Southwest Rapid Rewards points transfer to another person through their transfer marketplace, but the process is slower and more expensive than moving points within most other airline programs.
Southwest allows you to transfer Rapid Rewards points to another person, but only through a third-party marketplace operated by a company called Transferwise (now Wise). You cannot transfer points directly to a friend or family member. The marketplace buys your points at a rate you set, then sells them to someone else. This means you lose a percentage of the value, and the transaction takes several days to complete.
The main reason to transfer is if someone in your household needs points urgently for a flight and you have extra. The main reason not to transfer is cost — you typically receive 60 to 70 cents per point when selling, while the points are worth roughly 1 cent per point when used for Southwest flights. That is a significant loss.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest points transfer through a third-party marketplace, not directly between accounts, and you receive less than the points are worth when redeemed.
- The marketplace is operated by Transferwise and accessible through your Southwest account under the "Rapid Rewards" menu.
- Transfers take three to five business days to complete after a buyer purchases your points.
- You can only transfer points from a Southwest credit card account or a Rapid Rewards account that has earned points through flights or promotions.
- The recipient does not need to be a Southwest cardholder, but they do need an active Rapid Rewards account.
How the Southwest Points Marketplace Works
When you list points for sale on the marketplace, you set the price per point in cents. A buyer then purchases those points at your listed price. Once the transaction completes, the points move to the buyer's Rapid Rewards account. The marketplace takes a commission from both the seller and the buyer, which is why you receive less than the full value.
The marketplace price fluctuates based on supply and demand. During high-travel seasons or around holidays, points typically sell for more because more people want them. During slower travel periods, you may receive less. There is no may provide your points will sell at all — if no one buys them at your listed price, they remain in your account.
You can list points in increments of 1,000, up to your total balance. If you have 50,000 points, you could list all of them at once or break them into smaller batches at different prices to test the market.
Steps to Transfer Points Through the Marketplace
Log into your Southwest account and navigate to the Rapid Rewards section. Look for the option labeled "Transfer or sell points" or "Rapid Rewards marketplace." You will see your current point balance and the option to list points for sale.
Enter the number of points you want to sell and the price per point in cents. Review the estimated commission you will pay — this is deducted from what you receive. Once you confirm, your points are listed on the marketplace and visible to other Rapid Rewards members.
When a buyer purchases your points, you will receive an email confirmation. The points leave your account and move to the buyer's account within three to five business days. The money you receive is deposited into the payment method associated with your Southwest account, typically within the same timeframe.
Who Can Receive Transferred Points
The recipient must have an active Southwest Rapid Rewards account. They do not need to be a Southwest credit cardholder, but they do need to have enrolled in the free Rapid Rewards program. If someone you want to transfer points to does not have an account, they can create one at Southwest's website in a few minutes.
The recipient cannot be a minor or someone without a valid name and address on file with Southwest. Southwest also does not allow transfers to accounts that have been closed or flagged for suspicious activity.
Once the points land in the recipient's account, they can use them when ready to book flights, upgrade seats, or purchase other Southwest products. There is no waiting period or restriction on how the recipient uses the points.
Costs and What You Actually Receive
The marketplace commission varies, but you typically receive between 60 and 70 percent of the price you list. If you list 10,000 points at 0.70 cents per point, you would receive roughly $4,200 before commission. After the marketplace takes its cut, you might receive $3,000 to $3,500.
This is substantially less than the value of the points if you used them yourself. Southwest points are worth roughly 1 cent per point when redeemed for flights, meaning 10,000 points are worth about $100 in travel value. Selling them on the marketplace for $3,000 to $3,500 sounds like a gain, but that is because the marketplace price is inflated — it reflects what people are willing to pay for points they need urgently, not what the points are worth in actual travel.
If your goal is to move points to someone else in your household so they can use them for travel, transferring through the marketplace is expensive. A better option, if available, is to check whether Southwest allows you to pool points with a family member or to purchase a gift card with your points and give it to them.
Alternatives to the Marketplace
Southwest does not allow direct point-to-point transfers between accounts, even for family members. However, you have other options depending on your situation.
If you want to help someone book a flight, you can purchase a Southwest gift card with your points and give it to them. The gift card can be used for flights, seat upgrades, and other Southwest products. This avoids the marketplace commission and preserves more of the value.
If you and another person are both Southwest credit cardholders, you can each earn points on your own cards and pool them toward a shared goal. Some households do this by having one person book the flight and the other reimburse them, effectively combining their points without a formal transfer.
You can also straightforward give the other person cash and let them earn their own points through credit card sign-up bonuses or flights. A Southwest credit card sign-up bonus often provides 40,000 to 75,000 points, which may be more than you can transfer through the marketplace without losing significant value.
Timing and How Long Transfers Take
Once a buyer purchases your points on the marketplace, the transaction is not when ready. The points typically move to the buyer's account within three to five business days. During this window, the points are in transit and cannot be used by either party.
If you are trying to transfer points to someone who needs them for an upcoming flight, plan ahead. Do not wait until a few days before their departure to list points on the marketplace. If your points do not sell quickly, or if the transfer takes the full five business days, they may miss their travel window.
The marketplace operates during Southwest's normal business hours. Transactions submitted on weekends or after hours may not process until the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer points directly to a family member without using the marketplace?
No. Southwest requires all point transfers to go through the third-party marketplace. You cannot move points directly between accounts, even if you are married or related. The only exception is if you are transferring points as part of an estate after someone passes away — contact Southwest directly for that process.
What happens if my points don't sell on the marketplace?
They remain in your account and you can relist them at a different price. You can adjust your listing price at any time or remove the listing entirely. There is no penalty for relisting or changing your price.
Is there a limit to how many points I can transfer?
You can transfer up to your total account balance in increments of 1,000 points. There is no annual limit on the number of transfers you can make, but Southwest may flag accounts that transfer points very frequently or in unusually large amounts.
Can I transfer points to someone outside the United States?
The recipient must have a valid Rapid Rewards account with a U.S. address on file. Southwest does not currently support transfers to international accounts or addresses outside the United States.
Do transferred points expire?
Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as the account has activity at least once every 24 months. Activity includes flights, credit card spending, or point transfers. Once points land in the recipient's account, they follow the same expiration rules as any other points in that account.