Hello there, savvy traveler! Are you staring at a flight on Southwest Airlines that's just out of reach with your current Rapid Rewards points balance? Or perhaps you're wondering if buying points could actually save you money on your next adventure? You've come to the right place! While it's generally not recommended to buy points speculatively, there are specific situations where it can be a smart move. Let's dive deep into everything you need to know about purchasing Southwest Rapid Rewards points, from pricing to strategy.
Understanding Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Before we talk about buying points, let's quickly recap what Southwest Rapid Rewards points are all about. Southwest's loyalty program is revenue-based, meaning the number of points required for a flight is directly tied to the cash price of that flight. This is different from many other airline programs that use fixed award charts.
The value of Southwest points typically hovers around 1.3 to 1.7 cents per point, though this can vary. This dynamic pricing means that if a cash fare goes up, so does the points cost. Conversely, if a cash fare drops, so will the points needed. This also means there are generally no blackout dates for award travel, which is a huge plus!
Step 1: Assess Your Need – Do You Really Need to Buy Points?
This is the most crucial first step. Before you even think about hitting that "buy" button, ask yourself:
Sub-heading: Why do I need these points?
Are you a few thousand points short for a specific flight? This is often the most compelling reason to buy. If a flight costs, say, 25,000 points and you have 22,000, buying the remaining 3,000 might be a small price to pay to secure your desired flight.
Is there a limited-time points sale/promotion? Southwest occasionally offers bonuses on purchased points (e.g., 40% or 50% off, or bonus points). These promotions significantly reduce the effective cost per point and can make buying more attractive. Always compare the promotional price per point to the typical redemption value.
Are you trying to earn the Companion Pass? This is a game-changer! If you're close to earning the highly coveted Southwest Companion Pass (which allows a designated companion to fly with you for free, only paying taxes and fees, on both paid and award flights), buying points might help you bridge the gap. However, be aware that purchased points generally do NOT count towards Companion Pass qualification unless explicitly stated in a promotion. Always double-check the terms and conditions!
Are you trying to generate immediate points for an urgent trip? Sometimes, you need points now. While earning points through credit card sign-up bonuses or everyday spending takes time, purchasing points is an instant way to boost your balance.
Sub-heading: Compare the Cost: Cash vs. Points
Calculate the cash price of your desired flight. Get a real-time quote for the flight you want to book in cash.
Calculate the points price of the same flight. Look up the points required for that same flight.
Determine the effective value of the points needed for that specific flight. Divide the cash price (minus taxes and fees) by the number of points required. For example, if a flight costs $150 and requires 10,000 points, your points are worth 1.5 cents each ($150 / 10,000 = $0.015).
Compare this to the cost of buying points. As you'll see in Step 2, Southwest points typically cost 2.75 to 3 cents per point when purchased at their standard rate. If the cost of buying the points you need is significantly higher than the cash price of the flight, it's almost always better to just buy the flight with cash.
Step 2: Understanding the Cost of Buying Southwest Points
Southwest sells Rapid Rewards points through their website. The cost is not flat and often depends on the quantity you purchase.
Sub-heading: Standard Pricing Structure
Generally, Southwest's standard pricing for purchased points looks something like this:
For purchases of 2,000 - 4,500 Rapid Rewards points: You can expect to pay around 3 cents per point.
For purchases of 5,000 - 60,000 Rapid Rewards points: The cost typically drops slightly to around 2.75 cents per point.
Example:
Buying 2,000 points: $60 (2,000 points * $0.03/point)
Buying 5,000 points: $137.50 (5,000 points * $0.0275/point)
Buying 10,000 points: $275 (10,000 points * $0.0275/point)
Sub-heading: The Allure of Promotional Sales
This is where buying points can sometimes make sense. Southwest frequently offers promotions on purchased points. These can be:
Percentage discounts: Such as "50% off points purchases."
Bonus points: "Get a 40% bonus on your points purchase."
These promotions can significantly reduce the effective cost per point. For example, a 50% discount on points that usually cost 3 cents each would bring the effective cost down to 1.5 cents per point. This makes the purchase much more aligned with (or even better than) the typical redemption value.
Always keep an eye out for these promotions, as they are the prime opportunities to consider buying points.
