The fastest way to pay is through Southwest's website or mobile app
Log in to your Southwest credit card account at southwest.com or open the Southwest mobile app, then select "Pay Bill" or "Make a Payment." You'll enter the amount you want to pay and choose a payment date. The payment posts within one business day if you pay before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a weekday. Payments made after that time or on weekends post the next business day.
You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to make a payment over the phone. A representative will walk you through the process and confirm your payment amount and date. This method works if you prefer not to use the website or app, or if you have questions about your account before paying.
Key Takeaways
- Paying through Southwest's website or app is the fastest method and posts within one business day.
- You can set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same date each month without you having to remember.
- Mailing a check takes seven to ten business days to reach Southwest, so plan ahead if you use this method.
- Your payment due date is printed on your monthly statement, and paying by that date keeps you from being charged a late fee.
Setting up automatic payments so you never miss a due date
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting to pay. In your Southwest credit card account online, look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" in the settings or account management section. You'll choose whether to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month, and pick the day of the month you want the payment to come out.
Once autopay is set up, the payment happens on that date every month without you having to do anything. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your account settings. Many people set autopay to pay the full balance on the due date, which means they never carry a balance and never pay interest charges.
Paying by mail if you prefer to send a check
If you want to pay by check, write it to Southwest Airlines and include your account number on the check. The mailing address is printed on your monthly statement. Mail your check at least ten business days before your due date to make sure it arrives on time.
Mailed payments take longer to process than online or phone payments, so the post office delivery time plus Southwest's processing time can add up to two weeks. If your check arrives after your due date, you may be charged a late fee even though you mailed it on time. For this reason, mailing is the least reliable method if you're cutting it close to your due date.
What happens if you miss your payment due date
If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date shown on your statement, Southwest will charge you a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on your card terms, but it's typically a fixed dollar amount. More importantly, a late payment is reported to credit bureaus and can lower your credit score.
If you realize you've missed a payment, contact Southwest customer service right away. Paying the overdue amount when ready stops additional fees from building up. If this is your first late payment, some card issuers will waive the fee as a courtesy, but you have to ask.
Using a third-party payment service or bank bill pay
Some banks and credit unions offer bill pay services that let you schedule payments to any company, including Southwest. You set up Southwest's mailing address in your bank's bill pay system, and your bank mails a check on the date you choose. This works well if you already use your bank's bill pay for other bills and want everything in one place.
The timing is the same as mailing a check yourself — allow ten business days for delivery. Do not use a third-party payment app or service that charges a fee to pay your credit card bill, because the fee usually costs more than any benefit you'd get. Stick with your bank's free bill pay or Southwest's own payment system.
Understanding your statement and when payment is due
Your monthly statement shows your current balance, the minimum payment due, and the due date. The due date is the last day you can pay without being charged a late fee. Your statement also shows the statement closing date, which is when Southwest stops counting charges for that month and generates your bill.
If you pay only the minimum payment instead of the full balance, you'll be charged interest on the remaining balance at the card's annual percentage rate (APR). Paying the full balance by the due date means you owe no interest. The statement itself is mailed or emailed to you, depending on your preference, and you can also view it anytime in your online account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Southwest credit card bill with a different card?
No, credit card companies do not accept payments from other credit cards. You can pay with a debit card, bank account transfer, or check. Paying a credit card with another credit card through a third-party service usually costs a fee and counts as a cash advance, which charges interest when ready.
What if I pay more than I owe?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account and is applied to your next bill. You can also request that Southwest refund the overpayment to your bank account, though this may take a few business days to process.
Do I have to pay the full balance or can I pay just part of it?
You can pay any amount between the minimum payment and the full balance. However, any balance you don't pay will be charged interest at your card's APR. Paying the full balance each month is the way to avoid interest charges.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Check your account online or in the app within one business day of making the payment. You should see the payment listed in your transaction history. You can also call customer service to confirm the payment was received.
What if I need to change my payment date?
Log into your account and change the due date in your account settings, or call customer service to request a different date. Southwest may allow you to move your due date to a different day of the month to match your pay schedule or other bills.