So, You're Dreaming of Free Southwest Flights? How Hard Is It to Get a Southwest Airlines Credit Card?
Ever gazed longingly at a Southwest Airlines plane, picturing yourself jetting off to a sunny beach or a vibrant city, all while thinking, "If only I could snag that Companion Pass..."? Well, you're in the right place! Getting a Southwest Airlines credit card can unlock a world of travel rewards, from free flights to the legendary Companion Pass. But the big question on everyone's mind is: how hard is it really to get one?
Let's dive deep into the requirements, the process, and some strategies to boost your chances. Don't worry, we'll break it down step-by-step, making it as clear as a clear-sky landing!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Take Off? Understanding the Basics of Credit Cards
Before we even talk about Southwest, let's address the elephant in the room: creditworthiness. Credit cards are a form of borrowed money, and banks want to be sure you'll pay them back. Think of it like this: would you lend money to someone who has a history of not returning it, or someone with a solid track record? The bank thinks the same way!
So, the very first step is to get a handle on your credit score and credit history. This is the fundamental building block for getting any good credit card, including those from Southwest.
Sub-heading: What is a Credit Score, Anyway?
Your credit score is a three-digit number that summarizes your creditworthiness. The most common is the FICO score, which ranges from 300 to 850. Generally, the higher your score, the better your chances of approval and the more favorable terms you'll receive.
Excellent Credit: 800-850
Very Good Credit: 740-799
Good Credit: 670-739
Fair Credit: 580-669
Poor Credit: 300-579
For Southwest Airlines credit cards, you'll typically need a credit score in the good to excellent range, which generally means a FICO score of 670 or higher. While some people with scores below 700 have been approved, your odds significantly increase if you're in the higher tiers.
Sub-heading: Your Credit History: The Story You Tell Lenders
Beyond the score, lenders look at your credit history – the detailed record of how you've managed debt in the past. This includes:
Payment History: Are you paying your bills on time? This is the single most important factor. Late payments are a huge red flag.
Amounts Owed (Credit Utilization): How much of your available credit are you using? Keeping your credit utilization low (ideally below 30%) shows you're not over-reliant on credit.
Length of Credit History: How long have you had credit accounts open? A longer history generally demonstrates more experience managing credit.
Credit Mix: Do you have a variety of credit types? (e.g., credit cards, loans, mortgages) This shows you can handle different forms of credit responsibly.
New Credit: Are you opening too many new accounts at once? Too many recent applications can be a sign of risk.
Feeling a little daunted by your credit score? Don't be! The good news is that you can actively work to improve it.
Step 2: Polishing Your Credit Profile: A Pre-Flight Check
If your credit score isn't quite where it needs to be, or even if it is and you want to be extra sure, this step is crucial. Think of it as your pre-flight check, ensuring everything is in optimal condition for a smooth approval.
Sub-heading: Actionable Steps to Boost Your Credit Score
Pay Your Bills On Time, Every Time: Seriously, this cannot be stressed enough. Set up automatic payments, calendar reminders, whatever it takes. A single missed payment can severely damage your score.
Reduce Your Credit Card Balances: Focus on paying down high-interest credit card debt. This will lower your credit utilization, which has a significant positive impact.
Avoid Opening Too Many New Accounts: Each new credit application results in a "hard inquiry" on your credit report, which can temporarily ding your score. Space out your applications.
Don't Close Old Accounts: Even if you don't use them, old credit accounts contribute to your length of credit history. Keep them open, even if you just put a small recurring charge on them.
Review Your Credit Report for Errors: Get a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com (one from each of the three major bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). Dispute any inaccuracies you find – they could be dragging your score down!
Become an Authorized User (Carefully): If you have a trusted family member with excellent credit, becoming an authorized user on their account can help your score, provided they manage it responsibly.
Improving your credit takes time and consistent effort, but the rewards (like a Southwest credit card!) are well worth it.
Step 3: Choosing Your Co-Pilot: Deciding on a Southwest Card
Southwest Airlines partners with Chase to offer a suite of Rapid Rewards credit cards. These cards come with various benefits and annual fees, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your spending habits and travel goals.
Sub-heading: Personal Southwest Credit Cards
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This is often considered the entry-level personal card. It typically comes with a lower annual fee but may have foreign transaction fees.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: A step up, usually offering more bonus points, a higher anniversary bonus, and no foreign transaction fees. It also helps you earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) faster.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: The premium personal card, offering the most benefits, including a higher anniversary bonus, a travel credit, upgraded boardings, and more. This one also helps accelerate TQP earning.
Sub-heading: Business Southwest Credit Cards
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: Designed for small business owners, offering a good earn rate on Southwest purchases and other business-related spending.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: The top-tier business card, with even higher earning rates, a larger anniversary bonus, and perks like Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
Why is choosing the right card important for approval? While the general credit score requirements are similar, the specific income and spending habits associated with higher-tier cards might be implicitly considered. Also, some cards are more forgiving for slightly lower credit scores than others, although this information is rarely explicitly stated by the issuer.
Step 4: Navigating the Application Process: Smooth Sailing Ahead
Once your credit is in good shape and you've picked your preferred Southwest card, it's time to apply. The application process for Chase credit cards is typically straightforward and can be done online.
Sub-heading: What Information Will You Need?
You'll generally need to provide the following:
Personal Information: Full name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number.
Contact Information: Phone number, email address.
Financial Information: Income (gross annual income from all sources), employment status, housing payments (rent or mortgage).
Sub-heading: The Instant Decision (or Not)
Many applicants receive an instant decision after submitting their application. If approved, congratulations! You're one step closer to those amazing Southwest perks.
