Are you dreaming of free flights, priority boarding, and the ultimate travel companion for your adventures? A Southwest Airlines credit card could be your ticket to unlocking a world of travel perks! But where do you even begin with the application process? Don't worry, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Let's get started on your journey to becoming a savvy Southwest flyer!
How to Apply for a Southwest Airlines Credit Card: Your Comprehensive Guide
Applying for a credit card can feel a bit daunting, but with the right information, it's a straightforward process. Southwest Airlines partners with Chase to offer a range of credit cards designed to reward frequent flyers. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right card to hitting that "submit" button.
Step 1: Discover Your Ideal Southwest Credit Card
Have you ever stopped to think about what kind of traveler you are? Do you fly solo or always with a companion? Are you a business owner, or do you prefer personal perks? Southwest offers several credit cards, each with unique benefits and annual fees. Understanding your travel habits will help you pick the perfect fit.
Personal Southwest Credit Cards:
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This is often a great entry-level option with a lower annual fee and a solid anniversary bonus. It's ideal for those who fly Southwest occasionally but want to earn points and enjoy some basic perks.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Stepping up, this card offers more anniversary points and additional benefits like tier qualifying points (TQPs) to help you achieve A-List status faster. If you fly Southwest more frequently, this could be a good choice.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: For the ultimate Southwest enthusiast, the Priority card comes with the highest annual fee but also the most generous benefits, including an annual Southwest travel credit, upgraded boardings, and more anniversary points. This card is built for those who want to maximize their Southwest travel experience.
Business Southwest Credit Cards:
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: Designed for small business owners, this card allows you to earn points on business expenses and offers benefits tailored to business travel.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: This is the premium business offering, providing even higher earning rates on Southwest purchases and a host of valuable perks like Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and Wi-Fi credits.
Pro Tip: Always compare the annual fees against the value of the benefits you anticipate using. Sometimes a higher annual fee card can save you more money in the long run if you fully utilize its perks.
Step 2: Check Your Creditworthiness
Before you apply, it's crucial to have a good understanding of your credit score. Southwest credit cards are generally designed for individuals with good to excellent credit.
Understanding Credit Scores:
Good Credit: Typically FICO scores ranging from 670 to 739.
Very Good Credit: FICO scores from 740 to 799.
Excellent Credit: FICO scores of 800 and above.
While there's no single "magic number," aiming for a FICO score above 670 is a good starting point. Lenders also look at your credit history, including payment history, credit utilization, and the length of your credit accounts.
How to Check Your Credit Score:
You can get your credit score for free from various sources:
Many credit card companies offer free credit score monitoring.
Websites like Credit Karma or Experian provide free scores and reports.
You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Remember: Improving your credit score takes time, but consistent on-time payments and keeping your credit utilization low are key factors.
Step 3: Gather Necessary Information
Applying for a credit card requires a fair bit of personal and financial information. Having it all ready before you start will make the process much smoother and prevent any frustrating delays.
What You'll Need:
Personal Information:
Full legal name (matching your government-issued ID)
Date of birth
Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Current physical address (and previous addresses if you've moved recently)
Phone number
Valid email address
Financial Information:
Gross annual income (your total income before taxes and deductions)
Employment status
Monthly housing payment (rent or mortgage)
Information about other existing credit accounts (though this is often pulled automatically by the credit bureau, it's good to have it handy if asked).
Step 4: Apply Online (The Easiest Method!)
The most common and convenient way to apply for a Southwest Airlines credit card is online through the Chase website.
Step-by-Step Application:
Visit the Official Chase/Southwest Credit Card Page: Go to the official Chase website (creditcards.chase.com) and navigate to the Southwest Airlines credit card section, or visit Southwest.com and look for credit card offers. This ensures you're on a secure and legitimate site.
Select Your Desired Card: Click on the specific Southwest credit card you've chosen (Plus, Premier, Priority, or a Business card).
Review Offer Details: Take a moment to read through the current welcome offer, annual fee, and key benefits. Welcome bonuses can change, so confirm you're seeing the offer you intend to apply for.
Click "Apply Now": This will take you to the secure online application form.
Fill Out the Application Form: Carefully and accurately enter all the personal and financial information you gathered in Step 3. Double-check for any typos or errors, as these can cause delays or even rejection.
Sections often include:
Personal Details
Contact Information
Financial Information (Income, Employment, Housing)
Security Questions
Review and Submit: Before clicking the final "Submit" button, thoroughly review all the information you've entered one last time. Ensure everything is correct.
Receive a Decision:
Instant Approval: In many cases, if your application is straightforward and your credit strong, you might receive an instant approval decision on screen. Congratulations!
Pending Decision: Sometimes, your application might go into a "pending" status. This means Chase needs more time to review your information, or they might require additional verification. Don't panic! It's a common occurrence.
Denial: If your application is denied, the issuer will send you an adverse action letter explaining the reasons for the denial. You have the right to request a free copy of the credit report used in the decision.
Step 5: What Happens After You Apply?
The waiting game can be tough, but understanding the next steps can ease your mind.
If Approved:
Welcome Kit: You'll typically receive a welcome kit in the mail within a few business days, containing your new credit card, cardmember agreement, and details about your benefits.
