If you’re a loyal Southwest Airlines customer, now is the time to take advantage of some incredible bonus point offers on their personal and business credit cards. All three personal Southwest credit cards currently have elevated welcome bonuses of 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. These offers will be ending on December 11th, so it’s important to act fast. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to earn up to 80,000 points with a Southwest business card.
Not only are these bonus offers enticing, but now is also a great time to start working towards a Companion Pass for 2024 and 2025. By applying for one personal and one business card and waiting to complete the minimum spending requirements until the new year, you’ll receive a Companion Pass for the remainder of 2024 and all of 2025. This pass allows you to bring a designated travel companion on all of your Southwest flights, making it an incredible value.
Let’s take a closer look at the current sign-up bonuses and perks of each Southwest personal credit card:
1. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card:
– Best for: Beginners and infrequent travelers
– Annual fee: $69
– Sign-up bonus: 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Dec. 11
– Earning rates: 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting purchases, 2 points per dollar on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming service purchases, 2 points per dollar on Southwest flights, 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, and 1 point per dollar on everything else
– Primary perks: Two EarlyBird check-ins every card anniversary and 3,000 points every card anniversary
2. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card:
– Best for: Regular Southwest flyers
– Annual fee: $99
– Sign-up bonus: 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Dec. 11
– Earning rates: 3 points per dollar on Southwest flights, 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting purchases, 2 points per dollar on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming service purchases, 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, and 1 point per dollar on everything else
– Primary perks: Two EarlyBird check-ins every card anniversary, 6,000-point anniversary bonus, Unlimited TQP earning, and no foreign transaction fees
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card:
– Best for: Southwest loyalists who can take advantage of day-of-travel perks
– Annual fee: $149
– Sign-up bonus: 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Dec. 11
– Earning rates: 3 points per dollar on Southwest flights, 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting purchases, 2 points per dollar on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming service purchases, 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, and 1 point per dollar on everything else
– Primary perks: Unlimited TQP earning, $75 annual Southwest credit, 7,500-point anniversary bonus, and no foreign transaction fees
If you already have a personal Southwest card or are looking for alternatives to these welcome offers, don’t forget that Southwest also offers two cobranded business credit cards. Here are the details on those:
1. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card:
– Best for: Business owners who fly Southwest regularly
– Annual fee: $99
– Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
– Earning rates: 3 points per dollar on Southwest flights, 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting purchases, 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, and 1 point per dollar on everything else
– Primary perks: Two EarlyBird check-ins every card anniversary, earn tier-qualifying points toward A-List elite status, $500 fee credit for Rapid Rewards points transfers, 6,000-point anniversary bonus, and no foreign transaction fees
2. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card:
– Best for: Business owners who are loyal Southwest flyers
– Annual fee: $199
– Sign-up bonus: 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
– Earning rate: 4 points per dollar on Southwest flights, 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting purchases, 3 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, 2 points per dollar on social media and paid search advertising, internet, cable, and phone services, and 1 point per dollar on everything else
– Primary perks: Four upgraded boardings per year, earn tier-qualifying points toward A-List elite status, $500 fee credit for Rapid Rewards points transfers, 9,000-point anniversary bonus, up-to-$100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, up to 365 inflight Wi-Fi credits per year, and no foreign transaction fees
Southwest has a strong following of loyal customers due to the airline’s personality and the fact that all passengers get two free checked bags. Their Rapid Rewards program is also popular thanks to its simplicity and the ability to re-price a flight if you find a lower fare before departure. Additionally, Southwest points never expire, giving customers peace of mind when earning and redeeming points.
However, the real value comes from earning a Companion Pass, which allows you to bring a designated travel companion on all your Southwest flights. To earn a Companion Pass, you must earn 135,000 qualifying points or take 100 qualifying, one-way flights in a calendar year. The current credit card welcome bonuses and points earned from card spending count towards qualification, making it easier than ever to earn this valuable perk.
By opening a personal and business Southwest credit card and timing your spending to earn the bonuses near the beginning of the year, you can receive nearly two years of buy-one-get-one flights. The standard Companion Pass is valid for the year it’s earned and the entire following year, making it an incredible value for frequent Southwest flyers.
In conclusion, now is a great time to apply for a Southwest credit card to boost your savings on your next big trip. Whether you choose a personal card or a business card, the current welcome offers provide a significant number of bonus points that can be used towards flights and other rewards. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to earn easy bonus points and work towards a Companion Pass for future travel. Apply now before the offers end on December 11th.