone else an excellent opportunity to get the heck out of dodge — and travel someplace warm. Or if you’re a big sports fan, this may give you the chance to save money traveling to your team’s away games!

Keep in mind the promotional period covers several holiday periods such as:

  • Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Presidents’ Day

A handful of colleges also take spring break during the eligible dates.

This really could be great for families (or groups) of four or more people. For example, two people can register for the promotion — and book separate reservations. Take the trip (it can even be a quick, same-day roundtrip) and start making your winter travel plans with two others who will fly for almost free on your paid ticket.

Remember that award travel generally counts as the paid portion of a Companion Pass-eligible trip! So, you can use Rapid Rewards points to pay for your ticket — and then you and your companion are on the hook for taxes and fees (which will probably be about $5.60 each way for each person).

If you need a quick cache of Southwest Rapid Rewards points, check out their suite of Chase co-branded credit cards:

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Remember, too, that Southwest is a Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel partner. So, you can transfer those points to your Rapid Rewards account. Examples of Ultimate Rewards-earning cards are:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®
  • Chase Freedom Flex℠
  • Chase Freedom Unlimited®
  • Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
  • Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
  • Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Don’t forget to register and book a trip soon!

Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc. has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Eye of the Flyer and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Chris Carley is the owner, editor, and lead writer of Eye of the Flyer (formerly known as Rene's Points).

Advertiser Disclosure: Most products in our articles are from partners who may provide us with compensation. However, opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain.

If you’re not currently a Southwest Rapid Rewards cardholder, this is an excellent time to consider getting on board. Southwest Airlines’ suite of consumer Rapid Rewards credit cards is offering new cardmembers up to 80,000 bonus points worth of free flights.

Plus, if you earn 125,000 Rapid Rewards points in a single calendar year, you’ll qualify for the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass®, one of the most coveted travel rewards around.

On top of that, Southwest credit cards offer a variety of bonus categories that make earning rewards points for free travel faster than ever.

Southwest Credit Card Bonuses
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Bonus Offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $69
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Bonus Offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $99
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Bonus Offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $149
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
Bonus Offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases during the first 3 months of account membership.
Annual Fee: $99
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Bonus Offer: Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases during the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $199

Eligible Consumer Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards

Southwest’s Rapid Rewards cards are considered to be among the best rewards credit cards. Similarly, they’re regularly ranked by Slickdeals in the top-rated travel credit card category.

The consumer Rapid Rewards cards below are eligible for Southwest’s 50,000-point bonus offer.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Offer Details

Southwest airlines credit card companion pass promotion

Secure application on issuer’s website.

Annual Fee: $69
Bonus: 50,000 Points
APR: Variable APR
Rewards Rate: 1X-2X Points
Details:Full Review

Terms and restrictions apply

Offer Terms

Annual Fee: $69

APR: Variable APR depending on credit worthiness.

Rewards Rate: Earn 2X points on Southwest purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Who Should Use This Credit Card? People who fly Southwest several times a year.

Why We Like It

Why We Like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

This is the entry-level card for aspiring Rapid Rewards point earners, and new cardholders can earn a 50,000-point sign-up bonus, which can help get you closer to booking flights for your next travel destination.

Above all, for a modest $69 annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Plus credit card helps you rack up points as cheaply as possible, and all points earned with this card get you closer to a Southwest Companion Pass®.

Our favorite Rapid Rewards Plus perks include the 3,000 bonus points and 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins awarded to cardholders on the anniversary of your account opening. It’s all added incentive to retain the card after you’ve earned the introductory sign-up bonus.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the entry level card for aspiring Rapid Rewards point earners. This airline credit card earns 2X points per dollar spent with Southwest and on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners. It also earns 2X points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services, as well as on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Finally, the credit card earns 1X points on all other purchases.

