Apply for Southwest Chase Credit Card: The Southwest Chase Credit Card is a co-branded travel credit card issued by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It’s tailored for frequent flyers who want to earn valuable travel rewards every time they spend. Whether you fly once a month or a few times a year, these cards offer a slew of travel perks, from bonus miles to exclusive travel protections.
At its core, this credit card series is all about maximizing your travel value. Unlike generic cards that offer generic rewards, the Southwest Chase card focuses solely on Rapid Rewards—Southwest’s loyalty program. Every dollar spent brings you closer to free flights, priority boarding, and even a Companion Pass, one of the most coveted travel benefits available.
If you’re someone who regularly flies with Southwest, this card makes absolute sense. It aligns perfectly with your travel lifestyle, and it doesn’t just reward you when you fly—it rewards you when you shop, dine, and live your everyday life.
Key Benefits and Perks
The Southwest Chase Credit Cards come packed with juicy benefits that can easily offset the annual fees. Here are some highlights:
- Rapid Rewards Points: Earn points on every purchase—especially travel and dining.
- Bonus Points: Sign-up bonuses can be massive—often enough for several free flights.
- Anniversary Bonus: Get bonus points each year you remain a cardholder.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for international travelers.
- Free Checked Bags: Enjoy the Southwest staple of two free checked bags.
- Companion Pass Eligibility: Spend enough and fly a friend free—every time.
These perks make the card a powerful tool for those who want more value from every trip. But to get the most out of it, you need to pick the right version for your travel habits—which we’ll dive into next.
Types of Southwest Chase Credit Cards
Chase offers multiple versions of the Southwest credit card, each with its own annual fee, benefits, and target audience. Let’s break them down.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
This is the entry-level card, great for beginners or light travelers. Key features include:
- Annual Fee: $69
- Bonus Offer: Varies, but often 40,000+ points after meeting a minimum spend
- Rewards Rate: 2x on Southwest purchases, 1x elsewhere
- Anniversary Bonus: 3,000 points each year
It’s simple and budget-friendly, perfect if you’re just getting started with travel rewards.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
A step up from the Plus card, this one adds a few more perks:
- Annual Fee: $99
- Bonus Offer: Often 50,000–60,000 points
- Rewards Rate: 3x on Southwest purchases
- Anniversary Bonus: 6,000 points
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
This is a solid middle-ground option with stronger earning potential and more travel features.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
The premium personal card, loaded with features:
- Annual Fee: $149
- Bonus Offer: Often 75,000+ points
- Rewards Rate: 3x on Southwest, 2x on select categories
- Anniversary Bonus: 7,500 points
- $75 Southwest Travel Credit
- Four Upgraded Boardings per year
This card is perfect for the frequent flyer who wants it all.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Tailored for business travelers:
- Annual Fee: $199
- Bonus Offer: Sometimes as high as 80,000–100,000 points
- Rewards Rate: 3x on Southwest, 2x on social media and internet purchases
- Anniversary Bonus: 9,000 points
- In-flight Wi-Fi Credits
If you travel often for business, this card helps rack up rewards fast while offering valuable extras.
Why Choose a Southwest Credit Card?
Rewards Program Overview
Rapid Rewards is one of the most straightforward and traveler-friendly loyalty programs out there. Points never expire, there are no blackout dates, and every seat is a reward seat. That means if a seat is available for sale, you can book it with points.
You earn points through spending on the card, flying with Southwest, and even through dining and shopping partners. Best of all, you can combine points with other Rapid Rewards members, making it easier to book trips with family or friends.
The more you fly and spend, the faster you rack up points—and the sooner you’ll be sipping a drink at 30,000 feet on a free flight.
Travel Perks and Companion Pass
Let’s talk about the holy grail of travel rewards: the Companion Pass. This perk lets you choose one person to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) every time you fly. That’s not once, not twice—but every time for the rest of the calendar year and the entire following year.
To qualify, you need to earn 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. Luckily, points earned through the Southwest Chase Credit Cards count toward that total—including bonuses!
This alone makes the card an unbeatable value if you plan to travel frequently with a partner, friend, or family member.
Credit Score Requirements
What Credit Score Do You Need?
