Dreaming of free flights, priority boarding, and maybe even a Companion Pass to share your adventures? A Southwest Airlines credit card could be your ticket to unlocking a world of travel perks! This lengthy guide will walk you through every step of getting a Southwest Airlines credit card, ensuring you're well-equipped for your next journey.
Your Journey Begins: Understanding Southwest Credit Cards
Before diving into the application process, let's get you acquainted with the different Southwest credit card options. Southwest partners with Chase to offer several co-branded credit cards, each with unique benefits and annual fees. Understanding these differences is crucial to choosing the card that best fits your travel habits and financial goals.
Step 1: Discover Your Ideal Southwest Credit Card
Are you ready to explore the possibilities? This first step is all about self-discovery and aligning your travel aspirations with the right credit card.
Sub-heading: Personal vs. Business Cards
Southwest offers both personal and business credit cards.
Personal Cards: Designed for individual consumers, these cards cater to your personal travel needs.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Often considered the entry-level option, with a lower annual fee and solid introductory benefits.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: A mid-tier option offering more anniversary points and potentially better earning rates, plus no foreign transaction fees.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: The premium personal card, boasting the highest annual fee but providing a substantial annual travel credit, upgraded boardings, and more anniversary points.
Business Cards: If you own a small business or have business-related expenses, a Southwest business card can be a fantastic way to earn points on your company spending.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: A strong option for small business owners, offering good earning rates and anniversary points.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: The top-tier business card, with higher earning rates, increased anniversary points, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and in-flight Wi-Fi credits.
Sub-heading: Key Benefits to Consider
As you weigh your options, keep these common benefits in mind:
Welcome Bonuses: All Southwest cards typically offer a generous welcome bonus in Rapid Rewards points after you meet a certain spending threshold in the first few months. These bonuses can be a game-changer for earning the coveted Companion Pass!
Anniversary Points: Each year, you'll receive a bonus of Rapid Rewards points on your cardmember anniversary. The number of points varies by card.
Earning Rates: Points are earned on Southwest purchases (often 2x, 3x, or even 4x points per dollar) and on various everyday spending categories like local transit, rideshares, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. All other purchases typically earn 1 point per dollar.
Free Checked Bags: Most Southwest cards offer your first checked bag free for you and sometimes up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation. This can lead to significant savings on baggage fees.
In-flight Credits: Some cards offer 25% back on in-flight purchases, covering things like drinks and Wi-Fi.
Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs): On some Premier and Priority cards (both personal and business), you can earn TQPs toward A-List status by spending on your card. This helps you achieve elite status faster.
Southwest Travel Credit: The Priority personal card offers an annual travel credit that effectively reduces its annual fee.
Upgraded Boardings/EarlyBird Check-Ins: Certain cards provide reimbursements for upgraded boardings or a certain number of EarlyBird Check-Ins per year, helping you get a better boarding position.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Premier and Priority cards often waive foreign transaction fees, which is a huge plus if you travel internationally.
The Path to Application: Checking Your Eligibility
Now that you have a better idea of which card suits your needs, it's time to assess your eligibility. Chase, the issuer of Southwest credit cards, has specific criteria you'll need to meet.
Step 2: Assess Your Eligibility for a Southwest Card
Are you ready to see if you qualify? This step focuses on understanding the general requirements for credit card approval.
Sub-heading: Credit Score is King
A good to excellent credit score is paramount when applying for a Chase credit card. Generally, you'll want a FICO score of 670 or higher, with scores in the 700s and 800s being ideal. Chase looks for a history of responsible credit usage, including:
Low credit utilization: Keep your credit card balances low compared to your credit limits.
On-time payments: A consistent history of paying your bills on time is crucial.
Length of credit history: A longer credit history generally looks more favorable.
Variety of credit: Having a mix of credit types (e.g., credit cards, loans) can be beneficial.
Sub-heading: The Chase 5/24 Rule
This is a critical factor for Chase credit cards, including Southwest cards. The Chase 5/24 rule means that if you've opened 5 or more personal credit cards from any issuer within the last 24 months, your application will likely be denied. There are some exceptions, like business cards that don't appear on your personal credit report, but generally, this rule applies to personal cards.
It's highly recommended to check your credit report and the number of new accounts you've opened before applying.
Sub-heading: Income and Debt
You'll need to demonstrate sufficient income to handle new credit. While there's no set income threshold, Chase will consider your income and existing debt obligations to ensure you're not overextending yourself financially.
The Application Process: Navigating the Form
Once you've identified your preferred card and confirmed your eligibility, it's time for the actual application!
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Ready to take the plunge? This is where you'll officially put yourself forward for the card.
Sub-heading: Gather Your Information
Before you start, have the following information readily available:
Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN), and contact information (address, phone, email).
Financial Information: Annual income (gross), source of income, employment status, and monthly housing payment.
Rapid Rewards Number: If you're already a Southwest Rapid Rewards member, have your number handy. If not, Chase will likely create one for you upon approval.
Sub-heading: Visit the Official Application Page
Always apply directly through the official Chase website or the Southwest Airlines website. Be wary of unofficial links. You can typically find links to the credit card applications under the "Rapid Rewards" or "Credit Cards" section of the Southwest Airlines website, which will then direct you to Chase's secure application portal.
