Embarking on a journey, whether for leisure or business, often comes with the exciting prospect of saving money on flights. For many, Southwest Airlines and its Rapid Rewards program offer a fantastic avenue to do just that. But what if you're just a few points shy of that dream redemption? Or perhaps you need to top up your account for an unexpected trip? That's where buying Southwest points comes into play!
Let's dive deep into understanding the cost, the process, and whether it's the right move for you.
The Great Point Purchase: How Much Does it Cost to Buy Points from Southwest Airlines?
Have you ever found yourself in that familiar situation, staring at a flight redemption, only to realize you're just a few thousand points short? It can be incredibly frustrating! But don't worry, Southwest offers a way to bridge that gap by purchasing Rapid Rewards points.
The cost of buying Southwest Rapid Rewards points isn't a fixed, universal rate. It varies, primarily depending on whether there's a promotional offer running, and generally hovers around a specific per-point value.
Here's the general breakdown you can expect:
Standard Rate: Typically, Southwest sells points at a rate of approximately 3 cents per point. This means if you buy 1,000 points, it could cost you around $30.
Promotional Rates: Southwest frequently runs promotions where you can buy points with a bonus, effectively reducing the cost per point. These bonuses can range from 20% to even 50% or more, making the purchase significantly more attractive. During these promotions, the cost per point can drop to around 1.5 to 2 cents per point. This is generally when it makes the most sense to buy.
Important Considerations:
Value of Points: While you might pay around 3 cents per point, the value you get when redeeming Southwest points for flights is often around 1.3 cents per point (as per TPG's May 2025 valuations, though this can fluctuate between 1.1 and 1.7 cents depending on demand and timing). This is a crucial distinction. Unless you're topping off for an immediate, high-value redemption, buying points at the standard rate usually isn't the most economical way to acquire them.
Minimum and Maximum Purchase: Southwest allows you to purchase points in increments of 500 when off-promotion, with a minimum purchase of 2,000 points. The daily maximum for both personal and gift purchases is generally 60,000 points.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Check Your Point Balance? Assess Your Needs!
Before you even think about pulling out your credit card, the very first step is to honestly assess your current Rapid Rewards point balance and your immediate travel needs.
Sub-heading: Check Your Current Balance: Log in to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com. You'll instantly see your current point total. How close are you to your desired redemption?
Sub-heading: Identify Your Target Flight: Find the flight you want to book. Go through the booking process (as if you were going to pay with points) until you see the required point amount. Make a note of this number.
Sub-heading: Calculate the Shortfall: Subtract your current points from the points needed for the flight. This is the exact number of points you'd need to purchase (or slightly more, given the purchase increments).
Sub-heading: Consider the Urgency: Is this a last-minute trip where points are the only way to make it happen affordably? Or are you planning far in advance? The urgency will play a significant role in whether buying points is a good idea. If you have time, there are often better ways to earn points.
Step 2: Let's Navigate the Purchase Portal! Accessing the "Buy Points" Section
Once you've decided that buying points is indeed your best option, the next step is to navigate to the correct section on the Southwest Airlines website.
Sub-heading: Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account: This is crucial. You'll need to be logged in to your personal Rapid Rewards account to proceed with any point purchase, gift, or transfer.
Sub-heading: Find "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points": On the Southwest.com homepage, hover over or click on the "Rapid Rewards" tab. In the dropdown menu, you should see an option like "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points." Click on this link. You will be redirected to a dedicated portal, usually managed by Points.com on behalf of Southwest.
Step 3: Understanding the Price Tag! Analyzing the Cost and Promotions
Now you're on the purchase page, and it's time to see the actual cost. This is where you'll look for those valuable promotional offers!
Sub-heading: Observe the Standard Rate: The page will typically show you the standard cost per point if there are no promotions running. As mentioned, this is usually around 3 cents per point.
Sub-heading: Look for Promotional Offers: Keep a keen eye out for banners or highlighted text indicating a bonus offer. This might be "Get 30% more points" or "Receive a 50% bonus on your purchase." These promotions significantly impact the effective cost per point.
Example: If points are normally 3 cents each, and there's a 50% bonus, you'd effectively be paying 3 cents for 1.5 points, bringing your cost down to 2 cents per point (3 / 1.5 = 2).
Sub-heading: Select Your Purchase Amount: The portal will usually offer pre-set increments (e.g., 2,000 points, 5,000 points, 10,000 points). Choose the amount that aligns with your calculated shortfall. The system will automatically show you the total cost and the total points you'll receive (including any bonus points).
Sub-heading: Calculate the "Real" Value: Take the total cost and divide it by the total points you'll receive. This will give you the actual cost per point for your specific purchase. Compare this to the approximate redemption value of Southwest points (around 1.3 cents per point). If your purchase cost per point is significantly higher than 1.3 cents, consider if it's truly worth it.
Step 4: Ready to Click That Button? Completing the Purchase
Once you've reviewed the cost and are comfortable with the value proposition, it's time to finalize your purchase.
Sub-heading: Enter Payment Information: You'll be prompted to enter your credit card details. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid any delays.
Sub-heading: Review and Confirm: Before you hit "submit," carefully review your order. Double-check the number of points you're buying, the total cost, and any applicable taxes or fees. Purchases of points are generally non-refundable.
