Apply for Southwest Airlines Credit Card: Southwest Airlines is renowned for its customer-friendly policies, such as no change fees and two free checked bags.
To enhance the travel experience, Southwest offers a range of co-branded credit cards through Chase Bank, allowing frequent flyers to earn Rapid Rewards points and enjoy exclusive benefits.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the available Southwest credit cards, their features, current promotions, and application processes.
Types of Southwest Airlines Credit Cards
Personal Credit Cards
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $69
- Benefits:
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases.
- Earn 2 points per $1 on local transit and commuting, including rideshares.
- 3,000 anniversary points each year.
- Two EarlyBird Check-Ins annually.
- 25% back on in-flight purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $99
- Benefits:
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases.
- Earn 2 points per $1 on local transit, internet, cable, and phone services.
- 6,000 anniversary points each year.
- Two EarlyBird Check-Ins annually.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $149
- Benefits:
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases.
- Earn 2 points per $1 on local transit, internet, cable, and phone services.
- 7,500 anniversary points each year.
- $75 annual Southwest travel credit.
- Four upgraded boardings per year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Business Credit Cards
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $99
- Benefits:
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases.
- Earn 2 points per $1 on local transit and commuting.
- 6,000 anniversary points each year.
- Two EarlyBird Check-Ins annually.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $199
- Benefits:
- Earn 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases.
- Earn 3 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners.
- 9,000 anniversary points each year.
- Four upgraded boardings per year.
- Up to 365 in-flight Wi-Fi credits per year.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Key Features and Benefits
Earning Rapid Rewards Points
Southwest credit cards offer generous point-earning opportunities:
- Southwest Purchases: Earn between 2x to 4x points per dollar, depending on the card.
- Everyday Purchases: Earn points on categories like local transit, internet, cable, and phone services.
Anniversary Bonus Points
Cardholders receive bonus points each year on their account anniversary, ranging from 3,000 to 9,000 points, depending on the card.
Travel Perks
- Free Checked Bags: Enjoy Southwest’s policy of two free checked bags for all passengers.
- Priority Boarding: Certain cards offer upgraded boarding positions.
- In-flight Discounts: Receive 25% back on in-flight purchases made with your Southwest credit card.
Companion Pass Offers
Some cards provide promotional Companion Pass offers, allowing a designated companion to fly with you at no additional fare (taxes and fees apply) for a specified period.
Current Promotions and Offers
As of February 2025, Southwest is offering limited-time promotions:
- Companion Pass Promotion: New cardholders can earn a Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2026, plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Offer ends March 31, 2025.
- Business Card Bonuses: Earn up to 80,000 bonus points with the Performance Business Credit Card after qualifying purchases.
Eligibility and Application Process
Credit Score Requirements
Applicants typically need a good to excellent credit score (700 or higher) to qualify.
Necessary Documentation
- Personal information (Social Security number, address, income details).
- For business cards: Business information (Tax ID, legal structure, annual revenue).
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Choose the Right Card: Assess your travel habits and select a card that aligns with your needs.
- Visit the Official Application Page: Navigate to the Southwest Airlines Credit Card page.
- Complete the Application: Provide the required personal and financial information.
- Review Terms and Conditions: Understand the card’s rates, fees, and rewards structure.
- Submit Application: After submission, you may receive an instant decision or be notified of the decision via mail.
Maximizing Your Southwest Credit Card
Strategies for Earning Points
- Utilize Bonus Categories: Use your card for purchases that earn the most points, such as Southwest flights and partner services.
- Use the Card for Everyday Spending: Pay for groceries, dining, and streaming services with your Southwest credit card to accumulate more points.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Periodically, Southwest offers special promotions that allow you to earn extra points on purchases.
Redeeming Points Effectively
- Book Flights for Maximum Value: Southwest uses a dynamic pricing model, so redeeming points for Wanna Get Away fares provides the best value.