Physical Card Arrival: Your physical credit card will usually arrive within 7-10 business days.
Activate Your Card: Once your card arrives, follow the instructions to activate it. This often involves calling a number or activating online.
Set Up Online Account: Enroll in online banking with Chase to manage your account, view statements, and make payments. If you don't already have a Chase account, you'll need to create one.
Start Earning Points! Begin using your card to make purchases and work towards earning that valuable welcome bonus.
If Pending:
Patience is Key: It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to receive a final decision.
Call the Reconsideration Line (Optional but Recommended): If you don't hear back within a few business days, or if you're denied and believe you have a strong case, you can call Chase's reconsideration line. This allows you to speak with a credit analyst who can review your application manually and potentially overturn a pending or denied decision. Be prepared to explain your financial situation and why you believe you're a good candidate for the card.
Chase Reconsideration Line: (Often found by searching online, as numbers can change, but commonly in the 1-888 range).
If Denied:
Review the Denial Letter: Understand the specific reasons for the denial.
Consider a Reconsideration Call: As mentioned above, it can't hurt to call and make your case, especially if the reason for denial seems like a misunderstanding or a minor issue you can clarify.
Work on Your Credit: If the denial was due to your credit score or history, focus on improving these aspects before reapplying.
Important Note: Be mindful of Chase's "5/24 Rule." This informal rule suggests that if you've opened five or more personal credit cards across any issuer in the last 24 months, Chase will likely deny your application for a new card. This rule applies to personal cards, but business cards generally do not count towards the 5/24 limit.
Step 6: Maximize Your New Card's Benefits!
Once you're approved, the real fun begins! Make sure you understand how to get the most out of your Southwest credit card.
Key Benefits to Look For:
Welcome Bonus: This is typically a large sum of Rapid Rewards points awarded after meeting a specific spending requirement within a certain timeframe (e.g., 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months). This is often the quickest way to earn a significant number of points.
Anniversary Bonus Points: Each year you renew your card and pay the annual fee, you'll receive a certain number of bonus points. This helps offset the annual fee.
Earning Rates: Understand how many points you earn per dollar on Southwest purchases, partner purchases, and all other purchases.
Companion Pass Qualifying Points: Points earned from Southwest credit cards, including welcome bonuses, count towards the coveted Southwest Companion Pass. This allows a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees on any flight you take. This is one of the most valuable perks in the travel rewards world!
Travel Credits: Some cards offer annual travel credits for Southwest purchases.
Upgraded Boardings/EarlyBird Check-In: Get reimbursed for upgraded boardings or receive complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins, which can significantly improve your boarding position.
In-flight Discounts: Enjoy a percentage back on in-flight purchases like drinks and Wi-Fi.
Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs): Higher-tier cards can help you earn TQPs, bringing you closer to A-List or A-List Preferred status, which offers benefits like priority boarding, dedicated phone lines, and more.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the fantastic travel benefits that a Southwest Airlines credit card can offer. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about applying for a Southwest Airlines credit card:
How to choose the best Southwest credit card for me?
Consider your travel frequency, whether you fly solo or with a companion, and if you're a business owner. Compare the annual fees against the benefits like anniversary points, travel credits, and Companion Pass potential.
How to check my credit score before applying?
You can get free credit scores from many credit card issuers, personal finance websites like Credit Karma, or a free annual credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.
How to improve my chances of getting approved for a Southwest credit card?
Maintain a good to excellent credit score (generally above 670 FICO), keep your credit utilization low, pay bills on time, and avoid opening too many new credit accounts in a short period (mind the Chase 5/24 rule).
How to apply for a Southwest Airlines credit card online?
Visit the official Chase website (creditcards.chase.com) or Southwest.com, select your desired card, fill out the secure online application form with accurate personal and financial details, and submit.
How to check my Southwest credit card application status?
If you applied through Chase, you can often check your application status by calling Chase's automated phone line (often 1-888-338-2586) or by logging into your Chase online account if you have one.
How to qualify for the Southwest credit card welcome bonus?
The welcome bonus is typically awarded after you spend a specific amount of money on purchases within the first few months of opening your account. Make sure to meet this spending requirement to earn the bonus points.
How to earn Companion Pass with a Southwest credit card?
Points earned from Southwest credit card welcome bonuses and regular spending count towards the 135,000 Rapid Rewards points needed in a calendar year to earn the Companion Pass. Timing your application and spending early in the year can maximize its validity.
How to understand the annual fees for Southwest credit cards?
Southwest credit cards have varying annual fees, ranging from around $69 to $149 for personal cards and up to $199 for business cards. These fees are charged annually and are often offset by the value of the anniversary bonus points and other benefits.
How to contact Southwest Airlines credit card customer service?
For questions specific to your Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card (issued by Chase), you can usually find the customer service number on the back of your card or by visiting the Chase website's Southwest credit card FAQ section (often 1-800-435-9792 for general Southwest inquiries, or specific Chase numbers for card services).
How to redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points earned with my credit card?
Once points post to your Rapid Rewards account, you can redeem them for Southwest flights on Southwest.com. Log into your Rapid Rewards account, search for flights, and select the "Points" option to see the point cost. Points can also be redeemed for other travel and experiences, though flight redemptions typically offer the best value.