Above all, for a modest $69 annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Plus credit card helps you rack up points as cheaply as possible. Our favorite Rapid Rewards Plus perks include the 3,000 bonus points and 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins awarded to cardholders on the anniversary of your account opening. It’s all added incentive to retain the card after you’ve earned the introductory sign-up bonus.

Bonus

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card offers new cardholders a handy sign-up bonus. New cardmembers can earn 50,000 Rapid Reward points after spending $1,000 during the first three months of account opening.

Our points and miles valuation guide estimates that 50,000 Rapid Rewards Points are worth $700 in free Southwest flights.

You’ll also receive 3,000 points and 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins annually on your cardmember anniversary.

Rewards Rate

In addition to the sign-up bonus, you’ll earn Southwest points for using our card for purchases. Currently, cardmembers earn:

  • 2X points per dollar spent on Southwest purchase and with Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners
  • 2X points on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing
  • 2X points on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services
  • 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases

Bonus points earned with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card count towards earning a Companion Pass, but do not count towards earning A-List or A-List Preferred status.

Annual Fee

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card has the lowest annual fee among the suite of Southwest credit cards. The card comes with a $69 annual fee, which is applied to the first billing statement. Always factor the annual fee cost in when determining the value of any rewards credit card.

Foreign Transaction Fees

Unlike most Southwest Airlines credit cards, the Plus card does charge foreign transaction fees. Purchases made with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card outside of the U.S. are subject to a 3% foreign transaction fee.

Benefits

As Southwest’s entry-level card, there aren’t many extra perks attached to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card. Like all Southwest Rapid Rewards members, you’ll enjoy free first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights. Travel perks featured with this airline credit card include:

  • Lost luggage reimbursement
  • Baggage delay insurance
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Purchase damage and theft protection

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Offer Details

Southwest airlines credit card companion pass promotion

Secure application on issuer’s website.

Annual Fee: $99
Bonus: 50,000 Points
APR: Variable APR
Rewards Rate: 1X-3X Points
Details:Full Review

Terms and restrictions apply

Offer Terms

Annual Fee: $99

APR: Variable APR depending on credit worthiness.

Rewards Rate: Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Who Should Use This Credit Card? People who fly Southwest a couple times a year.

Why We Like It

Why We Like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

In addition to perks like no foreign transaction fees and being able to earn A-list flight status, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier also offers a generous 6,000 bonus points every cardholder anniversary. It’s these types of benefits that help round out the value of the $99 annual fee.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card also offers two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year, and all points earned with this card get you closer to a Southwest Companion Pass®.

In addition to perks like no foreign transaction fees, two complimentary EarlyBird Check-In vouchers each year and being able to earn A-list flight status, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card also offers a generous 6,000 bonus points every cardholder anniversary, which can often be enough to cover the cost of a one-way domestic flight. It’s these types of benefits that help round out the value of the $99 annual fee.

This airline credit card also earns 3X points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners. It also earns 2X points per dollar on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services. Additionally, this Southwest card rewards 2X points per dollar spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. It earns 1X points on all other purchases.

Bonus

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers new cardholders a sign-up bonus of 50,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 during the first three months of account opening.

You’ll also receive 6,000 points and 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins annually on your cardmember anniversary.

Rewards Rate

Cardmembers can earn more Rapid Rewards points through purchases with the Premier card. Currently, cardmembers earn:

  • 3X points per dollar spent with Southwest
  • 2X points per dollar spent with Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners
  • 2X points per dollar spent local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services
  • 2X points per dollar spent on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services
  • 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases

Bonus points earned with the Premier Credit Card count towards earning a Southwest Companion Pass and also towards earning A-List and A-List Preferred status.

Annual Fee

The Southwest Premier Credit Card also comes with an annual fee that isn’t waived the first year. Cardmembers are charged the $99 annual fee on the first billing statement.

Foreign Transaction Fees

If you’re planning any post-pandemic travel outside of the US, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card is a great travel companion. The card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees on international purchases.