Sub-heading: Purchase Limits
Southwest has daily limits on how many points you can buy:
The minimum purchase is typically 2,000 points.
The daily maximum purchase for both personal and gift purchases is generally 60,000 points.
Step 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Southwest Points
Ready to pull the trigger? Here's how to do it:
Sub-heading: Accessing the Purchase Portal
Go to Southwest.com: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Southwest Airlines website.
Log In to Your Rapid Rewards Account: Look for the "Log In" option, usually in the top right corner. Enter your Rapid Rewards number or email address and password.
Navigate to the Rapid Rewards Section: Once logged in, look for a "Rapid Rewards" tab or link at the top of the page. Click on it.
Find "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points": Under the Rapid Rewards menu, you should see options like "Manage My Account" or "Points Activity." Look for a link specifically for "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" or similar. Click on "Buy points."
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Points Quantity
Select the Amount: You'll be presented with various increments of points you can purchase. Choose the amount that best suits your needs. Remember the minimum and maximum purchase limits.
Review the Cost: As you select different quantities, the system will display the total cost. Pay close attention to the cost per point to ensure it aligns with your expectations, especially if you're aiming for a promotional rate.
Sub-heading: Completing the Purchase
Enter Payment Information: You will need a valid credit card to complete the transaction. Fill in all the required payment details.
Review and Confirm: Before finalizing, double-check all the details: the number of points you're buying, the total cost, and your payment information.
Complete the Purchase: Click the "Purchase" or "Confirm" button to finalize the transaction.
Points Posting Time: Southwest states that purchased points generally take up to 72 hours to post to your Rapid Rewards account, though they often appear much faster. If you need them for an immediate booking, factor this potential delay into your plans.
Step 4: Alternative Ways to Earn Southwest Points (Often Better Value!)
While buying points is an option, it's rarely the best option for accruing a significant number of points. Consider these alternatives first:
Sub-heading: Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
This is arguably the fastest and most lucrative way to earn a large sum of Southwest points. Chase offers several co-branded Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards for consumers and businesses. These cards come with: * Generous Welcome Bonuses: Often 50,000 to 80,000 points after meeting a minimum spending requirement in the first few months. * Bonus Earning Categories: Earn extra points on Southwest purchases, local transit, internet/cable/phone services, and more. * Anniversary Points: Many cards offer a bonus of several thousand points annually. * Companion Pass Qualifying Points: Some credit cards offer a boost of Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year, or allow you to earn TQPs through spending, which can help you achieve the Companion Pass.
Sub-heading: Transferring from Chase Ultimate Rewards
If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Chase Ink Business Preferred card, you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. This is a fantastic option because:
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are highly flexible.
You might earn these points at a much higher rate through everyday spending categories on your Chase card than you would buying them from Southwest.
Sub-heading: Transferring from Marriott Bonvoy
You can also convert Marriott Bonvoy points to Southwest Rapid Rewards, typically at a 3:1 ratio (3 Marriott points for 1 Southwest point). Marriott also offers a bonus of 5,000 Southwest points for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred. However, this is generally not recommended as the value proposition is often poor. Marriott points typically have a higher value when redeemed for hotel stays, so transferring them to Southwest often results in a loss of value.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards Dining and Shopping Portals
Rapid Rewards Dining: Link your credit cards to your Rapid Rewards Dining account and earn points by dining at participating restaurants.
Rapid Rewards Shopping: Shop online through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal and earn bonus points per dollar spent at various retailers.
Sub-heading: Flying Southwest (of course!)
You earn Rapid Rewards points for every dollar spent on eligible Southwest flights. The number of points you earn per dollar depends on the fare type and your elite status (if any).
Step 5: When Buying Points Might Be Worth It
Let's reiterate the scenarios where purchasing points can actually make financial sense:
To Top Off Your Account: You're just shy of the points needed for a specific flight, and buying a small increment is cheaper than paying the full cash fare.
During a Significant Promotional Sale: When Southwest offers a deep discount (e.g., 50% off), the effective cost per point can align with or even beat the typical redemption value. This is the only time buying points speculatively might be considered if you have a known future travel need.
To Qualify for Companion Pass (with specific promotions): While standard purchased points don't count, some rare promotions might allow purchased points to count towards Companion Pass qualification. Read the terms carefully!