Sub-heading: Await Point Deposit: After a successful transaction, the points should typically be deposited into your Rapid Rewards account within a few minutes to a few hours. In rare cases, it might take up to 72 hours, but this is less common.
Step 5: Your Points Are Here! What Next? Using Your Newly Acquired Points
Congratulations! Your Rapid Rewards account is now topped up. It's time to put those points to good use.
Sub-heading: Book Your Flight: Head back to Southwest.com and search for your desired flight. Select the option to pay with points, and you should now have enough to complete your booking.
Sub-heading: Be Mindful of Taxes and Fees: Remember that even when paying with points, you will still be responsible for paying nominal taxes and fees, typically starting at $5.60 per one-way flight. These must be paid with a credit card or other eligible payment method.
Sub-heading: Enjoy Your Trip! With your flight booked, all that's left is to pack your bags and enjoy your journey!
The Strategic Thinker: When Does Buying Southwest Points Make Sense?
While buying points generally isn't the cheapest way to accumulate them, there are specific scenarios where it can be a smart move:
Topping Off for an Immediate Redemption: This is the most common and often best reason. If you're just a few thousand points short of a high-value redemption that saves you significant cash, buying the small deficit can be worth it.
Leveraging a High Bonus Promotion: If Southwest offers a substantial bonus (e.g., 50% or more), and the effective cost per point drops significantly below the typical redemption value, it might be worth buying a larger chunk, especially if you have concrete travel plans.
Avoiding Point Expiration (Though Southwest Points Don't Expire!): It's worth noting that Southwest Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. This removes a common reason to buy points from other loyalty programs.
For Companion Pass Qualification (Indirectly): Purchased points do not count towards earning A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass status. However, if buying points frees up cash that you can then spend on flights or through partners that do earn qualifying points, it could indirectly contribute to status.
Alternative Ways to Earn Southwest Rapid Rewards Points (Often More Cost-Effective!)
Before you commit to buying points, consider these often more cost-effective ways to boost your Rapid Rewards balance:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: This is by far one of the fastest and most lucrative ways to earn a large sum of points. The sign-up bonuses on these cards can range from 50,000 to 80,000 points or more after meeting minimum spending requirements.
Flying Southwest: You earn points based on the fare type and the cash price of your flight.
Wanna Get Away: 2 points per dollar
Wanna Get Away Plus: 6 points per dollar
Anytime: 10 points per dollar
Business Select: 14 points per dollar
Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer: If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Chase Freedom Flex/Unlimited (when paired with a Sapphire card), you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. This is often an excellent redemption if you value Southwest points.
Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal: Earn points for online purchases by clicking through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal before you shop at hundreds of popular retailers.
Rapid Rewards Dining Program: Link your credit cards and earn points when you dine at participating restaurants.
Hotel and Car Rental Partners: Book through Southwest's partners like Marriott Bonvoy, Hyatt, or various car rental agencies to earn points.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the value of Southwest points?
To calculate the value of Southwest points, divide the cash cost of a flight by the number of points required for that same flight. For example, if a flight costs $130 or 10,000 points, the value is $130 / 10,000 = $0.013, or 1.3 cents per point.
How to buy Southwest points with a bonus?
To buy Southwest points with a bonus, visit the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" section on Southwest.com. Look for any promotional banners or offers advertising bonus points on purchases, and the bonus will automatically apply to eligible purchases during the promotional period.
How to gift Southwest Rapid Rewards points?
To gift Southwest Rapid Rewards points, go to the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" section on Southwest.com, select the "Gift Points" option, enter the recipient's Rapid Rewards account number and the amount you wish to gift, and then proceed with payment.
How to transfer Southwest points to another member?
To transfer Southwest points to another member, navigate to the "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" section on Southwest.com, select the "Transfer Points" option, enter the recipient's Rapid Rewards account number, specify the number of points to transfer, and complete the transaction (fees usually apply for transfers).
How to use purchased Southwest points for a flight?
To use purchased Southwest points for a flight, first ensure the points have posted to your Rapid Rewards account. Then, simply search for flights on Southwest.com and select the option to view fares in points instead of dollars during the booking process.
How to know if buying Southwest points is worth it?
To know if buying Southwest points is worth it, compare the effective cost per point (total purchase cost / total points received) to the typical redemption value of Southwest points (around 1.3 cents). If your effective purchase cost is significantly higher, it's likely not worth it unless you need to top off for an immediate, high-value redemption.
How to earn Southwest points without flying?
To earn Southwest points without flying, you can sign up for a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points, shop through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal, dine with Rapid Rewards Dining, or earn points with hotel and car rental partners.
How to check my Southwest Rapid Rewards points balance?
To check your Southwest Rapid Rewards points balance, simply log in to your account on Southwest.com. Your current point total will be displayed prominently on your account dashboard.
How to avoid paying fees when buying Southwest points?
There are typically no separate "fees" specifically for buying points; the cost per point incorporates all charges. However, you can effectively reduce the cost per point by purchasing during a promotional offer that provides a bonus.
How to get the best value when redeeming Southwest points?
To get the best value when redeeming Southwest points, look for flights where the cash price is relatively high compared to the number of points required. This often occurs on shorter, more expensive routes or during peak travel times. Being flexible with your travel dates can also help you find better point redemption rates.
