As a credit repair specialist with nearly two decades of experience, I've guided thousands of clients through credit card applications. The Southwest Credit Card stands out as one of the most valuable airline rewards cards available today.
This guide covers everything you need to know about applying for and maximizing your Southwest Credit Card benefits.
What is a Southwest Credit Card?
A Southwest Credit Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase Bank in partnership with Southwest Airlines. These cards earn Rapid Rewards points for every dollar spent. The points can be redeemed for Southwest flights with no blackout dates or seat restrictions.
Southwest offers four distinct credit card options. Each card targets different spending patterns and travel needs. The cards range from entry-level options for new credit users to premium cards for frequent travelers.
The primary benefit extends beyond earning points. Cardholders receive exclusive perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and companion passes. These benefits often outweigh the annual fees for regular Southwest travelers.
Types of Southwest Credit Cards Available
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
The Plus card serves as the entry-level option with a $69 annual fee. New cardholders earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. The card provides 2x points on Southwest purchases and 1x points on all other purchases.
Key benefits include priority boarding and 25% back on inflight purchases. The card also offers no foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travelers.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
The Premier card features a $99 annual fee and targets moderate spenders. New applicants receive 60,000 bonus points after meeting the $3,000 spending requirement within three months. The earning structure mirrors the Plus card with enhanced benefits.
Premier cardholders enjoy upgraded boarding positions and earn 6,000 anniversary bonus points annually. The card includes travel protection benefits and extended warranty coverage.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
The Business Premier card caters to business owners with a $99 annual fee. The welcome bonus offers 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in three months. Business categories earn enhanced rewards on specific purchases.
Business cardholders receive employee cards at no additional cost. The card helps separate business and personal expenses while earning valuable Southwest points.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
The Priority card represents the premium tier with a $149 annual fee. New cardholders can earn 65,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within three months. The card includes a $75 Southwest annual travel credit.
Priority benefits include four upgraded boardings per year and 7,500 anniversary bonus points. Cardholders also receive 20% back on Southwest inflight purchases and WiFi credits.
Southwest Credit Card Application Requirements
Southwest Credit Card denial isn't random, it's based on several factors like:
Credit Score Requirements
Southwest Credit Cards typically require a minimum credit score of 660 for approval. So if you have a 600 credit score, you might want to improve it first. The Plus card may approve applicants with scores as low as 630 in some cases. Premier and Priority cards generally demand scores above 700 for optimal approval odds.
Chase applies the 5/24 rule to Southwest applications. Applicants who've opened five or more credit cards from any issuer within 24 months face automatic denial. This rule significantly impacts approval chances regardless of credit score.
Income Requirements
Chase doesn't publish specific income requirements for Southwest cards. However, successful applicants typically report annual incomes of $30,000 or higher. Higher incomes improve approval odds and may result in larger credit limits.
Self-employed applicants can include business income on their applications. Students can include scholarships, grants, and financial aid as income sources. Part-time workers should include all regular income streams.
Additional Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and U.S. residents. Chase may require additional documentation for verification purposes. International students with valid visas can apply but may face stricter requirements.
Chase considers existing relationships when evaluating applications. Current Chase customers often receive preferential treatment during the approval process. Banking relationships can strengthen applications significantly.
Step-by-Step Southwest Credit Card Application Process
Before You Apply
Check your credit score using services like Credit Karma, Chase Credit Journey or get a free credit evaluation from ASAP Credit Repair. Review your credit report for errors and dispute any inaccuracies before applying. Wait until you're under the 5/24 rule if currently over the threshold.
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to ensure you meet Chase's standards. Pay down existing balances to improve your credit utilization ratio. Gather required documentation including Social Security number, employment information, and income details.
Online Application Process
- Visit the Chase Southwest credit card page and select your preferred card option
- Click "Apply Now" to begin the application process
- Provide personal information including name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth
- Enter employment details including employer name, position, and length of employment
- Report your annual income from all sources accurately
- Review housing information including monthly rent or mortgage payments
- Verify all information before submitting the application
Application Review Timeline
Chase typically provides instant decisions for most applicants. Strong candidates receive immediate approval with credit limit notifications. Borderline applications may require additional review taking 7-10 business days.
Chase may request additional documentation during the review process. Common requests include proof of income, employment verification, or identity confirmation. Respond promptly to avoid application delays.
What to Expect After Approval
Approved applicants receive welcome emails within minutes of approval. Physical cards arrive within 7-10 business days via standard mail. Express delivery options are available for urgent needs.
Chase automatically enrolls new cardholders in online account management. Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees and maintain good standing. Register for Southwest's Rapid Rewards program if not already a member.
Maximizing Your Southwest Credit Card Benefits
Welcome Bonus Strategy
Plan large purchases around your application timing to meet spending requirements naturally. According to The Points Guy, current Southwest credit cards offer welcome bonuses of up to 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first five months from account opening. Use the card for recurring bills like utilities and subscriptions to reach thresholds quickly without straining your budget.
While manufactured spending is technically legal, credit card issuers are well aware of these tactics, and Chase has been known to close accounts for excessive manufactured spending activity. Focus on organic spending to avoid potential account issues and maintain a positive relationship with Chase.