Southwest Chase Credit Cards generally require a good to excellent credit score, typically in the range of 670 to 850. While there’s no official cutoff, most successful applicants have scores above 700.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Credit Score Range | Rating | Approval Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 300–579 | Poor | Very Low |
| 580–669 | Fair | Low |
| 670–739 | Good | Moderate |
| 740–799 | Very Good | High |
| 800–850 | Excellent | Very High |
Keep in mind that credit history, income, and existing debt also play a role in approval, not just your score.
How to Improve Your Score Before Applying
If your score isn’t quite where it needs to be, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to boost it:
- Pay Down Debt – Lower your credit utilization ratio.
- Make On-Time Payments – Even one missed payment can tank your score.
- Dispute Errors on Your Report – Check for inaccuracies that could be dragging you down.
- Avoid New Hard Inquiries – Each hard pull can drop your score a few points.
- Keep Old Accounts Open – They help establish credit history.
Give yourself 2–3 months to improve your score before applying. A little patience can mean the difference between approval and rejection—and potentially a better welcome bonus.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Southwest Chase Credit Card
Step 1 – Research the Best Card for You
Before jumping into an application, it’s crucial to choose the right Southwest Chase Credit Card based on your travel habits, spending behavior, and financial goals. As we discussed earlier, each card comes with different features—so this step can save you a ton of regret later.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I travel frequently enough to justify a higher annual fee?
- Will I take advantage of travel credits and upgraded boardings?
- Am I working toward the Companion Pass?
If you only fly once or twice a year, the Plus card might be enough. But if you fly frequently or want the best perks and fastest path to rewards, go for the Priority or Premier cards. Business owners should consider the Performance Business Card—it’s loaded with perks that cater to professional travelers.
Don’t forget to review the current sign-up bonuses, as they can vary seasonally. Sometimes waiting a month or two for a better bonus offer is worth it.
Step 2 – Check Eligibility and Pre-qualification
Next, you’ll want to see if you’re eligible. While Chase doesn’t officially offer a pre-qualification tool for its co-branded cards like the Southwest series, you can still check for pre-approval offers through your Chase online account if you’re an existing customer.
Also, be aware of Chase’s “5/24 rule.” This rule means if you’ve opened five or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, your application will likely be denied, regardless of your credit score.
Quick tips to check before applying:
- Credit score in the 700+ range?
- No more than 5 new cards in the last 2 years?
- Clean credit report?
If you meet those criteria, you’re probably good to go!
Step 3 – Complete the Online Application Form
Once you’ve picked the best card for your needs and ensured you’re eligible, head to the official Chase website and find the Southwest credit card of your choice. Click “Apply Now,” and you’ll be taken to a secure application page.
You’ll need to fill in:
- Full legal name
- Address and phone number
- Email address
- Social Security number
- Employment status
- Total annual income
- Monthly housing payment
- Mother’s maiden name (for identity verification)
Make sure all information is accurate—especially your income. Chase uses this to determine your creditworthiness and set your credit limit.
The form usually takes about 5–10 minutes to complete. Submit it once you’re done and wait for the decision.
Step 4 – Wait for Approval
After submitting your application, one of three things will happen:
- Instant Approval – If everything looks good, you’ll be approved immediately, and your new card will arrive in 7–10 business days.
- Pending Review – Sometimes Chase needs more time to review your application. This can take a few hours to a few days.
- Denied – If you’re denied, you’ll get a letter in the mail within 7–10 days explaining why.
If you receive a pending notice, don’t panic. You can call Chase’s reconsideration line to speak to a live representative and possibly sway the decision in your favor.
Phone number: 1-888-270-2127 (for personal cards)
Business card line: 1-800-453-9719
Sometimes a quick chat to clarify your income or explain recent credit activity is all it takes to get that “yes.”
What Information You’ll Need to Apply
Before you dive into the application process, it’s a smart move to gather all your documents and details. This ensures a smoother experience and avoids delays due to incomplete or incorrect information.
Personal Details Required
Here’s what Chase will ask you for:
- Full Name – Make sure it matches your government-issued ID.
- Date of Birth – You must be at least 18 years old.
- Social Security Number – Used for credit check and identity verification.
- Home Address – No P.O. boxes allowed.
- Phone Number and Email Address – For contact and notifications.
