What Southwest Airlines credit card promotions typically offer
Southwest Airlines credit card promotions usually come in two forms: a sign-up bonus in points or dollars, and ongoing rewards for spending. The sign-up bonus is the main draw — you open the card, spend a set amount within a timeframe (usually three to six months), and the card issuer deposits bonus points into your Southwest account. Those points convert to free flights or other travel benefits.
The ongoing rewards structure varies by card, but most Southwest cards earn points on every dollar spent, with higher earning rates on Southwest purchases and sometimes on specific categories like dining or hotels. Some promotions also waive the annual fee for the first year, though most cards carry an annual fee after that.
Promotions change frequently — what's available this month may not be available next month. The card issuer (currently Chase) controls when promotions run and what they offer.
Key Takeaways
- Sign-up bonuses typically require you to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 within three to six months to earn the bonus points.
- Points earned through the card can be used for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, or other travel purchases on Southwest's website.
- Most Southwest cards charge an annual fee, though some promotions waive it for the first year.
- The specific bonus amount and spending requirement change regularly, so the promotion you see today may differ from one available in a few weeks.
How to find the current Southwest credit card promotion
The most direct route is to visit Chase's website directly and search for Southwest credit cards. Chase is the issuer of all Southwest-branded cards, so their site will show you the current promotion, the spending requirement, and the bonus amount. You can also call Chase at the number on the back of any existing Chase card to ask about current offers.
You can also check Southwest Airlines' own website — they often link to the card offer from their homepage or rewards section. This route sometimes shows the same promotion as Chase's site, but occasionally Southwest highlights a specific offer they're promoting.
Comparison sites and rewards tracking websites sometimes list Southwest card promotions, but these can lag behind the actual offers. Always verify the current bonus on Chase's official site before you open the card, because the promotion you read about elsewhere may have ended.
Understanding the spending requirement and timeline
The spending requirement is the amount you must charge to the card within a set window to earn the sign-up bonus. This is not a minimum balance — it's cumulative spending. If the requirement is $2,000 in three months, you need to put $2,000 of purchases on the card between the day you open it and three months later.
The clock starts the day your account opens, not the day you receive the card in the mail. Plan your spending accordingly — if you know you'll be making large purchases (travel, home repairs, holiday shopping) in the next few months, that's a practical time to open the card and work toward the requirement.
Once you meet the spending requirement, the bonus points post to your Southwest account automatically. This usually happens within one to two billing cycles after you cross the threshold, though Chase's terms say it can take up to 90 days. You don't need to do anything — just wait for the points to appear.
What you need to open a Southwest credit card
You'll need a Social Security number, a current mailing address, and a phone number. Chase will run a credit check (a hard inquiry) when you open the card, which temporarily affects your credit score. You should have a credit score of at least 670 to have a reasonable chance of approval, though Chase doesn't publish a minimum.
You can open the card online through Chase's website, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch. Online is fastest — you'll get a decision within minutes in most cases. If you're approved, Chase will mail the card to you, which usually takes five to seven business days.
If you're denied, you can call Chase to ask why and sometimes to reapply with a different product (such as a different Southwest card tier). You're allowed one reapplication attempt within 30 days without triggering an additional hard inquiry.
How to use your bonus points once they arrive
Bonus points land in your Southwest Rapid Rewards account, which is separate from your credit card account. You access it through Southwest's website or mobile app. Once the points are there, you can use them to book flights on Southwest.com by selecting "points" as your payment method instead of a credit card.
Points can also cover seat upgrades (like Early Bird Check-In or upgraded boarding), baggage fees, or in-flight purchases. You can transfer points to a companion's account if you want to book them a flight, though this requires both accounts to be linked.
Points don't expire as long as your account has some activity at least once every 24 months. Activity includes earning points, redeeming points, or even just logging into your account. If your account goes inactive for 24 months, Southwest will close it and you'll lose the points.
Annual fees and whether the card makes sense for you
Most Southwest credit cards charge an annual fee that kicks in after the first year (or when ready, depending on the card). This fee ranges from $69 to $99 depending on which Southwest card you choose. Some promotions waive the fee for the first year, but you'll owe it in year two unless you close the card.
To decide whether the card is worth keeping, compare the annual fee against the value of the ongoing rewards. If you fly Southwest regularly or spend enough on the card to earn points that cover the fee's cost, it may make sense to keep it. If you don't fly Southwest or rarely use the card, closing it before the second annual fee posts is the practical choice.
You can close a Southwest credit card anytime by calling Chase. There's no penalty for closing it early, and you keep any points you've already earned. Just make sure you've transferred any remaining balance to another card first, or paid it off in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Southwest frequent flyer member to open the card?
No. You can open the card without a Rapid Rewards account — Chase will create one for you automatically. However, you do need a Rapid Rewards account to use your bonus points, so you'll set one up during the card process or shortly after.
What happens if I don't meet the spending requirement?
You won't receive the sign-up bonus. You'll still have the credit card and can use it to earn regular rewards, but the large bonus points won't post. There's no penalty for not meeting it — you just miss out on that specific offer.
Can I get the sign-up bonus more than once?
Chase typically limits sign-up bonuses to once per person per card product every 24 months. If you closed a Southwest card and want to open it again to earn another bonus, you'll need to wait at least 24 months from when you last received a bonus on that specific card.
Are the bonus points taxable income?
The IRS does not treat credit card rewards or sign-up bonuses as taxable income in most cases. However, tax law can be complex and depends on your specific situation. If you have questions about how rewards affect your taxes, consult a tax professional.
What's the difference between the different Southwest credit cards?
Chase offers multiple Southwest cards at different tiers — typically a standard card, a plus card, and a priority card. The higher-tier cards have higher annual fees but offer additional benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, or higher earning rates. The sign-up bonus also varies by card tier. Compare the annual fee, benefits, and bonus on Chase's site to pick the one that fits your travel habits.