- Utilize the Companion Pass: If you qualify for a Companion Pass, always use it to maximize your savings.
- Transfer Points Wisely: You can transfer points to other members, but it’s not always the best value. Instead, redeem them for flights.
- Use Points for Hotels and Rental Cars: If you have excess points, you can use them for other travel-related expenses like hotel stays and car rentals.
Comparing Southwest Credit Cards to Other Travel Cards
Advantages Over General Travel Credit Cards
- Companion Pass Benefit: Unlike most airline credit cards, Southwest offers a Companion Pass, which can save you thousands of dollars.
- Flexible Cancellation Policy: Southwest allows changes and cancellations without fees, making points redemptions more flexible.
- No Blackout Dates: Unlike other airlines, Southwest has no blackout dates, so you can redeem points for any available flight.
When Another Travel Card Might Be Better
- If You Need International Travel Benefits: Since Southwest only flies within the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture might be better for international travelers.
- If You Want Lounge Access: Southwest credit cards do not offer airport lounge access, while some premium travel cards do.
Understanding Fees and Interest Rates
Annual Fees
Each Southwest credit card has a different annual fee:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus | $69 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier | $99 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority | $149 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business | $99 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business | $199 |
APR Details
- Regular APR: Varies based on creditworthiness (typically 21%-28% APR).
- Cash Advance APR: Usually higher than the purchase APR.
- Penalty APR: If you miss a payment, you may face an increased interest rate.
Foreign Transaction Fees
- The Plus card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
- All other Southwest credit cards have no foreign transaction fees.
Managing Your Credit Card Account
Online Account Management
- Use Chase Online Banking to monitor transactions, pay bills, and redeem points.
- Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees.
Setting Up Alerts
- Enable SMS or email alerts for spending, due dates, and large transactions.
- Monitor your credit score through Chase’s free credit dashboard.
Customer Service Contact Information
- Call Chase customer service at 1-800-432-3117 for personal cards and 1-888-269-8690 for business cards.
- Use the Chase mobile app to chat with representatives.
FAQs about Applying for a Southwest Airlines Credit Card
1. Who is eligible to apply for a Southwest Airlines credit card?
Eligibility criteria for a Southwest Airlines credit card include being at least 18 years old, having a valid U.S. address, and possessing a Social Security number. Applicants should also meet creditworthiness standards set by the issuing bank.
2. What are the benefits of a Southwest Airlines credit card?
Cardholders can enjoy benefits such as Rapid Rewards points on every purchase, annual bonus points, no foreign transaction fees, and lost luggage reimbursement. Additional perks may include priority boarding on flights and discounts on in-flight purchases.
3. How do I apply for a Southwest Airlines credit card?
You can apply online through the Southwest Airlines website or the issuing bank’s website. You’ll need to provide personal information, including your Social Security number, income details, and employment information. Some applications may result in instant approval, while others might require further review.
4. What should I consider before applying for this credit card?
Consider how often you travel with Southwest Airlines, as the card’s benefits are most valuable to frequent flyers. Also, review the card’s fee structure, including annual fees and interest rates, to ensure it fits your budget and spending habits.
5. Can I manage my Southwest Airlines credit card account online?
Yes, cardholders can manage their accounts online. This includes checking your balance, viewing statements, redeeming rewards, and updating personal information. Most banks also offer a mobile app for convenient account management on the go.
6. What happens if my application is denied?
If your application is denied, the issuing bank will provide a reason for the denial. You are entitled to a free credit report if your application is rejected based on your credit score. Reviewing the credit report can help you understand and potentially improve your credit standing for future applications.
If you’re a frequent Southwest flyer, applying for a Southwest credit card can unlock huge savings and travel perks. Whether you’re looking to earn free flights, take advantage of the Companion Pass, or enjoy priority boarding, there’s a card tailored to your needs.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Southwest Airlines Credit Card page to submit your application today!