Make sure your contact info is accurate—Chase may use this to update you on your application status or request more documents.
Income and Employment Information
Chase wants to see that you have the means to repay your card. You’ll need to provide:
- Total Annual Income – This includes your salary, bonuses, freelance income, investments, etc.
- Employment Status – Employed, self-employed, unemployed, or retired.
- Housing Information – Monthly rent or mortgage amount.
- Business Details – If applying for a business card, you’ll also need your EIN (Employer Identification Number) or SSN, business name, and estimated revenue.
Chase doesn’t typically ask for documents unless something needs verification. However, they may request pay stubs or tax forms if your application is flagged for manual review.
Being honest and transparent here is key. Don’t inflate your income just to get approved—it could come back to bite you later.
Tips for a Successful Application
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Getting denied for a credit card stings—but it often happens due to small, avoidable errors. Let’s look at the biggest pitfalls:
- Applying without checking your credit score
- Exceeding Chase’s 5/24 rule
- Entering incorrect personal or financial information
- Applying for multiple Chase cards at once
- Not meeting the minimum income requirements
Review every part of your application carefully before hitting “Submit.” It only takes one mistake to cause a denial—or at the very least, a delay.
Boosting Your Approval Odds
Want to play it safe and improve your chances? Here are some insider tips:
- Lower Your Credit Utilization – Aim for under 30% usage across all cards.
- Avoid Applying for Other Cards Recently – Too many recent inquiries = red flag.
- Pay Off Existing Balances – Shows responsible credit behavior.
- Get Added as an Authorized User – This can help build or improve your credit profile if you’re new to credit.
- Use a Chase Bank Account – Existing relationships with Chase can help sway approval in your favor.
Sometimes even a reconsideration call can make a huge difference. Be polite, explain your financial situation, and ask if there’s anything you can do to be reconsidered for approval.
What Happens After You Apply?
Approval Timeline
So, you’ve submitted your application—what now? The waiting game can feel like forever, but here’s what to expect:
- Instant Decision: Many applicants will know within 60 seconds. If approved, you’ll receive a confirmation screen showing your credit limit and basic card details.
- Pending Review: Sometimes Chase needs to verify additional information or evaluate your credit profile more closely. This may take 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail Notification: Whether you’re approved or denied, Chase will send you a letter detailing your application status.
If it’s been more than a few days, you can check your application status online or call the Chase application status line at 1-800-432-3117. For business card applications, use 1-800-453-9719.
And remember, if your application was declined but your financials are solid, don’t give up. You have the right to a reconsideration call where you can clarify your credit report or provide more context.
What to Do if You’re Denied
Denials happen, and they’re not the end of the world. First things first: don’t take it personally. Chase, like any bank, uses an algorithm that can miss the full picture.
Here’s what to do:
- Wait for the Letter: It’ll include the exact reason(s) for your denial—credit score, too many inquiries, low income, etc.
- Call the Reconsideration Line: Be polite, confident, and clear. Explain your situation, correct any misreported information, and express your interest in the card.
- Address the Issue: If it’s a credit score issue, work on building your score and reapply in a few months. If it’s too many cards opened, wait until you’re under the 5/24 threshold.
Don’t forget—you can also apply for other cards in the meantime to keep building your credit history and rewards balance.
Managing Your Southwest Credit Card
Using the Chase App
Once you’re approved and your card arrives, it’s time to start managing it like a pro. The Chase Mobile App is your best friend. It’s free, easy to use, and loaded with helpful features.
Key functions include:
- View Transactions and Balances – Stay on top of spending in real time.
- Pay Bills and Set Up AutoPay – Never miss a due date.
- Track Rewards – See how many Rapid Rewards points you’ve earned.
- Freeze or Replace Card – Lose your card? No problem—just freeze it from the app.
You can also use Chase’s website for more advanced features like:
- Setting Travel Notifications
- Reviewing Statements
- Requesting a Credit Limit Increase
Pro tip: Set up account alerts to notify you of large purchases, due dates, or even when your rewards balance reaches a certain point. It’s a great way to keep your spending in check and maximize your card benefits.
Redeeming Your Rapid Rewards
You’ve earned your points—now it’s time to use them! Redeeming Rapid Rewards points is surprisingly simple, and Southwest’s redemption system is one of the best in the industry.