Benefits

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers similar benefits to the Plus card. Again, there are no fees for first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights. The Premier card’s travel perks include:

  • Lost luggage reimbursement
  • Baggage delay insurance
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Purchase damage and theft protection

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Offer Details

Southwest airlines credit card companion pass promotion

Secure application on issuer’s website.

Annual Fee: $149
Bonus: 50,000 Points
APR: Variable APR
Rewards Rate: 1X-3X Points
Details:Full Review

Terms and restrictions apply

Offer Terms

Annual Fee: $149

APR: Variable APR depending on credit worthiness.

Rewards Rate: Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Who Should Use This Credit Card? Southwest loyalists and frequent flyers.

Why We Like It

Why We Like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

When you look at benefits like a $75 annual travel credit, four upgraded boardings each year, free checked bags and discounts on in-flight purchases, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority is probably the most affordable of all the Southwest credit cards. Similarly, the 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary really pack on the value and offset this card’s $149 annual fee.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is as close to a premium credit card that Southwest Airlines offers non-business account holders. While its rewards-points earnings are the same as the Premier, the $149 annual fee does reward cardholders with a generous 7,500 bonus points on their account anniversary, as well as a $75 annual travel credit.

When you look at benefits like a $75 annual travel credit, four upgraded boardings each year, free checked bags and 25% back on in-flight purchases, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority is probably the most affordable of all the Southwest credit cards. Similarly, the 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary really pack on the value and offset this card’s $149 annual fee.

This airline credit card also earns 3X points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners. It also earns 2X points per dollar on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services. Additionally, this Southwest card rewards 2X points per dollar spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. It earns 1X points on all other purchases. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card here.

Bonus

In line with other current Southwest credit card deals, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers new cardholders a solid sign-up bonus. New cardmembers can earn 50,000 Rapid Reward points after spending $1,000 during the first three months of account opening.

Cardmembers also receive 7,500 points annually on their cardmember anniversary.

Rewards Rate

The rewards rates for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card are the same as the Premier Card. Currently, cardmembers earn:

  • 3X points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
  • 2X points per dollar spent with Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners
  • 2X points per dollar spent local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services
  • 2X points per dollar spent on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services
  • 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases

Bonus points earned with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card count towards earning a Southwest Companion Pass and also towards earning A-List and A-List Preferred status.

Annual Fee

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card has the highest annual fee among the Southwest personal credit cards. Cardmembers pay a $149 annual fee, which is applied to the first billing statement. Despite the fee, this is still a great deal for frequent Southwest travelers because of the bounty of travel perks included with the card.

Foreign Transaction Fees

Like the Premier Card, this airline card comes with no foreign transaction fees. As travel becomes part of life again post-pandemic, you won’t have to worry about paying extra charges for purchases made outside of the U.S.

Benefits

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card features more perks than other Southwest personal credit cards. Like the previous cards mentioned, you’ll enjoy no fees for first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights.

Also, the Priority card features the following travel perks:

  • $75 Southwest annual travel credit
  • Four upgraded boardings annually (when available)
  • 25% back on inflight drinks and WiFi (via statement credit)
  • Lost luggage reimbursement
  • Baggage delay insurance
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Purchase damage and theft protection

Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Cards

If your business frequently uses Southwest airlines, then its suite of business cards are valuable options to consider.

Both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offer employee cards at no additional cost and offer travel-related perks like discount on in-flight amenities, as well as purchase protections including extended warranty and damage protection.

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Offer Details

Southwest airlines credit card companion pass promotion

Secure application on issuer’s website.

Annual Fee: $99
Bonus: 60,000 Points
APR: Variable APR
Rewards Rate: 1X-3X Points
Details:Full Review

Terms and restrictions apply

Offer Terms

Annual Fee: $99

APR: Variable APR depending on credit worthiness.