The spending requirement clock starts when you receive and activate your card, with most current offers requiring $4,000 in spending within five months. Track your progress using Chase's online portal or mobile app, which provides real-time spending updates. Set calendar reminders to ensure you meet deadlines for bonus points, as missing the timeframe means forfeiting thousands of points worth hundreds of dollars in travel value.
Earning Points Effectively
Use your Southwest card for all Southwest Airlines purchases to maximize 2x points earning. Consider using the card for everyday purchases if you don't have better options. Pay balances in full monthly to avoid interest charges that negate rewards value.
Combine credit card earning with Southwest's shopping portal for additional points. Book hotels and rental cars through Southwest partners when possible. Take advantage of limited-time bonus categories when offered.
Companion Pass Qualification
The Southwest Companion Pass ranks among the most valuable airline benefits available. Cardholders need 125,000 qualifying points or 100 qualifying flights in a calendar year. The pass allows a designated companion to fly free on all Southwest flights.
Strategic credit card applications can help achieve Companion Pass status. Apply for two Southwest cards in the same year to earn multiple welcome bonuses. Time applications to receive bonuses early in the calendar year for maximum benefit duration.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Credit Score Misconceptions
Don't assume you need perfect credit for approval. Southwest cards approve many applicants with fair credit scores. However, don't apply with scores below 630 as approval odds diminish significantly.
Avoid applying for multiple credit cards simultaneously. Each application generates a hard inquiry that temporarily lowers your credit score. Space applications at least 90 days apart for optimal results.
Income Reporting Errors
Report all income sources accurately on your application. Underreporting income reduces approval chances and credit limit potential. Include household income for stay-at-home spouses and dependents when legally permissible.
Don't inflate income figures beyond realistic ranges. Chase may verify income through tax returns or pay stubs. Misrepresenting income can result in application denial or account closure.
Application Timing Issues
Avoid applying during periods of high credit utilization. Pay down balances before applying to improve debt-to-income ratios. Wait until after major purchases that might strain your credit profile.
Don't rush applications without reading terms and conditions carefully. Understand annual fees, interest rates, and benefit limitations before committing. Compare multiple Southwest card options to choose the best fit.
Tips for Approval Success
Strengthen Your Credit Profile
Pay all bills on time for at least six months before applying. Reduce credit card balances to below 10% of available limits. Don't close old credit cards as this reduces average account age and available credit.
Consider becoming an authorized user on a family member's account with excellent payment history. This strategy can boost your credit score before applying. Remove yourself after approval if the account becomes a liability.
Build a Relationship with Chase
Open a Chase checking or savings account before applying for credit cards. Maintain positive balances and avoid overdraft fees. Chase values existing banking relationships when evaluating credit applications.
Consider starting with a basic Chase credit card if you don't qualify for Southwest cards immediately. Establish a payment history with Chase before applying for co-branded airline cards.
Optimize Application Timing
Apply early in the week for faster processing times. Avoid applying during busy travel periods when Chase processes more applications. Monday through Wednesday typically offers the best approval odds.
Wait at least 30 days between Chase credit card applications. Multiple applications in short timeframes trigger additional scrutiny. Plan your application strategy around the 5/24 rule restrictions.
Managing Your Southwest Credit Card Responsibly
Payment Strategies
Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due. Schedule payments for 3-5 days before the due date to ensure processing time. Pay balances in full to avoid interest charges and maintain good standing.
Monitor your account regularly for unauthorized charges or errors. Report issues immediately to Chase customer service. Keep receipts and documentation for all purchases made with your Southwest card.
Credit Utilization Management
Keep balances below 30% of your credit limit at all times. For optimal credit scores, maintain utilization below 10%. Make multiple payments throughout the month if necessary to keep reported balances low.
Request credit limit increases annually to improve your utilization ratio. Chase typically grants increases to customers with good payment histories. Higher limits provide more spending flexibility while maintaining low utilization.
Account Monitoring and Security
Enable account alerts for transactions, payment due dates, and unusual activity. Use Chase's mobile app for convenient account monitoring. Review statements carefully each month for accuracy.
Update your contact information promptly when you move or change phone numbers. Notify Chase before traveling to prevent fraud alerts from blocking legitimate purchases. Keep your card information secure and never share account details.
Southwest Credit Card Takeaway
Southwest Credit Cards offer exceptional value for frequent Southwest travelers and those seeking valuable airline rewards. The combination of generous welcome bonuses, ongoing earning rates, and exclusive benefits makes these cards standout options in the airline credit card category.
Success with Southwest card applications requires careful preparation, including credit score optimization and understanding Chase's approval criteria. The 5/24 rule significantly impacts approval chances, making timing crucial for potential applicants.
The path to maximizing Southwest card benefits extends beyond simple point earning. Strategic use of welcome bonuses, pursuit of Companion Pass status, and responsible account management create lasting value. These cards reward loyalty with increasingly valuable benefits over time.
Apply for your Southwest Credit Card when you can meet spending requirements naturally and maintain the account responsibly. These powerful travel rewards cards can transform your Southwest flying experience while providing substantial value for years to come.