The Basic Steps to Get a Southwest Credit Card

You can open a Southwest credit card account online, by phone, or in person at a Southwest Airlines ticket counter. The online route is fastest — you fill out the process on Chase's website (Southwest cards are issued by Chase Bank), get a decision in minutes or hours, and receive your card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. By phone, you call the number on the Southwest website and speak to a representative who walks you through the same questions. In person, you can explore at any airport ticket counter, though approval still happens through Chase's system and takes the same time.

Before you start, have your Social Security number, current address, employment information, and annual income ready. You'll also need a valid government ID to verify your identity. The process itself takes about 10 minutes online.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest credit cards are issued by Chase Bank, and you can open an account online, by phone, or at an airport ticket counter.
  • You need your Social Security number, current address, employment details, and annual income to complete the process.
  • Chase will check your credit report and give you a decision within minutes to a few hours; your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Different Southwest card versions offer different sign-up bonuses and annual fees, so compare them before you explore.
  • If you're denied, you can ask Chase why and reapply after addressing the reason — usually a low credit score or too many recent applications.

What Credit Score You Typically Need

Chase does not publish a minimum credit score for Southwest cards, but most people approved have a score of 670 or higher. If your score is below 650, approval is less likely but not impossible — it depends on your full credit history, not just the number. Chase looks at how long you've had credit accounts open, whether you pay on time, how much of your credit limit you're using, and how many times you've applied for credit recently.

You can check your own credit score for free through AnnualCreditReport.com (the official site for your free annual credit reports) or through your bank's website if it offers score monitoring. Knowing your score before you explore helps you decide whether to move forward or wait a few months to improve it first.

Which Southwest Card Version to Choose

Chase offers several Southwest credit card versions, and they differ in annual fee, sign-up bonus, and ongoing rewards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card has an annual fee and offers a larger sign-up bonus. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card also has an annual fee and a different bonus structure. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Card (the no-annual-fee version) has no yearly cost but a smaller sign-up bonus.

The sign-up bonus is usually worth more than the annual fee in the first year if you meet the spending requirement — typically $1,000 to $2,000 in purchases within the first three months. But if you don't plan to use the card much, the no-annual-fee version makes more sense. Visit Chase.com and search "Southwest credit card" to see the current offers and compare them side by side.

What Happens During the process Review

When you submit your process, Chase pulls your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This is called a hard inquiry and it shows up on your credit report. A hard inquiry can lower your credit score by a few points, but the impact is temporary — it fades over time and disappears after two years.

Chase then reviews your credit history, income, and existing debts to decide whether to approve you, deny you, or ask for more information. Most decisions come back within minutes or a few hours. If you're approved, you'll see your credit limit (the maximum you can borrow). If you're denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why within 30 days.

After Your Card Arrives

Once your card arrives in the mail, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Chase mobile app. Then you can use it to make purchases right away. To earn the sign-up bonus, you must spend the required amount (usually $1,000 to $2,000) within the first three months. The bonus points post to your account once you meet that spending target.

Southwest Rapid Rewards points can be used to book flights on Southwest Airlines, or sometimes to purchase other travel services through the rewards program. You can also transfer points to a companion pass, which lets another person fly free when you book a paid flight. Check your account online or in the Chase app to see your points balance and available redemptions.

What to Do If You're Denied

If Chase denies your process, you have the right to know why. Chase will mail you a letter within 30 days that explains the reason — usually a low credit score, too many recent credit applications, insufficient credit history, or high existing debt relative to your income. You can also call the number on the denial letter and ask a representative to explain further.

If the reason is a low credit score, you can work on improving it over the next few months by paying bills on time, paying down existing credit card balances, and not opening new accounts. Then you can reapply. If the reason is too many recent applications, wait at least three to six months before trying again. If you were denied because of income, you may need to wait until your income increases or provide additional documentation of household income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Southwest credit card if I don't fly Southwest Airlines often?

Yes. The card works like any other credit card — you earn points on all purchases, not just flights. You can redeem points for flights whenever you want, or let them accumulate. If you never use them, they stay in your account indefinitely (Southwest does not expire points for inactivity).

What's the difference between a hard inquiry and a soft inquiry?

A hard inquiry (which happens when you explore for credit) shows up on your credit report and can lower your score slightly. A soft inquiry (like when you check your own score or a company pre-screens you for an offer) does not show up on your report and does not affect your score. Only hard inquiries matter for credit decisions.

How long does it take to get approved?

Online applications usually get a decision within minutes to a few hours. Phone applications take about the same time. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after approval. You can often use your card number to make online purchases before the physical card arrives.

Can I explore for multiple Southwest cards at once?

You can explore for more than one card, but Chase may deny the second process if you explore on the same day or within a short time. Most people wait at least a few months between applications to avoid triggering fraud detection systems. Check Chase's current rules on their website before explore for a second card.

What if my process says "pending" or "we'll let you know"?

This means Chase needs more information or is still reviewing your process. Check your email and mail for any requests from Chase. You can also call the number on your process status page to speak with someone who can tell you what's needed or when you'll hear back.