What the SWA Credit Card Is and Who Issues It
The SWA Credit Card is a co-branded rewards card issued by Chase in partnership with Southwest Airlines. It is designed for people who fly Southwest regularly or want to earn rewards on everyday purchases. The card comes in several versions, each with different benefits and annual fees.
Chase is the bank that manages the account, processes payments, and handles customer service. Southwest Airlines sets the rewards structure and determines which perks cardholders receive. When you open an SWA card, you are opening a credit account with Chase, not directly with Southwest.
The card is not a debit card or a prepaid card — it is a traditional credit card that reports to the three major credit bureaus and affects your credit score. You receive a monthly bill, make payments to Chase, and can carry a balance if you choose (though interest will accrue).
Key Takeaways
- The SWA Credit Card is issued by Chase and earns points that you can use for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, and other purchases.
- Different versions of the card have different annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and earning rates — compare them before you open one.
- You earn points on every purchase, but the earning rate varies depending on what you buy and which card version you hold.
- Points do not expire as long as your account stays open and you use the card at least once every 24 months.
- Opening the card involves a credit check and takes a few minutes online, but approval is not may provide.
The Different SWA Card Versions and Their Annual Fees
Chase offers three main versions of the SWA Credit Card: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card. Each one has a different annual fee and different benefits.
The Rapid Rewards Card has no annual fee. It earns 1 point per dollar spent on most purchases and 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and at restaurants. This card is the lowest-cost option if you do not want to pay an annual fee.
The Rapid Rewards Plus Card charges an annual fee (the amount varies and changes over time). It earns 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases and at restaurants, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. It also includes a statement credit toward a Southwest purchase each year, which can offset part of the annual fee.
The Rapid Rewards Premier Card has a higher annual fee than the Plus Card. It earns points at the same rate as the Plus Card but includes additional benefits like a higher annual statement credit, priority boarding on Southwest flights, and other perks. Check the current terms on Chase's website, because annual fees and benefits change periodically.
How to Open an SWA Credit Card Account
You can open an SWA Credit Card online through Chase's website or by phone. The online process is faster and takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Go to the Chase website and search for "Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card." You will see the different versions listed. Click on the one you want and select "Open Now" or a similar button. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, address, income, and employment information. Chase will run a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
Chase will tell you when ready whether you are approved, denied, or pending a decision. If you are approved, your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are pending, Chase may call you to verify information or ask additional questions.
Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your Chase account online. You can then start using it right away. Any sign-up bonus points (if the card you chose includes one) will post to your account after you meet the spending requirement, which is usually within the first few months.
How Points Are Earned and What They Are Worth
Every time you use your SWA Credit Card, you earn Rapid Rewards points. The number of points depends on what you buy and which card version you hold. Most cards earn 1 point per dollar on general purchases and 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, restaurants, and gas stations.
Points can be used to book Southwest flights, purchase seat upgrades, or buy gift cards. One point is not worth the same amount on every flight — the value depends on the flight price. A flight that costs $100 might require 5,000 points, while a $200 flight might require 10,000 points. You can see the exact point cost before you book.
Points do not expire as long as your account is open and you earn or use at least one point within a 24-month period. If your account closes and you do not use points for 24 months, Southwest may cancel your points balance. To keep points active, use your card at least once every two years, even if it is a small purchase.
Paying Your Bill and Managing Your Account
Your SWA Credit Card bill is due on the same date each month. Chase will send you a statement showing all charges, your balance, and the minimum payment due. You can pay online through your Chase account, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments.
If you pay the full balance by the due date, you will not be charged interest. If you pay only part of the balance, interest will accrue on the remaining amount at the card's annual percentage rate (APR). The APR varies based on your creditworthiness and changes over time.
You can set up automatic payments so that a fixed amount or your full balance is paid each month without you having to remember. Log into your Chase account, go to the payment settings, and choose the amount and date. Automatic payments reduce the chance of missing a due date and damaging your credit score.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment or Carry a Balance
If your payment is late by 30 days or more, Chase will report it to the credit bureaus, and your credit score will drop. A late payment stays on your credit report for seven years. You may also be charged a late fee, and your APR may increase.
If you carry a balance from month to month, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest you pay. For example, a $1,000 balance at 18% APR costs about $15 per month in interest alone.
If you fall behind on payments, Chase may freeze your account, demand when ready payment of the full balance, or send your account to a collection agency. At that point, your credit score suffers significantly and it becomes much harder to borrow money in the future.
Comparing the SWA Card to Other Airline and Rewards Cards
The SWA Credit Card is one of many airline and general rewards cards on the market. Whether it makes sense for you depends on how often you fly Southwest, what you spend money on, and whether the annual fee (if any) is worth the benefits you will actually use.
If you fly Southwest frequently, the SWA card's points earning rate and perks like priority boarding may be worth the annual fee. If you rarely fly Southwest or prefer other airlines, a general rewards card (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the American Express Blue Cash) might earn you more value on everyday purchases.
Compare the sign-up bonus, annual fee, earning rates, and redemption options across cards before you open one. A card with a high annual fee is only worth it if you will use the benefits enough to offset that cost. Use online comparison tools or read reviews from other cardholders to see what people actually earn and spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my points to another airline or use them for something other than flights?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points are designed for Southwest flights and related purchases. You cannot transfer points to other airlines. You can use points to book flights, purchase seat upgrades, buy gift cards, or make other Southwest-related purchases, but the options are limited compared to some other rewards programs.
What happens to my points if I close my credit card account?
If you close your SWA Credit Card account, your points do not disappear when ready. However, if you do not use or earn any points for 24 months, Southwest may cancel your points balance. To keep your points safe, keep your account open or transfer your points to a Southwest frequent flyer account before closing the card.
Do I have to have a Southwest frequent flyer account to open the SWA Credit Card?
No, you do not need an existing Southwest account to open the card. When you open the card, you can link it to a new or existing frequent flyer account. If you do not have one, Chase will help you set one up during the process process.
How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?
The number of points needed for a flight varies widely depending on the route and how far in advance you book. Short flights might cost 5,000 to 7,000 points, while longer flights can cost 15,000 points or more. If you spend $500 per month on your card and earn 1 point per dollar, you would earn 6,000 points per year — enough for one short flight.
What if I am denied for the SWA Credit Card?
If Chase denies your process, you can call the reconsideration line to ask why and see if additional information changes the decision. You can also wait a few months, improve your credit score, and explore again. Each process triggers a hard inquiry, so space out applications to avoid damaging your credit further.