For Urgent, Last-Minute Travel: If cash fares are astronomically high for a last-minute flight, and the points cost is more reasonable, buying points (especially if you're close to the required amount) could be a better option.
Step 6: When Buying Points Is NOT Worth It
Conversely, here's when you should avoid buying Southwest points:
Without a Specific Redemption in Mind: Do not buy points just to have them. Their value can fluctuate, and you're essentially speculating.
At the Standard Rate: As mentioned, 2.75 to 3 cents per point is typically more than the value you'll get when redeeming them for flights (around 1.3-1.7 cents per point). You'd be paying more than they're worth.
If the Cash Price is Cheaper: Always compare the cost of buying the points to the cash price of the flight. If the cash price is lower, pay with cash!
To Earn Companion Pass (without a specific promotion): Purchased points do not normally count towards the 135,000 points needed for the Companion Pass.
Conclusion: Make an Informed Decision
Buying Southwest Rapid Rewards points can be a useful tool in your travel hacking arsenal, but it's crucial to approach it with a clear understanding of the costs and benefits. Always do your math, compare prices, and prioritize earning points through credit card bonuses and everyday spending before resorting to purchasing them. Smart planning is the key to maximizing your Southwest travel experience!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Calculate the Value of My Southwest Points?
To calculate the value of your Southwest points for a specific flight, take the cash price of the flight (minus the $5.60 in taxes/fees you'd pay with points), and divide it by the number of points required for that flight. For example, if a flight is $155.60 and requires 10,000 points, the value is ($155.60 - $5.60) / 10,000 = $150 / 10,000 = $0.015 or 1.5 cents per point.
How to Find Out If Southwest Is Running a Points Sale?
Southwest typically advertises points sales directly on their Rapid Rewards "Buy, Gift, & Transfer Points" page on Southwest.com, or through email newsletters to Rapid Rewards members. Keep an eye on travel deal websites and forums as well, as they often report these promotions.
How to Use Purchased Points for a Flight?
Once the purchased points have posted to your Rapid Rewards account (usually within 72 hours), you simply log into your Southwest.com account, search for your desired flight, and select "Points" instead of "Dollars" when viewing fares. The points will automatically be available for redemption.
How to Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest?
Log in to your Chase Ultimate Rewards account, navigate to the "Transfer to Travel Partners" section, select Southwest Rapid Rewards, and enter the amount of points you wish to transfer. Transfers are typically instant and at a 1:1 ratio.
How to Tell If Purchased Points Count Towards Companion Pass?
Unless explicitly stated in the terms and conditions of a specific points purchase promotion, purchased points do NOT count towards earning the Southwest Companion Pass. Companion Pass qualifying points are primarily earned from revenue flights, Southwest credit card spending, and base points from Rapid Rewards partners.
How to Avoid Paying Too Much for Southwest Points?
The best way to avoid paying too much is to only buy points during a significant promotional sale (e.g., 40% or 50% off) and only if the effective cost per point is less than or equal to the value you'll receive from your redemption. Always compare the total cost of buying points to the cash price of the flight you intend to book.
How to Use Southwest Cash + Points?
Southwest offers a "Cash + Points" option where you can pay for a portion of your flight with points and the rest with cash. When searching for flights on Southwest.com, after selecting your desired flight, you may see an option to choose "Cash + Points" during the payment process. Points are earned on the cash portion of the fare.
How to Check My Rapid Rewards Points Balance?
You can check your Rapid Rewards points balance by logging into your account on Southwest.com. Your current points balance is usually displayed prominently on your account dashboard or under the "Rapid Rewards" section.
How to Maximize the Value of My Southwest Rapid Rewards Points?
Maximize your points by booking "Wanna Get Away" or "Wanna Get Away Plus" fares, which typically offer the best redemption value. Also, consider pairing your points redemption with a Southwest Companion Pass to effectively double the value of your points for two travelers.
How to Get More Southwest Points Without Buying Them?
The most effective ways to get more Southwest points without buying them are: applying for a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card (for its large welcome bonus), transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards, utilizing the Rapid Rewards Dining and Shopping portals, and, of course, flying with Southwest Airlines.