Rewards Rate: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases. Earn 2 points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners. Earn 2 points on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing. Earn 1 point on all other purchases.

Sign-Up Bonus: New account holders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 during the first three months from account opening.

Who Should Use This Credit Card? Small business owners and freelancers who enjoy flying with Southwest.

Why We Like It

Why We Like the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Southwest’s entry-level business card is a great option for business owners who want to maximize company spending to earn free Southwest flights. Like most business credit cards, there’s an annual fee to pay, but the signing bonus and travel and purchase perks provide enough value to negate the fee. The card offers employee cards at no additional cost and bonus points earned count towards earning a Southwest companion pass and also towards earning A-List and A-List Preferred status.

This card’s annual fee is expensive, but the perks you get outweigh its cost. We like that points earned can qualify towards Southwest’s A-List status, the airline’s rewards program. Let’s not forget the sign-up bonus, two free EarlyBird Check-Ins each year, and the 6,000 cardmember anniversary points you can receive. Plus, travel-related perks like no fees for first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights.

More Details: Southwest’s entry-level business card is a great option for business owners who want to maximize company spending to earn free Southwest flights. Like most business credit cards, there’s an annual fee to pay, but the signing bonus, two free EarlyBird Check Ins each year, and travel and purchase perks provide enough value to negate the fee.

The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card earns 3X points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases and 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners. It also earns 2X points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing and 1X point on all other purchases.

Bonus

With the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, you’ll earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on your card in the first three months from account opening.

You’ll also receive 6,000 points annually on your cardmember anniversary.

Rewards Rate

You’ll also earn Rapid Rewards points when you use your Premier Business card for purchases. Currently, cardmembers earn:

  • 3X points per dollar spent on all Southwest purchases
  • 2X points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners
  • 2x points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services
  • 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases

Bonus points earned with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card count towards earning a Southwest Companion Pass and also towards earning A-List and A-List Preferred status.

Annual Fee

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card comes with a $99 annual fee, which is applied to the first billing statement. Keep in mind that business owners can receive cards for employees at no additional cost.

Foreign Transaction Fees

When you return to business travel, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has your back. Use it for all of your international travel expenses since it doesn’t carry any foreign transaction fees.

Benefits

The Premier Business card offers just enough travel-related perks to make it a viable option for business owners. Similar to other Southwest credit cards, you’ll enjoy no fees for first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights. The benefits that come with this business card include:

  • Lost luggage reimbursement
  • Baggage delay insurance
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Purchase damage and theft protection

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Offer Details

Southwest airlines credit card companion pass promotion

Secure application on issuer’s website.

Annual Fee: $199
Bonus: 80,000 Points
APR: Variable APR
Rewards Rate: 1X-4X Points
Details:Full Review

Terms and restrictions apply

Offer Terms

Annual Fee: $199

APR: Variable APR depending on credit worthiness.

Rewards Rate: Earn 4 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases. Earn 3 points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. Earn 2 points on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing. Earn 2 points on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services. Earn 1 point on all other purchases.

Sign-Up Bonus: New account holders can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 during the first three months.

Who Should Use This Credit Card? Small business owners and freelancers who enjoy flying with Southwest.

Why We Like It

Why We Like the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

It’s perfect for small business owners who have employees who travel. This Southwest business card offers employee cards at no additional cost and provides perks like inflight WiFi credits, a TSA Pre✓® fee credit and complimentary upgraded boardings. The business airline credit card also offers the most generous point rewards structure of any of the Southwest cards: 4x points per dollar spent with Southwest.

This credit card’s annual fee is expensive, but the perks you get outweigh its cost. We like that points earned can qualify towards Southwest’s A-List status, the airline’s rewards program. Let’s not forget the sign-up bonus and the 9,000 cardmember anniversary points you can receive. Plus, you’ll get other benefits like four upgraded boardings per year, free inflight WiFi credits and credit toward a Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® application. In other words, these can help you have a much smoother flight, which is helpful if you’re on an important business trip.

