Pay your Southwest Airlines credit card bill online, by phone, or by mail
You can pay your Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit card through the card issuer's website or mobile app, by calling their customer service line, or by mailing a check. The issuer is Chase, so you'll log into your Chase account or call Chase directly — not Southwest Airlines itself. Most cardholders pay online because it's when ready and you can see your balance and due date right away.
Your payment method depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you prefer to handle it digitally or by mail. Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and clear, so plan ahead if you choose that route.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Chase account online or through the Chase mobile app to pay your Southwest Airlines credit card bill when ready.
- Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your card to make a payment by phone without logging in.
- Mail a check to the address shown on your monthly statement, but allow 7 to 10 business days for it to clear.
- Your due date appears on your statement and in your online account — paying by that date avoids late fees and interest charges.
- Set up automatic payments through Chase if you want the same amount deducted on the same day each month.
Pay online through your Chase account
Go to chase.com and sign in with your username and password. If you don't have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your card number and other identifying information. Once you're logged in, look for "Pay" or "Payments" in the main menu — the exact wording varies depending on whether you're on desktop or mobile.
Select your Southwest Airlines credit card from the list of accounts. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Choose the date you want the payment to post; if you select today, it usually posts within a few hours. Review the details and confirm. You'll see a confirmation number when ready, and the payment will show in your account within one business day.
Pay by phone with Chase customer service
Call the number on the back of your Southwest Airlines credit card. A representative will ask for your card number and the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance, the minimum, or a custom amount. Have your bank account information ready if you're paying from a checking or savings account, or let them know if you're paying with another credit card (though this usually costs a fee).
Phone payments post within one business day. The representative will give you a confirmation number — write it down or ask them to email it to you. This number proves you made the payment if there's ever a question about when it arrived.
Pay by mail with a check
Write a check for the amount you owe and include your account number on the memo line. Your monthly statement shows the mailing address for payments — use that address exactly as printed. Do not mail payments to Southwest Airlines; Chase processes all payments for this card.
Mail your check at least 10 business days before your due date to make sure it arrives and clears in time. The postal service takes 3 to 5 business days, and Chase takes another 2 to 5 business days to process and post the payment. If your payment arrives after the due date, you may be charged a late fee even if you mailed it on time, so the earlier you send it, the safer you are.
Set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date
Log into your Chase account and look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" — usually found under settings or in the payments section. Select your Southwest Airlines card and choose how much you want paid automatically each month: the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount you set.
Pick the day of the month you want the payment to come out — many people choose the day after they get paid or the day after their statement closes. The payment will post automatically on that day each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account, and you'll still be able to make extra payments whenever you want.
Understand your due date and how late payments affect your account
Your due date appears on your monthly statement and in your online Chase account. It's usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. Paying by the due date keeps you in good standing and avoids late fees. If you pay after the due date, Chase charges a late fee (the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and may report the late payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score.
Interest charges begin accruing on any unpaid balance the day after your statement closes, regardless of whether you've missed the due date. Paying the full statement balance by the due date avoids interest entirely. If you can only pay the minimum, the remaining balance will be charged interest at your card's APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness.
What to do if you can't pay by your due date
Contact Chase as soon as you know you'll miss your due date. Call the number on the back of your card and explain your situation. Chase cannot waive a late fee after it's been charged, but they may be willing to waive it if you call before the due date passes and have a good payment history. Some representatives have the authority to remove one late fee per year as a courtesy.
If you're struggling to pay your full balance, ask about a hardship program or a temporary reduction in your interest rate. Chase has options for cardholders facing temporary financial difficulty, though these programs have specific requirements and time limits. Paying something, even if it's less than the full amount due, is better than paying nothing — it shows good faith and limits the damage to your credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a payment to show up in my account?
Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days total — 3 to 5 days for the mail and another 2 to 5 days for Chase to process it. If you're close to your due date, pay online or by phone to be safe.
Can I pay my Southwest Airlines credit card with another credit card?
You can, but most credit card issuers treat this as a cash advance and charge a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount. It's almost always cheaper to pay from a bank account. Call Chase to ask about the fee before you attempt a credit card payment.
What happens if I pay more than I owe?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or call Chase to request a refund. Refunds typically take 5 to 7 business days to appear in your bank account.
Do I have to pay the full balance, or can I pay just the minimum?
You can pay any amount between the minimum and the full balance. The minimum is shown on your statement. Paying only the minimum means you'll be charged interest on the remaining balance, but it keeps you from being late. Paying the full balance avoids interest entirely.
Is there a fee to pay my credit card bill?
No — Chase does not charge a fee for online, phone, or mailed payments made from a bank account. Paying with another credit card or using a third-party payment service may incur fees, so check before you proceed.