However, sometimes an application may go into "pending" status for further review. This doesn't necessarily mean a denial. It simply means a human underwriter needs to take a closer look at your application. They might need more information, or they might be looking for specific details that trigger a manual review.
If your application goes pending, don't panic! You might receive a call or a letter from Chase requesting more information. Be prepared to answer questions about your income, employment, and current debts. Sometimes, a quick call to the Chase reconsideration line can even push a pending application over the finish line.
Step 5: Understanding the Approval Odds: What Really Matters
While a good credit score is paramount, it's not the only factor. Lenders consider a holistic view of your financial health.
Sub-heading: Key Factors Beyond Your Credit Score
Income: A sufficient income demonstrates your ability to comfortably pay back your debts, including the credit limit you'd be extended. While there's no set minimum, a higher, stable income is always beneficial.
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: This ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. A lower DTI indicates you have more disposable income to manage new credit.
Existing Relationship with Chase: While not a strict requirement, having other accounts with Chase (checking, savings, or other credit cards) can sometimes be a slight advantage as they already have a history with you.
Chase's "5/24 Rule" (Crucial for Travel Enthusiasts!): This is perhaps the most famous, and often the most challenging, hurdle for Chase credit cards, including Southwest. Generally, if you've opened 5 or more new personal credit card accounts across all banks in the last 24 months, Chase will likely deny your application. This rule is designed to target individuals who are primarily opening cards for sign-up bonuses.
Important Note: This rule applies to most Chase credit cards, but there can be nuances. Business credit cards from some issuers might not count towards the 5/24 limit, so it's always good to research the specifics.
Step 6: Post-Approval: Activating Your Benefits and Maximizing Rewards
You got the card! Now the real fun begins.
Sub-heading: Meeting the Welcome Bonus Spending Requirement
Most Southwest credit cards come with a generous welcome bonus (e.g., 50,000 or 80,000 Rapid Rewards points) after you spend a certain amount within a specific timeframe. This is often the easiest and fastest way to accumulate a large number of points.
Strategy: Plan your spending. Don't go into debt just to meet the bonus, but consider putting everyday expenses, like groceries, utilities, and gas, on the card.
Track Your Progress: Keep an eye on your spending to ensure you meet the requirement before the deadline.
Sub-heading: Earning Points and the Legendary Companion Pass
Southwest credit cards offer excellent earning rates on Southwest purchases and sometimes on other categories like local transit, internet, cable, and phone services.
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable perks in the travel world. It allows a designated companion to fly with you for free (you only pay taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 one-way) on any flight, as many times as you want, for the remainder of the calendar year you earn it plus the entire following calendar year.
To earn the Companion Pass, you need to either:
Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year, OR
Earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year.
Crucially, points earned from Southwest credit card welcome bonuses and regular spending do count towards the Companion Pass qualification. This is why many people strategically open a Southwest credit card (or even two, a personal and a business card) to get a substantial head start on earning the pass.
So, How Hard Is It, Really?
In summary, getting a Southwest Airlines credit card isn't exceptionally hard for those with good to excellent credit (FICO score 670+) and a responsible credit history. The biggest hurdles are:
Your Credit Score: If it's below 670, you'll likely face an uphill battle.
Chase's 5/24 Rule: This is the most common reason for denial, especially for those who frequently apply for new credit cards.
If you meet these general criteria and manage your credit well, your chances are good. The key is to be proactive about your credit health and understand the specific requirements and rules.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check My Credit Score?
You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) once every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com. Many credit card companies and banks also offer free credit score access to their customers.
How to Improve My Credit Score Quickly?
While there's no instant fix, the quickest ways to see an improvement are by paying down high credit card balances to lower your credit utilization and making sure all your payments are on time. Correcting errors on your credit report can also provide a boost.
How to Know Which Southwest Card Is Right for Me?
Consider your travel habits, spending patterns, and how much you value specific perks like anniversary points, travel credits, or upgraded boardings. If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, a higher-tier card like the Priority or Performance Business card might offer more value despite higher annual fees.
How to Apply for a Southwest Credit Card?
You can apply directly on the Chase website (the issuer of Southwest credit cards) or through the Southwest Airlines website. The application is typically an online form where you'll provide personal and financial details.
How to Avoid Chase's 5/24 Rule?
The primary way to avoid the 5/24 rule is to limit the number of new personal credit card accounts you open to fewer than five within a 24-month period across all banks. This includes cards you may have opened and then closed.
How to Contact Chase Reconsideration Line?
If your application is denied or goes pending, you can call the Chase reconsideration line. The number can often be found by searching online or by checking your denial letter. Be prepared to explain your financial situation and why you believe you're a good candidate.
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass with a Credit Card?
The most common strategy is to earn the welcome bonuses on one or two Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards (a personal and/or a business card) within the same calendar year. The points from these bonuses count towards the 135,000 qualifying points needed for the Companion Pass.
How to Maximize Southwest Rapid Rewards Points?
Use your Southwest credit card for Southwest purchases to earn bonus points. Also, take advantage of the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal and Rapid Rewards Dining program to earn extra points on everyday spending.
How to Use My Southwest Credit Card Benefits (e.g., Anniversary Points, Travel Credit)?
Anniversary points are typically automatically deposited into your Rapid Rewards account after your cardmember anniversary. For travel credits or upgraded boardings, specific instructions will be provided by Chase or Southwest, often involving using your card for eligible purchases or redeeming through the Southwest app/website.
How to Handle a Denied Southwest Credit Card Application?
First, understand the reason for the denial (often provided in a letter). If it's related to your credit score, focus on improving it. If it's the 5/24 rule, you may need to wait. Consider calling the reconsideration line to appeal the decision, providing additional information or clarification.