Sub-heading: Fill Out the Form Accurately
Take your time and fill out all sections completely and accurately. Any discrepancies could lead to delays or denial. Double-check your spelling and numbers.
Sub-heading: Review and Submit
Before hitting "submit," carefully review all the information you've entered. Once submitted, your application will go through a review process.
After Applying: What Happens Next?
The waiting game can be nerve-wracking, but understanding the possible outcomes can ease the anxiety.
Step 4: Await Your Application Decision
The anticipation is building, isn't it? Here's what to expect after you've submitted your application.
Sub-heading: Instant Approval
If your credit profile is strong and meets all the criteria, you might receive an instant approval message. This is the best-case scenario, and you'll typically receive your new card in the mail within 7-10 business days. Sometimes, if you're an existing Chase customer, you might even get instant access to your credit card number for immediate online purchases.
Sub-heading: Pending Decision
Many applications go into "pending" status. This means Chase needs more time to review your information. Don't panic! It's a common occurrence.
What to do if pending: If your application goes pending, it's often beneficial to call the Chase reconsideration line. Be prepared to answer questions about your application, income, and why you want the card. A polite conversation can sometimes tip the scales in your favor. Their number is typically easy to find with a quick online search.
Sub-heading: Denial
While disappointing, a denial isn't the end of the world. Chase will send you a letter explaining the reasons for the denial.
What to do if denied:
Review the denial letter: Understand the specific reasons.
Call the reconsideration line: Even after a denial, a phone call can sometimes lead to approval, especially if you can clarify any misunderstandings or provide additional information.
Improve your credit: If your credit score or history was the issue, focus on improving it before reapplying. This might involve paying down debt, making on-time payments, and waiting for negative marks to age off your report.
Activating and Using Your Card: Unleashing the Benefits
Congratulations! Once approved, it's time to activate your card and start enjoying those Southwest benefits.
Step 5: Activate Your Card and Start Earning!
Your travel dreams are now within reach! This final step gets you ready to maximize your new card.
Sub-heading: Card Activation
Once your physical card arrives in the mail, follow the instructions to activate it. This usually involves a quick call to an automated line or activating online through your Chase account.
Sub-heading: Meet the Welcome Bonus Spending Requirement
This is crucial! To earn that valuable welcome bonus, make sure you spend the required amount within the specified timeframe (e.g., $3,000 in the first 3 months). Keep track of your spending to ensure you meet this goal.
Sub-heading: Link to Your Rapid Rewards Account
If you didn't have a Rapid Rewards account already, Chase will likely create one for you. Ensure your new credit card is linked to your Rapid Rewards account to automatically earn points on your purchases.
Sub-heading: Maximize Your Rewards
Use your card for Southwest purchases: Take advantage of the higher earning rates on Southwest flights and related purchases.
Utilize bonus categories: Use your card for spending in categories that offer elevated points, like transit, rideshares, internet, cable, phone services, and streaming.
Explore Rapid Rewards Partners: Southwest has partners for hotels, car rentals, dining, and shopping where you can earn additional Rapid Rewards points.
Consider the Companion Pass: With strategic spending, especially leveraging welcome bonuses, you can accumulate the 135,000 qualifying points needed for the Southwest Companion Pass, allowing a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees on all paid and award flights! This is one of the most valuable travel perks available.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about getting and using a Southwest Airlines credit card:
How to Choose the Right Southwest Credit Card for Me?
Consider your spending habits, how often you fly Southwest, and the annual fee you're comfortable paying. The Priority card generally offers the most value for frequent Southwest flyers due to its annual travel credit and upgraded boardings.
How to Qualify for a Southwest Credit Card?
You'll generally need a good to excellent credit score (670+ FICO), a low number of new credit card accounts in the past 24 months (adhering to the Chase 5/24 rule), and sufficient income.
How to Apply for a Southwest Credit Card?
Apply online through the official Chase or Southwest Airlines website. Gather your personal, employment, and financial information beforehand.
How to Check the Status of My Southwest Credit Card Application?
You can typically check your application status by calling Chase's automated application status line or by logging into your Chase online account if you're an existing customer.
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass with a Credit Card?
Earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year. Welcome bonuses from Southwest credit cards count towards this goal, making them the easiest way to achieve the Companion Pass. Often, opening one personal and one business Southwest card and meeting their spending requirements can get you close to or past the threshold.
How to Use My Southwest Rapid Rewards Points?
Rapid Rewards points can be redeemed for Southwest flights with no blackout dates. The value of your points is tied to the cash price of the fare, meaning if a flight costs more in dollars, it will cost more in points.
How to Get the Most Value from My Southwest Credit Card Benefits?
Actively use the annual travel credit, upgraded boardings, and EarlyBird Check-Ins. Take advantage of bonus earning categories and consider linking your card to dining and shopping portals to maximize point accumulation.
How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees with Southwest Credit Cards?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier and Priority personal cards, as well as the Premier Business and Performance Business cards, typically do not charge foreign transaction fees. The Plus card, however, does.
How to Upgrade or Downgrade My Southwest Credit Card?
You can often call Chase customer service to inquire about upgrading or downgrading your Southwest credit card. Be aware that changing cards might impact your eligibility for new welcome bonuses.
How to Contact Chase About My Southwest Credit Card?
You can find Chase's customer service number on the back of your credit card, on your monthly statement, or on the Chase website. For application-specific inquiries, use the reconsideration line.