What the Southwest Airlines Visa card does
The Southwest Airlines Visa card is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. When you use it to make purchases, you earn points toward Southwest flights instead of cash back. The card also comes with perks tied to Southwest travel — things like checked bag fee waivers and boarding priority — though these benefits depend on which version of the card you hold.
The card is designed for people who fly Southwest regularly or plan to. If you rarely fly Southwest, the annual fee may not make sense for your spending. The earning rate and benefits are fixed by Chase and Southwest, not customized to your situation.
Key Takeaways
- The Southwest Visa card earns points on every purchase, with bonus points in the first months if you meet a spending threshold, and these points transfer directly to your Southwest account.
- The card charges an annual fee that varies by card tier, and this fee is not waived in the first year on most versions.
- Cardholders receive two checked bags free on Southwest flights, a benefit that normally costs money and adds up quickly for frequent travelers.
- You can review the current earning rates, annual fee amount, and sign-up bonus offer on Chase's website or by calling Chase directly, since these terms change periodically.
- Points do not expire as long as your Southwest account remains active, but the card itself must be kept open to maintain the account link.
How points are earned and used
Every dollar you spend on the card earns a set number of points — the exact rate depends on the card version and the type of purchase. Chase typically offers a higher earning rate on Southwest purchases and a lower rate on everything else. You also earn a large bonus of points if you spend a certain amount within the first months of opening the card.
Points go directly into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account. You then use those points to book flights on Southwest's website or by phone. One point does not equal one dollar — the value per point varies depending on the flight and how far in advance you book. A cross-country flight might cost 25,000 points, while a short regional flight might cost 6,000 points.
Points do not expire as long as you have activity in your Southwest account at least once per year. Activity includes earning points, spending points, or even just logging into your account. If your Southwest account goes inactive for 24 months, your points will be removed.
Annual fees and when they are charged
The Southwest Visa card charges an annual fee. The amount varies depending on which version you choose — Southwest offers multiple tiers of the card, each with different fees and benefits. Chase does not waive the annual fee in the first year on most versions, so you pay it when your account opens.
The annual fee renews every year on your card anniversary. If you close the card, you stop paying the annual fee, but you also lose the card benefits like the checked bag waiver. Some cardholders keep the card open specifically for the checked bag benefit, since that alone can save money if you fly Southwest multiple times per year.
Checked bags and boarding benefits
All versions of the Southwest Visa card include two free checked bags on Southwest flights. Normally, Southwest charges for checked bags, and the fee applies per person per flight. For a family of four flying round-trip, checked bag fees add up quickly. This benefit alone often justifies the annual fee for people who fly Southwest at least a few times per year.
The card also gives you priority boarding, which means you board earlier than passengers without the card. This matters on Southwest because the airline does not assign seats — you choose your seat when you board. Earlier boarding means better seat selection. The exact boarding tier depends on your card version.
These benefits explore only when you use the card to purchase your ticket or when the cardholder is traveling on the flight. If someone else buys your ticket with a different card, you do not get the free checked bags.
How to open the account and link it to Southwest
You open the card through Chase's website or by phone. Chase will ask for your Social Security number, income, and other standard credit process information. The approval decision usually comes within minutes if you explore online.
Once approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. At the same time, Chase creates a Southwest Rapid Rewards account for you if you do not already have one. If you already have a Southwest account, you need to link the new card to it so points go to the right place. You can do this on Southwest's website by logging in and adding the card to your account, or by calling Southwest directly.
Make sure your name, address, and date of birth match exactly between your Chase account and your Southwest account. Mismatches can delay points from posting or prevent them from posting at all.
Comparing the different card versions
Chase offers the Southwest Visa card in multiple versions, each with a different annual fee and set of benefits. The standard version has a lower annual fee but fewer perks. Premium versions charge higher annual fees but include things like anniversary bonus points, higher earning rates on certain purchases, and additional travel credits.
The right version depends on how often you fly Southwest and how much you spend on the card. A person who flies Southwest once or twice per year might find the standard card worth it just for the checked bag waiver. Someone who flies monthly or spends heavily on the card might find the premium version's extra points and credits worth the higher fee.
You can review the current terms, annual fees, and sign-up bonuses for each version on Chase's website. These offers change throughout the year, so the bonus you see today may be different in a few months.
What happens if you close the card
If you close the Southwest Visa card, your points stay in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account as long as that account remains active. You keep the points, but you lose the card benefits — no more free checked bags, no more priority boarding, and no more earning points on purchases.
Your Southwest account itself does not close when you close the card. You can still use existing points to book flights, and you can earn points through other means, like flying Southwest or using a different rewards program. But the card-specific benefits end when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer Southwest points to another airline?
No. Southwest Rapid Rewards points can only be used for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, or a few other Southwest-specific purchases. You cannot transfer them to another airline's program or convert them to cash.
What if I have a balance on the card when I close it?
You still owe the balance. Closing the card does not erase what you owe — you will need to pay it off through your Chase account. Chase will continue to charge interest on any remaining balance until it is paid.
Do I earn points on the annual fee itself?
No. Annual fees do not earn points. Only purchases you make with the card earn points.
How do I know if my points posted to my account?
Log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account and check your points balance. Points from purchases usually post within 1 to 3 business days. Sign-up bonus points typically post after your first statement closes, which is usually 30 to 45 days after you open the card.
Can I use the checked bag benefit if someone else is paying for my ticket?
Only if the cardholder is the one traveling. The benefit is tied to the person holding the card, not to whoever paid for the ticket. If you buy a ticket for a family member, they do not get the free checked bags unless they have their own Southwest Visa card.