More Details: If you’re looking for an airline business card packed with travel benefits, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a great deal. Not only does it earn 4X points per dollar for Southwest purchases, but it also features elevated rewards for select business expenses, local transit and spending with Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners.

What we really love about this Chase co-branded card is the added travel perks like inflight WiFi credits, upgraded boarding passes annually and the Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit. Frequent business travelers will find more than enough value with the Performance Business card.

Bonus

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card features an 80,000-point sign-up bonus for new cardholders who spend $5,000 with their new cards during the first three months of account opening.

You’ll also receive 9,000 points annually on your cardmember anniversary.

Rewards Rate

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card comes with elevated earning in three categories:

  • 4X points per dollar spent on all Southwest purchases
  • 3X points per dollar spent with Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners
  • 2X points pre dollar spent on local commuting and transit, including ride-shares
  • 2X points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising, and internet, cable and phone services
  • 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchase

Bonus points earned with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card count towards earning a Southwest Companion Pass and also towards earning A-List and A-List Preferred status.

Annual Fee

Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card also features the highest annual fee of any Southwest credit card. The card comes with a $199 annual fee, which is applied to your first billing statement. Note that business owners have access to free cards for employees, which also earn Southwest points.

Foreign Transaction Fees

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card doesn’t carry any foreign transaction fees. If you frequently travel outside of the US for business, you don’t have to worry about extra charges on your purchases if you use the Performance Business card.

Benefits

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card comes loaded with travel-related perks business owners will love. Like other Southwest credit cards, you’ll enjoy no fees for first and second checked bags, no change fees and no blackout dates on rewards flights. In addition, it comes with these business and travel-related perks:

  • Up to 365 inflight WiFi credits annually
  • Four upgraded boarding passes annually (when available)
  • Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit up to $100 every four years
  • Lost luggage reimbursement
  • Baggage delay insurance
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Purchase damage and theft protection

Redeeming Southwest Points

Southwest points are redeemed through Rapid Rewards, Southwest Airlines’ loyalty program. The best value for your points is booking Southwest flights. Southwest travels to over 99 destinations across the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Note that rewards flights are subject to taxes and fees from $5.60 per one-way flight. The number of points required for rewards flights varies based on the destination, time and day of travel and other factors.

Southwest flights may be the best use of your Rapid Rewards points, but you can choose other redemption options. You can also use your rewards points towards merchandise, international flights operated by other airlines, hotel stays, gift cards and rental cars. There’s also an option to donate your Southwest points to various charities.

Another reason to love the Rapid Rewards program is that your Southwest points never expire. The only way to lose your points is if you close your Rapid Rewards account.

Compare Southwest Rapid Rewards

While all of the Chase Southwest credit cards are excellent options for rewards earning, the right one for you depends on your needs and willingness to pay the annual fee. Here’s a recap of all five Southwest Airlines credit card options.

Southwest Credit Card Bonuses
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Bonus Offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $69
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Bonus Offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $99
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Bonus Offer: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $149
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
Bonus Offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases during the first 3 months of account membership.
Annual Fee: $99
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Bonus Offer: Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases during the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee: $199

What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Companion Pass allows holders to bring a companion with them on any Southwest flight and only pay taxes and fees on the plus-one ticket, which start at $5.60 one way. In other words, if you book a roundtrip ticket for $350, you can add your companion to your reservation and pay only $11.20 for them to join you.

To qualify, you need to earn 125,000 qualifying points or take 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. After you’ve earned the Companion Pass, you’ll be able to use it through the end of 2023, which means people who earn it quickly will reap the most value.

You can change your companion up to three times in a calendar year, so if you don’t regularly travel with any one person, you’ll have some flexibility.

Depending on how often you fly, having the Companion Pass could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on flights with your chosen travel buddy. Even if you only fly once, the savings can be worth it. Also, note that the pass is good whether you book a flight with cash or Rapid Rewards points.

