The main rewards on a Southwest card

A Southwest Airlines credit card gives you points on every purchase you make, whether you're buying groceries, gas, or plane tickets. Those points convert directly into Southwest flights with no blackout dates — you can book any seat the airline has available, any day of the year. You also earn a bonus of points upfront when you open the card, usually enough for a free round-trip flight if you meet the spending requirement in the first few months.

Beyond points, the card includes a Companion Pass benefit. This means once per year, you can fly with a companion (one other person) for just the taxes and fees — usually $5.60 each way — while you use your points for your own ticket. The companion flies free on the same itinerary. This benefit alone can save you hundreds of dollars on a second ticket.

You also get free checked bags when you use the card to buy your ticket. Southwest allows two free checked bags for all passengers, but cardholders get this benefit even if they're not flying themselves — if you buy a ticket for someone else with your card, they get the free bags too.

Key Takeaways

  • Every dollar you spend earns points toward Southwest flights, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions.
  • The sign-up bonus typically covers a round-trip flight if you spend the required amount in the first three months.
  • The annual Companion Pass lets one other person fly with you for taxes and fees only, using your points for your seat.
  • Free checked bags explore to any ticket you purchase with the card, even if you're not the one flying.
  • Points never expire as long as your account stays active, and you can combine points from multiple cards if you have more than one.

How the sign-up bonus works

When you open a Southwest card, the issuer (usually Chase or Bank of America, depending on which card) offers a bonus of points if you spend a certain amount within a set timeframe — typically $2,000 to $4,000 in the first three months. The exact bonus and spending requirement change throughout the year, so check the current offer before you explore.

That bonus is usually worth 40,000 to 75,000 points. At Southwest's standard pricing, 25,000 points equals one round-trip flight, so a 50,000-point bonus covers two round-trip flights or one person flying round-trip twice. The bonus posts to your account once the spending requirement is met, usually within one to two billing cycles.

Annual fees and when they're worth it

Most Southwest cards charge an annual fee of $69 to $99, depending on which version you choose. The card issuer usually waives this fee for the first year, so you pay nothing in year one. After that, the fee renews each year on your card anniversary.

The Companion Pass benefit — which lets one person fly free with you annually — is often worth the fee by itself if you fly twice a year with a travel partner. If you also earn enough points through regular spending to book at least one additional flight, the card typically pays for itself. However, if you rarely fly or travel alone, the annual fee may outweigh the value.

Earning points on everyday purchases

Southwest cards typically earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases (flights, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases) and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Some versions earn higher rates on specific categories like dining or gas, so compare the current offers to see which card matches your spending habits.

Points accumulate in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, which is separate from your credit card account but linked to it. You can see your point balance anytime by logging into Southwest's website or app. Points are yours to keep — they don't expire as long as you have activity on your Rapid Rewards account at least once every 24 months, and using the credit card counts as activity.

Other perks beyond points and flights

Southwest cards often include priority boarding, which means you board earlier than standard passengers and get better seat selection. You'll receive a boarding position in the A group rather than B or C, which matters on full flights where window and aisle seats fill up quickly.

Some cards also offer anniversary bonuses — extra points or a free flight voucher on the date your card renews each year. A few versions include roadside information, purchase protection, or extended warranty coverage, though these vary by card and issuer. Check the specific card's benefits guide to see what's included.

How points work when you book a flight

To use your points for a flight, log into your Southwest account and search for your trip as usual. Instead of paying with a credit card, select "Pay with points" and the system shows you how many points that flight costs. Prices vary by route, time of day, and how far in advance you book — a short flight might cost 6,000 points while a cross-country flight costs 25,000 or more.

You can also transfer points to a companion's account if you want them to book their own flight, or you can book the flight yourself and add them as a passenger. There's no difference in point cost either way. If you have multiple Southwest cards, you can combine points from all of them into one Rapid Rewards account to reach the cost of a higher-priced flight faster.

Comparing Southwest cards to other airline cards

Southwest offers multiple versions of its card — typically a basic version and a premium version with higher annual fees and better benefits. The premium card usually includes a higher sign-up bonus, more anniversary points, and sometimes lounge access or other perks. The basic card is better if you fly Southwest occasionally; the premium card makes sense if you fly multiple times per year and value the extra benefits.

Other airlines' cards (United, American, Delta) work similarly — you earn points, get a sign-up bonus, and pay an annual fee. The main difference is that Southwest has no blackout dates and allows free checked bags for cardholders, which other airlines don't. If you fly one airline consistently, that airline's card usually offers the best value. If you fly multiple airlines, you might benefit from a general travel rewards card instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the card to earn the Companion Pass?

No. The Companion Pass is a Rapid Rewards account benefit that you earn by reaching 125,000 points in a calendar year, whether those points come from the credit card, flights you book, or other activities. However, the sign-up bonus on the card is the fastest way to reach that threshold.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points stay in your Rapid Rewards account and don't disappear. Closing the card doesn't affect your points balance. However, if you have no activity on your Rapid Rewards account for 24 months, the points will expire. Using the account — even just logging in or earning points from a flight — keeps them active.

Can I use points to upgrade my seat or buy a drink on the plane?

Yes. You can use points to buy in-flight items like drinks and snacks, or to upgrade to an earlier boarding position or premium seat. These purchases cost fewer points than a full flight — typically 500 to 2,000 points depending on what you're buying.

Do I earn points on the annual fee itself?

No. The annual fee does not earn points. However, any other purchases you make with the card do earn points at the standard rate.

What if I want to cancel the card before the annual fee hits?

You can cancel anytime. If you cancel before your card anniversary, you won't be charged the annual fee for the next year. Your points remain in your Rapid Rewards account as long as you have account activity within 24 months.