Here’s how to use them:
- Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account at southwest.com.
- Search for Flights – Be sure to select “Points” instead of “Dollars.”
- Pick Your Flight and Book – If there’s a seat available for cash, it’s available for points.
Southwest uses a dynamic pricing model, so the number of points required for a flight depends on the cash price. This means booking early or during sales stretches your points further.
Other redemption options include:
- Hotels and Car Rentals
- Gift Cards
- Merchandise
But honestly? The best value almost always comes from booking Southwest flights. That’s where you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
Alternatives to Southwest Chase Credit Cards
Comparing with Other Airline Credit Cards
While Southwest’s cards are great, they’re not the only game in town. Depending on your flying habits, you might get more value from a card tied to another airline.
Here’s how Southwest compares to other popular airline cards:
| Feature | Southwest Priority | Delta SkyMiles Gold | United Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $149 | $99 | $95 |
| Free Checked Bags | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Companion Pass | Yes | No | No |
| Travel Credits | $75/year | None | 2 United Club passes/year |
| Points Expiration | Never | Never | After 18 months inactivity |
If you’re loyal to Delta or United, it may be worth checking out their co-branded cards from American Express or Chase. But if you love Southwest’s no-change-fee policy, Companion Pass, and great customer service, then you’re right where you need to be.
When a General Travel Card Might Be Better
If you fly with multiple airlines or travel internationally, a general-purpose travel credit card could make more sense. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture Rewards offer flexible points that can be transferred to various airlines or redeemed for any type of travel.
Benefits of general travel cards:
- Point Flexibility – Redeem for hotels, flights, rental cars, etc.
- Transfer Partners – Use points with dozens of airlines.
- More Travel Protections – Often include trip delay, lost luggage, and travel insurance.
Bottom line: If Southwest is your go-to airline, a Southwest Chase card is a no-brainer. But if you’re a travel hacker or international globetrotter, a flexible travel card might be the better fit.
FAQs about Applying for Southwest Chase Credit Card
1. How do I apply for a Southwest Chase Credit Card?
Applying for a Southwest Chase Credit Card is straightforward. Visit the Chase website, navigate to the credit cards section, and select the Southwest Airlines credit card. From there, you can click on “Apply Now” and fill out the necessary application form with your details such as your name, address, income, and social security number.
2. What are the benefits of a Southwest Chase Credit Card?
The Southwest Chase Credit Card offers several benefits including points on every purchase, special points on Southwest Airlines purchases, annual travel credits, and lost luggage reimbursement. Cardholders can also enjoy the perks of Rapid Rewards which lead to faster free flights and upgrades.
3. What credit score is needed to qualify for the card?
Generally, a good to excellent credit score (670 and above) is required to qualify for a Southwest Chase Credit Card. It’s recommended to check your credit score before applying to ensure you meet the credit criteria.
4. Are there any fees associated with the Southwest Chase Credit Card?
Yes, the Southwest Chase Credit Card comes with an annual fee. Additionally, there may be fees for late payments, foreign transactions, and cash advances. Detailed fee information can be found in the terms and conditions of the card.
5. How long does it take to receive the card after applying?
After approval, it typically takes 7-10 business days to receive your Southwest Chase Credit Card by mail. However, times can vary based on processing details and mailing times.
6. Can I manage my Southwest Chase Credit Card account online?
Yes, you can manage your card account online. Chase offers an online portal where you can view your statement, check your card activity, redeem rewards, and update your personal information securely.
7. What should I do if my application is denied?
If your application for a Southwest Chase Credit Card is denied, Chase will provide a reason for the denial. Review the reasons carefully, and consider improving those areas, such as your credit score or debt-to-income ratio, before reapplying.
Conclusion
Applying for a Southwest Chase Credit Card isn’t just about getting a shiny piece of plastic—it’s about unlocking a world of travel perks, earning free flights, and turning your everyday spending into unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re chasing the coveted Companion Pass or just looking to save on checked bags and earn rewards faster, these cards offer serious value.
Just remember: pick the card that matches your lifestyle, make sure your credit’s in good shape, and apply with confidence. With the right strategy, you’ll be flying high—literally and financially—in no time.
