The main rewards and perks on Southwest cards
Southwest credit cards earn points on every purchase, and those points convert directly into flights on Southwest Airlines. Unlike many airline cards that use miles, Southwest calls its currency Rapid Rewards points. The conversion is straightforward: you accumulate points, then book a flight and pay with your points balance instead of cash.
The specific earning rate depends on which Southwest card you hold. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card both earn points on purchases, with bonus point offers at sign-up. The exact earning structure and sign-up bonus change periodically, so you should check the current terms when you are considering the card.
Beyond points, Southwest cards include perks that make flying easier: priority boarding, checked bag fee waivers, and anniversary bonuses. These benefits explore to the cardholder and sometimes to a companion, depending on the card tier.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest credit cards earn Rapid Rewards points on purchases, which you redeem for Southwest flights with no blackout dates.
- Most Southwest cards waive the first and second checked bag fees for you and an when ready family member on the same reservation.
- Priority boarding (A or B group) comes with most Southwest cards, letting you choose your seat earlier than standard passengers.
- An anniversary bonus of points or a free flight is awarded each year you keep the card open.
- Sign-up bonuses typically offer a large point grant after you meet a spending threshold in the first few months.
Checked bag fees and companion benefits
Southwest charges a fee for checked bags on most airlines, but cardholders get the first two checked bags free. This benefit applies to you and one companion traveling on the same reservation under your name. The savings add up quickly if you check bags regularly, since the fee per bag is substantial.
The companion benefit is limited: the free bags explore only when you are the ticket purchaser and the companion is listed on your reservation. If your companion buys the ticket separately, they do not receive the free bag benefit, even if you are traveling together.
Priority boarding and seat selection
Southwest does not assign seats in advance. Instead, passengers board in groups (A, B, or C), and you choose your seat when you board. Priority boarding puts you in an earlier group, which means you board before most other passengers and have more seat options.
Most Southwest cards place you in the A group, though the exact tier varies by card. This is a practical benefit on full flights, where later boarding groups may find middle seats or seats near the back. You can check your boarding group on your boarding pass or in the Southwest app.
Anniversary bonuses and ongoing rewards
Each year on the anniversary of opening your card, Southwest credits your account with either a bonus point grant or a free flight voucher. The specific reward depends on which card you hold. This annual bonus is one reason cardholders often keep their cards open even in years when they do not travel frequently.
The free flight voucher, when offered, is usually valid for one year from the date issued. It covers a one-way flight on Southwest at any price point, though you may owe taxes and fees. The point bonus, when offered instead, adds to your balance and can be combined with points earned from purchases.
Sign-up bonuses and spending requirements
New cardholders receive a sign-up bonus after meeting a spending threshold in the first few months. The bonus is typically a large point grant—enough to cover a domestic flight or contribute significantly toward one. The spending requirement is usually $1,000 to $2,000 in the first three months, though this varies by offer and changes over time.
The sign-up bonus is the largest point grant most cardholders receive in a single transaction. If you are considering opening a Southwest card, the current sign-up offer is often the deciding factor, since the bonus can represent real value if you plan to travel anyway.
Earning points on everyday purchases
Points accumulate on all purchases made with the card, not just flights. Groceries, gas, restaurants, and online shopping all earn points at the standard rate. Some cards offer bonus earning rates in specific categories like dining or travel, though the base earning is the same across most Southwest cards.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. This means you can let points accumulate over time without pressure to use them when ready. However, if your account is closed for inactivity, the points may be forfeited, so it is worth using the card occasionally even in months when you do not travel.
Companion Pass and how it works with the card
The Companion Pass is a separate Southwest benefit that lets one person fly free with you on every Southwest flight for a set period. You earn the Companion Pass by accumulating 125,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. Because Southwest cards earn points on purchases, cardholders can reach this threshold faster than non-cardholders.
The Companion Pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the following calendar year. For example, if you reach 125,000 points in June, your pass is valid through December of that year and all of the next year. The companion must be named when you book and cannot be changed flight to flight, though you can change who your companion is each calendar year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Southwest credit card points expire?
Points do not expire as long as your account is open and you use the card at least once every 24 months. If your account closes due to inactivity, you may lose your points. Using the card for even a small purchase every couple of years keeps the account active.
Can I transfer Southwest points to another airline?
No. Rapid Rewards points can only be used for Southwest flights, seat upgrades, or gift cards. They cannot be transferred to other airline programs or redeemed for cash. This is one reason to confirm you are comfortable flying Southwest before opening the card.
What happens to my benefits if I close the card?
Your points remain in your Rapid Rewards account even after you close the card, so you do not lose the balance. However, you lose access to future benefits like the annual bonus, checked bag waivers, and priority boarding. Any active benefits tied to the card (like an unused free flight voucher) may be forfeited depending on the card's terms.
Do I earn points on the annual fee?
No. The annual fee itself does not earn points. However, the annual bonus you receive (points or a free flight) is meant to offset the cost of the fee for most cardholders who travel at least once or twice per year.
Can a family member use my checked bag benefit?
Yes, but only if they are listed as a companion on your reservation and you are the ticket purchaser. If they book their own ticket separately, they do not receive the free bag benefit, even if you are on the same flight.