Companion Pass has previously been offered as part of a sign-up bonus for some Southwest Rapid Rewards cards, but no such offer is currently available. While these types of offers can create a faster route to qualifying, lower requirements may mean that the Companion Pass earned won’t last as long as it traditionally does.

If your aim is to maximize the value of your Companion Pass, we recommend working towards earning 125,000 qualifying points as soon as possible.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this limited-time promotion is ideal if you want to use your new credit card for everyday spending, upcoming travel or any big ticket items in the first half of the year. Be sure to connect your new card to your favorite online stores, so you don’t miss out on an opportunity to earn. Plus, if you need to book a trip to visit family in another state, book with this card through Southwest to earn even more points.

If you’re planning on applying, carefully consider each card and its features compared with its fees. Because the sign-up bonus is the same on each card, the best one for you will depend on which one has features that best fit your travel plans.

Read More Southwest Airlines Credit Card Articles

  • Southwest Airlines Credit Card Rewards
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards Points Flights
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards Program
  • Southwest A List Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Chase Southwest credit card hard to get?

Generally, Southwest cards require a “good” credit score for approval. Additionally, those who have applied for more than five credit lines in the previous 24 months will be denied regardless of credit score, due to Chase’s unofficial 5/24 rule. However, if you have a strong credit profile and have not had too many hard inquiries on your credit report in the past two years, you should qualify for a Southwest card.

Do my Southwest Rapid Rewards points expire?

No, Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire, even for accounts that have been inactive for several years or more. Still, according to Southwest, members who close their Rapid Rewards accounts will lose their points. But as long as you keep your account open, your Southwest points never expire.

 Can you convert Southwest Rapid Rewards points to cash?

No, Southwest Rapid Rewards points cannot be redeemed for either cash or a statement credit. However, Rapid Rewards members can redeem Southwest points for flights, rental cars, merchandise, and gift cards through their online accounts. Similarly, Rapid Rewards members who carry a Southwest credit card have access to the same redemption options, but can also redeem their points for special events and other exclusive offers.

How many points do I need to fly free on Southwest?

You’ll need between 3,000 to 40,000 points for a free one-way economy Southwest flight, called “Wanna Get Away.” You’ll need even more points to fly “Business Select” or “Anytime” flights for free. Still, the exact number of points needed for a free Southwest flight depends on the actual fare, which is determined by the destination, time of day, date of travel, demand, and other factors. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to pay taxes and fees, even for a free Southwest flight. Currently, Southwest charges $5.60 per one-way trip.

While we work hard on our research, we do not always provide a complete listing of all available offers from credit-card companies and banks. And because offers can change, we cannot guarantee that our information will always be up to date, so we encourage you to verify all the terms and conditions of any financial product before you apply.

How do you get a Southwest Companion Pass 2022?

To qualify, simply fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 125,000 qualifying points* in a calendar year, and you'll earn Companion Pass for the following full calendar year, plus the remainder of the year in which you earned it.

How do you get a 2023 companion pass?

Follow These Steps to Get a Free Southwest Companion Pass.
Register for the promotion by listing your name and Rapid Rewards account number..
Book one round trip or two one-way flights before 11:59 PM Central on September 8, 2022 (cash bookings only).
Complete qualifying flights between 09/06/2022 and 11/17/2022..

Will Southwest extend companion pass to 2022?

I'll get into all of the details on timing below, but this is the important part: The Southwest Companion Pass is valid for all of the year that you earn it plus the entire next year. If you were to earn the Companion Pass on January 15th, 2022, you would have that Companion Pass through December 31st, 2023!

Do Southwest credit card points go towards Companion Pass?

Points earned from Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards count toward the Southwest Companion Pass. And at the time of writing, this includes any sign-up bonuses you receive from the cards. There are now five different Southwest cards out there with varying sign-up bonuses.